Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to South Beach? We've got you covered. Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your Oregon camping adventure.
This site, sometimes referred to as Horton Lake, Hult Marsh, Hult Reservoir, or Mill Pond, was developed in the early 1900s for logging operations. The reservoir and surrounding wetland is about 40 acres and supports a rich diversity of wildlife, fish, and plant species. This recreation site is popular for activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving.
At an elevation of 2400 feet, this area offers dispersed camping along the northern edge of the lake. The lake is stocked periodically with rainbow trout. There is access for launching non-motorized boats. A vault toilet is provided but no potable water. It is also the eastern trailhead of the Pioneer – Indian Trail.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. "Dispersed camping" is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a developed campground. Dispersed camping usually means no toilet facilities or treated water, no fire grates, and no picnic tables or other amenities are provided.
There are extra responsibilities and skills needed for dispersed camping. By applying Leave No Trace practices, you will ensure a safe, clean and positive experience for your family and the environment.
The sites listed below are some popular, well used dispersed camping areas. For other more out of the way places, please check the Motor Vehicle Use Map for permissible locations.
The Forest also has dispersed OHV Sand Camping sites. Sand camping is allowed in areas at Sand Lake Recreation Area and at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Each area has different regulations as to where you can camp.
A Quite private, a good first-night spot. Dispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest
Native Americans and early settlers used this trail to travel from the Willamette Valley to the Pacific Coast. The trail runs over the top of Mt. Hebo, providing wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Sections of the trail are located in the Mt. Hebo Special Interest Area. Experience open mountain meadows and heavily forested areas on this 8 mile trail that begins at the Hebo Lake Day Use site (at Hebo Lake Campground) and ends at South Lake Dispersed Area. The meadows in the Mt. Hebo Area are home to the Oregon silverspot butterfly, a sensitive species.
You can access the trail at Hebo Lake Day Use, South Lake Dispersed Area, or at the Mt. Hebo Horse Trailhead off of Forest Road 14, 0.6 miles east of Hebo Lake Campground.
Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of the trail and within the open meadows in the Mt. Hebo Special Interest Area.
Dispersed camping and day use area with access to the northern end of Sand Lake Recreation Area OHV area. Sites offer vault toilets and fire rings.__ No water available.
Tillamook State Forest is managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days at a time.
Guide
This is a fee area. Have to look really hard this far north in Siuslaw to find a Frst Rd. Just go to Mt Hebo or back to Tili St Forest. Other that most of this north shore OR coast is tough. If anyone has coordinates for their spot Im sure its a valuable share but maybe a keepee.
Scout
We camped where the road was blocked and it was great. Saw a cougar as we were leaving, though! Luckily we were all in the car, so cool to see, but be aware!
Scout
My husband and I decided we wanted to camp at the coast this weekend and every other camp site and state park was full, so we stumbled upon this place! It was easy to find following the directions on this site. Like other reviews mentioned, there are cars that drive by since it is a forest road, but we didn’t notice too much of a disturbance from them. It was pretty secluded. We stayed at the intersection campsite, and it was great! There was trash from previous campers, but we cleaned it up before we left!
ScoutThe road was blocked off so there was no way to access this site.
ScoutThis is an old campground no longer maintained. First of all, there is nothing but several feet of sand in a big lot. There is only a small section that is not sand. Don’t go past that. You will get stuck. Luckily we did not. There are huge sand dunes so tons of ATVs. The sand is disgustingly dirty from trash and feces. The ATV’ers are relentless. It’s quiet on a Monday night…
ScoutThis area was easy to get to with Apple Maps which was great, however there was only one open site - after settling in it became clear that the other sites were more permanent setups….. there were cars coming and going all night, one in the dark going easily 50mph almost hit us. Would not recommend in its current state for people looking for calm camping.
GuideLooks like there are 2 pull off spots here. One was taken by another camper, and I was grateful to snag the second one. Stayed here for 2 nights. It is off a gravel road, but it's not that busy. Pretty view and relatively secluded. Would stay again. The 2ish mile drive up the gravel road to get here was easy enough.
GPS: 44.512881, -123.984589
Guide
Pretty busy spot - even early on a weekday. I found a pretty pulloff area, but quickly realized it's no good if you rely on cell service, solar and/or starlink due to the tree coverage. Ended up staying for one night. I would recommend if you're looking for somewhere to come and disconnect from the world. Just not over holidays or weekends.
