Best Tent Camping near Seaside, OR

State forests and public lands surrounding Seaside, Oregon offer numerous tent camping options within a short drive. Tillamook State Forest provides several tent-only campgrounds including Elk Creek, a walk-in tent campground situated at the confluence of Elk Creek and Wilson River. Keenig Creek Campground, located about 20 miles from Tillamook, features walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings along the Wilson River. For more primitive tent camping experiences, Cook Creek offers designated dispersed sites with fire rings and ample space between campsites. Clatsop State Forest's Gnat Creek Campground provides walk-in tent sites nestled among mossy surroundings near Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis, making early arrival essential, particularly on summer weekends. Sites at Elk Creek and Keenig Creek require campers to park in designated lots and carry gear a short distance to their campsite. Surface conditions vary from packed dirt to forest duff, with some sites requiring minimal leveling for comfortable tent placement. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, though facilities are limited or nonexistent at dispersed sites. Campers should bring their own water or be prepared to filter from streams, as potable water is scarce. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to most dispersed camping areas, and seasonal fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods.

The walk-in tent sites throughout the region provide a level of privacy rarely found at drive-in campgrounds. According to reviews, Elk Creek Campground offers "sites with enough space between them that you have privacy during day and night." One camper noted that from their site at Keenig Creek, "we could see no other campsites and could barely hear anyone else." The proximity to water is a significant draw, with many tent sites positioned near creeks or rivers that provide both ambient sound and recreational opportunities. Weekday visits typically offer greater solitude, as one visitor to Tillamook Forest dispersed camping observed: "OHV vehicles are incredibly loud and ran throughout the weekend, but I have a feeling it's very quiet on weekdays." Cell service is minimal to non-existent at most backcountry tent sites, allowing for a true disconnect from daily life.

Best Tent Sites Near Seaside, Oregon (29)

    1. Cook Creek

    11 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    22 miles
    Website

    "We spent only one night here (approx. 45°41'49.5"N 125°44'18.1"W) in a lovely clearing featuring a metal fire ring. Sites are designated, but free for use up to 14 days."

    "Camped out for a night in designated camp site #3. Lots of room for Cars and a couple spots to pitch a tent. A bit rocky, but we used shovel to dig out a more comfortable spot."

    2. Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River

    6 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    20 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "There is a narrow path towards the river, first we thought we might gonna get stuck, but it immediately opened up to a spacious big area where 2-3 cars/RVs could easily fit."

    "The drive through the forest is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t camp at the River but I will be back. It’s a big area.I’m pretty sure Boondocking is allowed all around this area."

    3. Clatsop State Forest Gnat Creek Campground

    8 Reviews
    Cathlamet, OR
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 325-5451

    $10 - $15 / night

    "There was free firewood stacked nearby because of all the logging in the area. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Walk in tent camping only, or you could park your van in the parking lot."

    "Drove past the paid camping and found many available areas to set up for the night. Couple areas had excessive amounts of trash."

    4. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

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

    "These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots.

    There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups."

    "Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."

    5. Beaver Eddy

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 325-5451

    $15 / night

    "I also liked that it was $15 (vs the $20 of Henry Rierson nearby)."

    6. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    14 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."

    7. Morrison Eddy

    1 Review
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    21 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "You walk down about three city blocks to this penisular oasis, where you’re treated to tall trees, a nice variety of sites and plenty of beautific water scenes."

    8. Keenig Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    $15 / night

    "This is a great site if you like "rustic" (which we do) since the sites are walk in-only. Adorable sites with picnic tables, fire rings and just enough privacy."

    "First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."

    9. Rose Creek Retreat

    1 Review
    Grays River, WA
    24 miles
    Website

    $33 - $55 / night

    "On the edge of the Columbia River, the Rose Garden site has a large mowed grassy area tucked into the hillside bordered by beautiful flower gardens with roses, fuchsias, and hellebore."

    10. Riverberry Retreat

    Be the first to review!
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    14 miles
    +1 (503) 577-3574

    $60 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Seaside, OR

1117 Reviews of 29 Seaside Campgrounds



Guide to Seaside

Tent camping near Seaside, Oregon offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Explore the Scenic Outdoors

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

  • Beaver Eddy offers picnic tables and toilets, making it a convenient spot for families and groups.
  • At Morrison Eddy, you'll find well-maintained picnic areas and access to beautiful water scenes.
  • Rose Creek Retreat features unique campsites with picnic tables and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Local Attractions and Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Seaside, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Seaside, OR is Cook Creek with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Seaside, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Seaside, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.