The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Tillamook State Forest. Tillamook State Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Tillamook State Forest, reviewed by campers like you.
$27 - $74 / night
"We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience
- Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park"
"Mostly an RV park tucked into the Nehalem Bay peninsula, this does offer a couple dog friendly yurts and some very friendly camp hosts."
$38 - $56 / night
"Close to the tide pools in Barview, right on the beach, on the entrance to Tillamook Bay. Large clean bathrooms with several hot showers."
"Our campsite is spacious and relatively private with lots of trees and shrubbery around the perimeter. We're just a short walk from the beach access and it's a great section of beach."
"We stayed away from our coastal communities during the first year of the pandemic, but now we wanted to get back and support our home away from home."
"Really well maintained and just 10 minutes away from the beach in Cannon Beach, it is a lovely walk from the campground to town and to the beach."
$27 - $117 / night
"I would pick a site that isn’t next to the bathroom trail or you’ll have someone walking through your site every 5 minutes. Each site is Steps away from beach access."
"Steps to the beach? ✅ In the forest? ✅ Access to amazing hiking? ✅ Private? ✅ We love Cape Lookout for all the diverse scenery it has to offer."
"So I told him I’d also write reviews of some other good campgrounds in the area, so look for-Beaver Eddy (recently closed for logging, though didn’t look like a permanent close + one roadside site was"
"Nestled near a river, with easy access to the falls trail. Ensure you wear clothing suitable for wet hiking. The entire hike is a pretty easy and birding opportunities are many."
"Most spots are adjacent to the creek which is very nice. Though there was a lot of atv traffic."
"There were shell casings and some small trash pieces around (the occasional water bottle lid, a few pieces of broken glass, etc), as other reviews noted, but no huge huge litter problem."
$50 - $250 / night
"You can’t beat the location! Walk to the beach, shops and restaurants in a few minutes. The sites are close but it’s the Oregon coast. Wifi is solid and I’m able to work."
"After a mildly congested drive out to Cannon Beach, we pulled off the 101 into town. Sure enough, we were late. I called and it was no issue."
$15 - $20 / night
"The toilets are clean and conveniently located. Overnight was 20 bucks and well worth it. There are several trails accessible with varying degrees of difficulty."
"Five miles off highway 26 and not too far from Portland. Campground split into two parts on both sides of the road. No reservations. First-come, first served. Spots for RVs and tents."
"Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."
"Very quiet & can hear some noise in the distance from time to time, but was pleasantly surprised by the peace & quiet I got up here."
$11 - $120 / night
"Compared to many places this is still a five star campground, but I like others in Oregon better. This one can get quite crowded and tends to be a little more loud and rainy."
"Also there are many hiking paths, the beach and near by towns to explore like Astoria, OR."
ScoutThe RV sites are large, but just gravel. The tent sites are great, especially towards the ocean. Bathrooms are really nice. Big showers. Nice outside areas- cooking area, games, benches, lights along the bath to a beautiful quiet beach. Expensive, but worth it for the night.
TravelerNice quiet campground along the Columbia river in Oregon. Minutes from Portland, with lots of fun farm stands and rural experience.
ScoutIts got plenty of places to set up for the night. Its got roads that lead in multiple directions, all ending up at a location or passing by one. Most are off the road in a turn out, but there are some ones that are enclosed at the end of a road. Some roads are blocked due to fallen trees and people made a camp. Its pretty sweet. Stayed three days, did some hiking and its close to the coast so going into town for the day is a option. Roads are narrow. Not recommended for large longer vehicles
ScoutRight at the start of the road, sign that says "gate ahead" and you'll be locked in. Not worth the risk. No other easy free campsites in the area. Lame, Oregon.
ScoutNo good spots off the road for 25 ft travel trailer. Guns / target practice everywhere.