GPS: 44.248357, -123.495729
Scout
We didn’t actually stay here because it was already taken. But I wanted to create this view just to add additional context on how to find it.
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. It looks a little intimidating, but you go down that road and it curves around in a sea shape for about a half a mile and ends in the big open area where you can camp.
If you’re telling something, I’d recommend walking the road to check to see if anybody is down there before you go down because it’s the only place you’d be able to turn around with your trailer.
Wish we were able to actually stay in this spot. Really big open flat area for either your travel trailer or a small group with tents. Amazing view very secluded feeling. Maybe next time!
ScoutStayed here on a Sunday night in June, there’s two campsites. One at the fork in the road and one slightly further down. I stayed in the first with my camper Subaru. Only had maybe 4 cars pass from 6pm to 10pm. Tiny bit of trash around but as always leave it better than you found it!
Traveler
Lots of trash, long drive, and sort of busy. Multiple sites available as you go up. Pretty spot though.
GuideI probably wouldn't do this if I had a trailer or an rv, but my toyota Corolla did just fine. The marked coordinates are a little overgrown, but there's a good tent spot a couple hundred feet beforehand. Pretty chilly evening, but it was definitely secluded and peaceful
ScoutWe have a 38 foot rv. We got stuck in a ditch. Rv almost tipped over trying to u turn… if you go down the main lower path you will find a area big enough to u turn! Dont do it until then! Other wise a wonderful time. So many many many bugs though at the area we stayed ar
ScoutAbout 15 minutes off the 101, with the last 3 mi being unpaved gravel road (well groomed). Campsite is isolated and quiet. Some scattered trash in the area.
ScoutAbout an 1 hour from Corvallis but worth it if you can go at a good time! No service but great from a seclusion! So remember all games and firewood you need!!
ScoutGreat 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. A slight drive on the forest access road leads to the top of the hill. Plenty of dead standing wood for fires.
TravelerGreat spot for a quick stay. There are only a few flat spots for RVs but quite a few decent spots for tent camping next to the pond. The west side of the pond has at least 2 spots that are a good distance away from the others. At the moment, no fires or barbecues allowed but propane stoves and lanterns are fine. Look for Bandits blue squeaky disk! We lost it and never found it.
GuideOnly reason it’s not 5 stars is the bathrooms are absolutely foul. Other than that it’s a really great quite, cheap spot that has a huge sand dune right next to it.
Traveler
It’s a small road through the forest with a few pull off spots along the way. Nothing particularly interesting here, just trees. Can be difficult to find a spot without having to drive pretty far into the forest.
ScoutDecent spots with Fire Pits off the lake. Bathrooms not too far of a drive/walk if needed. Lots of people earlier in the day. All the good ones were taken, later around 6pm a perfect one opened up and we jumped on it.
TravelerThe way Google took us go thus spot was terrible. Instead of keeping us on the gravel road, it had us drive through an overgrown dirt path. Thank got we didn't get stuck!
If you are going, stay on the clearly marked gravel road! It's long and winding, but it does have a fee pull outs to park in! It was very quiet, peaceful, and no wildlife bothered us!
ScoutThe 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.
ScoutNice, cleared spots, not too many other people.
ScoutI drove back in a few miles and camped along the road, in some old growth forest. It was dark, and I mean truly dark in there when you shut off your lights off, and silent as a tomb. Huge uncut trees, bad ass country! My Cane Corso bully dog made it much less spooky at night, not many things would want a piece of him.
ScoutCampsite: was lovely
Location: about 20 feet from the road where we parked, right along the pond.
Things people may want to be aware of: there were a few logging trucks and such using the road by the campsite, the bathrooms were not super close to the site, and campfires are not permitted.
GuideI love heading out that way. I have seen reviews of the place talking about tweaker the place but I have not had any encounters with anyone like that. And I love that it is dispersed camping all around there. I travel a little bit up the creek past the pond. Beautiful area a good fishing.
GuideWe got there a little after noon and the hood spots were taken that are on the lake. However I drove further up and camped at H5. It was a lot more private, and we had the creek to ourselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near South Beach, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near South Beach, OR is Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near South Beach, OR?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near South Beach, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.
