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Best Dispersed Camping near Seaside, OR

57 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Seaside, Oregon exists primarily within Tillamook State Forest, where primitive sites can be found along forest service roads approximately 30-45 minutes inland. Several free camping zones are located in the coastal mountains, including Cole Mountain Ridge and areas near Cannon Beach, all within 25-30 minutes of the coast. The Tillamook State Forest offers multiple dispersed camping opportunities along gravel roads and forest trails, with sites typically situated on ridge lines providing mountain views and natural seclusion. These public lands follow standard dispersed camping regulations with no designated facilities or reservations required.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas vary significantly in quality and difficulty. Most sites require travel on unpaved forest roads that range from well-maintained gravel to rough, narrow paths with steep sections. Cole Mountain Ridge and the Soapstone Lake Trail area feature gravel roads that most vehicles can navigate, though some sections become challenging after rain. Many campers report that high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the more remote sites, particularly in the Tillamook State Forest where logging roads can be narrow with limited passing zones. No drinking water, toilets, or other amenities are available at any of these locations, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

The dispersed sites around Seaside attract campers seeking proximity to coastal attractions while avoiding campground fees and crowds. Views from Cole Mountain Ridge and certain Tillamook Forest sites include panoramic mountain vistas, with some locations offering what campers describe as "almost 180 degree views around to the west." These areas remain relatively quiet despite their accessibility, though visitors should expect occasional traffic from logging operations, off-road vehicles, or other recreational users. According to reviews, weekdays typically offer more solitude than weekends. One camper noted that "it is very secluded and quiet, and 25 minutes from Cannon Beach," while another mentioned that "there are several spots with established fire pits" near the Soapstone Lake trailhead.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Seaside, Oregon (13)

    1. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    11 miles

    "The coordinates did not take us to the exact spot, but the pin on the map was the closest, it’s actually to the left on the dirt road. You’ll see a tiny dirt road going up hill and that’s the spot."

    "This spot has an almost 180 degree view around to the west! Could fit about 2-4 people comfortably. No amenities but such a good time!"

    2. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    5 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    11 miles

    "Some paths are less driven on so maybe avoid with a big RV or van, can also get a little hilly and tight.

    I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left."

    3. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Arch Cape, OR
    12 miles

    "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best."

    4. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    31 miles
    Website

    "There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!"

    "There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there."

    5. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 357-2191

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    6. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    23 miles

    "Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."

    "It’s just past a river around a bend when heading east on the south side. You’ll see signs off the pavement for Cook Creek campground. Keep on driving up staying on the main road."

    7. East Summit Rd dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Tolovana Park, OR
    12 miles

    8. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    8 Reviews
    Clatskanie, OR
    39 miles

    "Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down!"

    "The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping."

    9. Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks

    3 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    10. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    42 miles

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

    "There are 3 easy to find campsites, very easy to find and access. 2 or 3 miles before the gravel road was a commercial campground with a store and very friendly folks inside."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Seaside, OR

49 Photos of 13 Seaside Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Seaside, OR

57 Reviews of 13 Seaside Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great secluded spot in the woods

    Great spot because it's so secluded in the forest. There's basically zero traffic on the dirt road near the campsite. A lot of the trees around seem to be new growth. Great view of the stars at night!

    There are at least 4 other campsite off this road at different points if you keep driving. Some of them are more or less level and more or less muddy. This one was the best, but there are lots of options. All of them are commonly used because there are ashes from fires. There's a moderate amount of trash at most of them.

    Requires a Discovery Pass. I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash. No one came to check my pass though (in January, so it's the off season)

    You have to take a dirt road to reach the campsite, but it is pretty well maintained. The only difficulty I encountered were two points where a few inches of road were a bit washed out. They were small enough that I could manage them alright in a 2WD van that had normal clearance. So most cars could probably manage them.

    There's a small trail behind this spot that that leads to the creek, which is nice. Other than that, you can hike along the dirt roads, but there aren't any actual hiking trails that I found. I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads! I didn't drive up to Snag Lake.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Amazing Hike!!

    This place was beautiful!! Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down! The only reason this place got lower than a 5 star is because of all the trash near the parking lot. Too beautiful of a place to be used as a dump!! Definitely used as a party spot but aside from this it’s worth the visit!

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2020

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Remote, wild, beautiful

    This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn. There is a FS paid campground (Cape Perpetua Campground) right off FS 55.