TravelerIt's pretty big! There's some really, really lovely trails here abundant with native plants and spilling over with huckleberries in september. At least in my loop, pretty much everyone was a senior citizen, so when it got dark it was dead freaking quiet. No partying or kids playing. I can imagine this campground attracts a lot of older people due to the whole military thing. There's a lot to see here and quite spread out so I would bring a bike. I really enjoyed a spontaneous kayak rental at the lake, seeing the shipwreck at sunset, and the elk grazing nearby which I could see from my picnic table. My only complaint is the HUGE root in my campsite, upending the pavement pad. The little mountain was probably 9" at its peak. My low clearance vehicle could not clear it, so I had to park at the front of the long driveway. I would have felt more secure and private tucked away towards the back of the driveway but it is what it is. I did manage to trip on it twice, as well. Seems like a hazard in a park that attract so many older people. I let a ranger know. I did not experience mosquitos like what was reported a few years back.
TravelerI thought this was a great campground especially for families. There was some noise into the night, to be expected for a campground with so many amenities for kids to enjoy. But I would return because it was so clean and the beach is gorgeous. I wish it was a little more wooded/shrubby between camps, but I didn't feel like I was breathing my neighbor's exhale so that's fine. I saw reviews about the dunes being pretty big to get to the beach and I didn't really believe them until I was heading back into camp at night, yeah that hill is a lot coming back up so beware. I would avoid bringing my grandpa here.
TravelerSites are small, close together, and just barely fit the equipment they are tagged to fit. Bathroom is clean, has hot showers with a single hook and no bench for toiletries. Walk to town is very easy as is the walk to the beach.
GuideOverall this was a great campsite. Very peaceful and quiet. We tent camped at the very end of the road at the top. Unfortunately we could see nothing but clouds this visit, but I would still come back! No photos since it was so foggy and misty. Not much for tent camping but better for cars or campers and very bumpy on the way up.
Camping near Tillamook State Forest, Oregon, offers a fantastic mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.
Camping near Tillamook State Forest, Oregon, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun, a peaceful retreat, or an adventure in nature, this area has it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need reservations for camping in Tillamook State Forest?
Most campgrounds in Tillamook State Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. Gales Creek Campground and Cedar Creek Corridor Primitive Camping don't accept reservations, so arriving early, especially on summer weekends, is recommended. The forest also offers dispersed camping options that don't require reservations. However, campgrounds can fill quickly during peak season (May-September), particularly on weekends. While most sites are first-come, first-served, some nearby state parks do require reservations. Always check current regulations before your trip, as policies may change seasonally.
Where are the designated campgrounds in Tillamook State Forest?
Tillamook State Forest features several designated campgrounds scattered throughout its expansive terrain. Elk Creek Campground is situated at the confluence of Elk Creek and Wilson River, offering scenic sites on a gentle incline. Nehalem Falls Campground provides a picturesque setting that's highly rated for its natural beauty. Other options include Jones Creek Campground, located off Highway 6, and Kilchis River Campground. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities like pit toilets and fire rings, with some providing drinking water during the main camping season. The forest also has designated dispersed camping areas for those seeking a more primitive experience.
How close is Tillamook State Forest to Cannon Beach?
Tillamook State Forest is approximately 30-45 minutes from Cannon Beach, depending on your starting point within the forest. The drive from the eastern edge of the forest to Cannon Beach is roughly 35 miles via Highway 26 and Highway 101. If you're planning to visit both areas, Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers a convenient coastal camping option about 30 minutes south of Cannon Beach with beach access and hiking trails. Alternatively, Nehalem Bay State Park Campground is located just 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach, making it an excellent base for exploring both the beach and portions of Tillamook State Forest in the same trip.
Are there scenic viewpoints or photo opportunities in Tillamook State Forest?
Tillamook State Forest offers abundant photo opportunities throughout its diverse landscape. Hebo Lake Campground provides stunning reflective water views framed by towering trees, especially when morning mist hovers over the lake. The forest features numerous viewpoints along hiking trails and forest roads with panoramic vistas of the Coast Range. The convergence of Elk Creek and Wilson River near Fort Stevens State Park Campground creates picturesque water scenes. Seasonal attractions include vibrant fall colors, spring wildflowers, and misty mornings where coastal fog filters through ancient trees. Popular photo spots include waterfalls, river gorges, and elevated viewpoints that showcase the vast forest canopy stretching toward the Pacific Ocean.
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