Dispersed camping options around Seaside, Oregon range from creek-side forest clearings to elevated mountain sites with coastal views. Many dispersed sites lack facilities but offer greater seclusion compared to established campgrounds. The region's camping areas span from the dense forests of Tillamook to the coastal zones of Clatsop County, with most accessible within a 30-45 minute drive from Seaside.
What to do
Explore creek trails: At Cook Creek, many sites feature direct water access. "Site 3 which had a trail leading down to the creek. Attached ropes to help you get up/down," notes Eric, highlighting the adventure aspect of these sites. The creek offers fishing opportunities and places for summer cooling.
Watch wildlife: The Nehalem River area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw a bald eagle down at the river that flew only about 15 feet above the water, and made a return trip before settling in a tall pine tree across the river from us," reports Jennifer R. at Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River.
Visit fish hatchery: Near Gnat Creek Campground, campers can hike to see a working fish hatchery. "We took advantage of where we wound up and did a short hike which led to a fish hatchery," mentions Stephanie Z., making for an educational outdoor activity when staying in the area.
What campers like
Private water access: Many campsites in the region offer their own secluded water spots. At Road to Snag Lake, Jeremy B. describes: "There's a small trail behind this spot that leads to the creek, which is nice." Similarly, at Cook Creek, Cameren M. shares that site #5 is "very private and there is a short walk (2-3min) down to your very own private part of the river."
Spacious sites: Tillamook State Forest dispersed camping areas frequently provide more room than developed campgrounds. "Large sites that would could host several tents. Creek is just 100ft away," notes s M., while another camper observed the sites at Cook Creek are "large, open circles of bare ground... each with a fire ring."
Early arrival rewards: For the best experience at Keenig Creek Campground, timing matters. "We took off from Portland around 4pm on a Friday and got to the campground around 6," writes Justin P., finding the campground "remarkably empty" in early September. Another camper recommends: "Get there early for good spots, especially on weekends."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Fire policies vary across sites and seasons. Shannon R. noted at Cook Creek: "Late season (September) but still pretty busy. Fire restrictions in place." Always check current fire regulations before your trip as summer restrictions are common.
Road conditions: Access to many sites requires driving on unpaved roads. At Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, one camper warns: "The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there's other cars coming through, especially the logging semis." Another notes: "Road is fine and easy. AWD is nice but isn't necessary if the road is fairly dry."
Noise factors: Highway and recreational vehicle noise affects some sites more than others. Justin P. advises at Keenig Creek: "Don't choose a campsite close to the highway...you will hear every car/truck that goes by! My advice would be to get as close as you can to the river."
Water preparedness: Many sites lack potable water. Julie P. warns: "No potable water at Keenig Creek - luckily my family and I brought enough water!! We planned to do some hiking, so we definitely brought enough water to last us the weekend. Highly recommend buying jugs of water."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose your spot carefully for the best family camping experience near Seaside. At Clatsop State Forest Gnat Creek Campground, Morgan T. recommends the walk-in tent camping area: "Sites are among the trees and you can hear the creek from your tent. Mossy wonderful surroundings."
Trash awareness: Some sites have issues with litter. Mario S. at Cook Creek notes: "Lots of trash around, unfortunate to see, seems like the reviews in the past that this is a common theme around here. We did our best to clean up." This can be a teachable moment for children about leave-no-trace principles.
Weekday advantages: For families seeking quieter experiences, timing matters. Weekdays offer significantly less crowded conditions and reduced noise. One reviewer observed that OHV areas have vehicles that "ran throughout the weekend, but I have a feeling it's very quiet on weekdays."
Tips from RVers
Limited options: True RV camping is scarce in the immediate Seaside area, with most forest sites best suited for tents or small vehicles. Julie P. noted about Keenig Creek: "We were planning to bring our smaller RV, but found out they didn't have electrical hookups. We just brought tents, instead."
Concrete pads: Some dispersed sites offer unexpected parking benefits. At Road to Snag Lake, Ryan S. found: "There is a concrete pad from an old structure you can park on. Other sites have solid pack gravel covered by grass," making these locations more suitable for small camper vans than typical forest sites.
Turnaround space: When searching for dispersed camping with an RV near Seaside, consider vehicle maneuverability. Crispin S. reports about Road to Snag Lake: "The site fit my 42 foot truck/camper very well," while also noting that "4WD Ideal" and "the road in was a little bumpy and in some parts an incline."
