Tillamook State Forest dispersed camping areas span elevations from 500 to 3,000 feet across diverse forest terrain. The area experiences significant seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F while winter brings frequent rain and occasional snow at higher elevations. Campsites on forest service roads can sometimes become inaccessible after heavy rainfall due to muddy conditions.
What to do
Fishing access: Several dispersed sites along Trask River offer easy fishing opportunities within walking distance of camping areas. At Trask River Campsites, campers report "River access and a fire pit. Dirt bike parking adjacent but pretty private." The river provides a "really nice sound to fall asleep to," according to another visitor.
Mountain views: The higher elevation sites provide panoramic vistas across the Coast Range. At Cole Mt Ridge, campers find "an almost 180 degree view around to the west" with spots that can "fit about 2-4 people comfortably." Another camper noted the "view of the mountains was nice" from their camping spot.
Hiking trails: Forest trails connect many dispersed camping areas with lakes and viewpoints. Near South Lake, "there are trails all over leading from the campsites to the lake and around it. We also met other campers that had hiked a trail from Hebo lake to South Lake which was about a 7 mile hike for them."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many campers value the isolation available at less-traveled forest roads. At Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, one camper reported, "I setup camp at one of the spots here 3 nights in a row & had no visitors the entire time! Very quiet & can hear some noise in the distance from time to time."
Proximity to coast: Many sites offer relatively quick access to coastal attractions while maintaining forest seclusion. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek is noted for being "a really fantastic campsite" with "wide ranging views" while remaining accessible to coastal towns.
Star visibility: Clear nights at higher elevations provide excellent stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. A camper at the Trask River sites enjoyed "clear skies so got to see a beautiful array of stars. This spot was really a 10/10 for me."
What you should know
Access challenges: Many roads become increasingly difficult later in the day or season. For Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach, a visitor warned about a "sign that says 'gate ahead' and you'll be locked in. Not worth the risk."
Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. At South Lake, "this dispersed campground can be a trek to get to for limited spots," and another camper advised, "If you go earlier in the week, you'll most likes find a spot with no problem. If you wait till Friday evening during the summer, it'll probably be full."
Mixed quality sites: Not all dispersed areas are equally maintained. Some campers report issues with "a bunch of trash" at certain locations, while others find well-maintained sites with established fire rings. One camper noted their spot "had some trees that had been chopped down and a fire pit area."
Tips for camping with families
Lake access sites: For families with children, sites near water features provide natural entertainment. At North Fork Trask, "there were a ton of pull offs along the river" which can make for easier family camping with water activities nearby.
Noise considerations: Some areas experience significant recreational vehicle traffic. A visitor to Tillamook State Forest mentioned that "the roads are used for dirt bikes" which can create noise challenges for families seeking quiet.
Navigation planning: GPS reliability varies throughout the forest. One camper advised, "Watch your GPS and use some dead reckoning with the topographic map. There is a little side road that gets a bit narrow and then opens into a beautiful spot."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. A visitor to Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach noted roads are "very thin and no place to park" and are "not recommended for large longer vehicles."
Turn-around space: Many forest roads lack sufficient space for larger vehicles to turn around. One camper at South Lake cautioned, "Could pull in a 16' trailer but until the camp site there is no other turn around spot so beware."
Road conditions: Forest roads vary significantly by season and recent weather. A camper at Scenic Overlook reported "quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable" while another advised that roads near Cole Mountain were "gravel, pretty well maintained" with "lots of pull off roads."