    If you follow 55 about 10 miles in, there are lots of established boondocking spots at around 4000 elevation. Additionally there are unmapped logging roads which can also be explored for camping.

    Scenery is spectacular, lots of wildlife, deer, elk, coyote, and amazing old growth forests. No amenities of any kind, no cell service.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates go to a no access area

    The directions/coordinates are for 10min outside pacific city. It is now a private entrance/driveway with no access to go through to the dispersed coordinates! And the locals said a lot of the forest is closed off due to logging in that area. Defiantly follow the rangers review about the devils churn/thors well spot. The directions from Dyrt was about an hour or so away from his instructions ! We weren’t able to find a spot and ended up leaving the area

    entirely.

  • EThe Dyrt ADMIN User
    May. 29, 2025

    Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    360 views!

    This was a really fantastic campsite! Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable. There are a few options up here but one really phenomenal site with wide ranging views. Be weary that it is a long drive to get here and no way to tell if there's sites available until you do the entire drive up. No water up here.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Decent place for the night

    A big pavement pull off on the ride of the road. The river is a walk down a very steep hill behind the pullout. No place to pitch a tent, best for car camping. Had some issues with people stopping and playing loud music, seems to be a hangout spot.

  • Ryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great view of the valley

    There are several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there. The spot we chose was the best as it is away from the towers and buildings, plus has a great view overlooking the valley and bay, and you can see the ocean between the peaks in the distance. The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun. No amenities, obviously, but there is a concrete pad from an old structure you can park on. Other sites have solid pack gravel covered by grass.

Guide to Seaside

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Seaside, Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Scenic Overlook for dispersed campers

  • The Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • This spot is accessible by car and provides a great opportunity for tent and RV camping, making it versatile for different camping styles.
  • With no amenities like showers or toilets, it’s ideal for those who appreciate a more rugged camping experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Seaside, Oregon

  • When visiting Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, be prepared for limited access and rough roads, as some areas may not be suitable for larger vehicles.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, as many dispersed sites, like Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks, lack trash disposal facilities.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially during peak seasons, as these areas can fill up quickly with fellow nature enthusiasts.

Activities while free camping near Seaside

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes around Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight, where a short hike leads to a beautiful waterfall.
  • Fishing and swimming are popular activities at Trask River Campsites, providing a refreshing way to enjoy the river access.
  • For those seeking adventure, the Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed offers excellent views and opportunities for remote work with reliable cell service, making it a great spot for digital nomads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is free camping available in the Seaside, Oregon area?

Yes, free camping is available near Seaside in several forest areas. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed offers secluded free camping with minimal traffic and good star-gazing opportunities. There are multiple established sites along this road, some offering valley and bay views. Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping provides free boondocking opportunities about 10 miles in on Forest Road 55 (accessed between Thor's Well and Devil's Churn off Highway 101). Always follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and check for any seasonal fire restrictions or forest closures before heading out, as some areas may be temporarily closed for logging operations.

What amenities can I expect at dispersed camping sites around Seaside?

Dispersed camping sites near Seaside are primitive with minimal to no amenities. At Cole Mt Ridge, you'll typically find basic fire rings and cleared areas for tents or vehicles, but no developed facilities. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek offers spectacular views but no services. Most dispersed sites don't provide water, toilets, picnic tables, or trash collection. Come prepared with everything you need, including sufficient water, portable toilet supplies, and bags to pack out all waste. Cell service is generally unreliable in these remote areas. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, so bring alternative cooking methods. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for self-sufficient camping.

Where can I find dispersed camping locations near Seaside, Oregon?

Several dispersed camping options exist within an hour's drive of Seaside. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous spots accessible via forest service roads past Jones Creek campground and the OHV staging area. Most sites require 4WD or off-road capable vehicles. Another option is Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight, which provides beautiful spots near the river and access to a waterfall just a 15-minute hike away. The area is best suited for car camping, with a parking area that serves as the main camping spot. Look for established fire rings and cleared areas, which indicate designated dispersed sites throughout these areas.

When is the best season for dispersed camping near Seaside, Oregon?

Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping near Seaside. Summer provides drier, warmer weather, making it ideal for enjoying forest and coastal sites like Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach. However, be aware that forest roads to sites like North Fork Trask can become muddy and difficult to navigate during and after rain. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to wet conditions, especially at riverside sites that become muddy. Spring brings beautiful scenery but potentially wet grounds. Fall offers fewer crowds and spectacular foliage. Always check road conditions and forest closures before heading out, as logging operations may restrict access seasonally.

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