Best Dispersed Camping near Salem, OR

Campers looking for dispersed camping around Salem, Oregon can find basic sites at Hebo Lake Campground without standard facilities. You'll need to bring everything with you when camping here, including all water and camping gear. Following Leave No Trace practices is required in these areas - take out all trash and step lightly on the land. Rules state that you must set up camp at least 200 feet from any water or roads. Most dispersed sites allow stays up to 14 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the quiet of these less-developed areas. The roads getting to these spots can be rough and gravelly, and higher clearance vehicles do better on these backroads. Before lighting any fires, check current fire rules as they change seasonally and with conditions. Don't expect bathrooms, running water, or any other facilities at these primitive sites. The woods around Salem have plenty of wildlife, so store food properly to keep animals away from your camp. Following these simple guidelines helps everyone have a good backcountry camping experience near Salem.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Salem, Oregon (15)

    1. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy."

    "Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for"

    2. Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "There’s a pretty decent sized gravel turnout… It’s the only big gravel turn out like this on this part of the road … you’ll see what looks like a logging road with a steep decline."

    "We found this dispersed site by driving on Mt. Hebo Road about 20 minutes past Hebo Lake Campground."

    3. Road Turn Out Dispersed (logging landing)

    2 Reviews
    Grand Ronde, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "Great views, easy drive, AWD car would have been able to make it. The road to South lake was gated off so we used this turn out, there are many along the road."

    4. Quartzville Recreation Corridor

    5 Reviews
    Cascadia, OR
    40 miles
    Website

    "Such as August most times there are NO Camp Fires! Be prepare for fire danger, have axe, shovel and 5-gal of water, you will be the first to stop it and report it."

    "I love the dispersed camping. The sites are open, so good for solar, but do get windy.

    I have camped at the quarry a few times with my friends that have a camp trailer."

    5. Alder Flat

    4 Reviews
    Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 630-8700

    "This gorgeous trail and dispersed camp is so unrecognizable from the 2021 fires that there is no turn off. May we remember it’s memories!"

    "Dispersal camping all year."

    6. Trask River Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    43 miles

    "River access and a fire pit. Dirt bike parking adjacent but pretty private."

    "River rushing near the spots makes for a really nice sound to fall asleep to. Not crowded and really peaceful. Clear skies so got to see a beautiful array of stars."

    7. Hebo Road

    1 Review
    Beaver, OR
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 815-1100

    "Lots of trash, long drive, and sort of busy. Multiple sites available as you go up. Pretty spot though."

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Salem, OR

37 Reviews of 15 Salem Campgrounds



Guide to Salem

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Salem, Oregon, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Salem, Oregon

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the natural environment pristine, especially at places like Road Turn Out Dispersed, where visitors have noted the abundance of dead standing wood for fires.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, South Lake has no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring your own supplies.
  • Check road conditions before heading out, as some areas like Quartzville Recreation Corridor can be rugged and may require a vehicle capable of handling rough terrain.

Top activities while free camping near Salem

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Salem, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Salem, OR is South Lake with a 3.9-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Salem, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Salem, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.