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Best Dispersed Camping near Tillamook State Forest

87 Reviews

Tillamook State Forest offers numerous free dispersed camping options along forest service roads, with sites ranging from mountain ridges with panoramic views to secluded spots near streams. Most sites feature established fire rings but provide no amenities—no toilets, water, or trash service. The dirt and gravel access roads can be steep and narrow in places, with several reviewers noting that high-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially after rain. A visitor commented, "There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs."

Popular dispersed areas include Cole Mountain Ridge (about 25 minutes from Cannon Beach), sites along Cook Creek, and various pull-offs throughout the forest. Roads are generally well-maintained but become increasingly rugged as you venture deeper into backcountry areas. Cell service is virtually nonexistent throughout the forest, with one camper noting "absolutely no Verizon service in the area." Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, with several sites reporting noise from ATVs, dirt bikes, and occasional target shooting, particularly on weekends.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Tillamook State Forest (22)

    1. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

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

    "Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise!"

    "My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road."

    2. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    4 miles

    "Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable."

    "It’s just past a river around a bend when heading east on the south side. You’ll see signs off the pavement for Cook Creek campground. Keep on driving up staying on the main road."

    3. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    10 miles

    "The coordinates did not take us to the exact spot, but the pin on the map was the closest, it’s actually to the left on the dirt road. You’ll see a tiny dirt road going up hill and that’s the spot."

    "This spot has an almost 180 degree view around to the west! Could fit about 2-4 people comfortably. No amenities but such a good time!"

    4. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    5 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    10 miles

    "Some paths are less driven on so maybe avoid with a big RV or van, can also get a little hilly and tight. I got in around 8:45pm and there were a good amount of spots left."

    5. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Arch Cape, OR
    8 miles

    "Secluded yet close to Cannon Beach. Road was very accessible. Creek and trailhead nearby. Spot at the dead end is best."

    6. North Fork Trask

    2 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    "I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."

    7. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    23 miles

    "River access and a fire pit. Dirt bike parking adjacent but pretty private."

    "There are 3 easy to find campsites, very easy to find and access. 2 or 3 miles before the gravel road was a commercial campground with a store and very friendly folks inside."

    8. Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks

    3 Reviews
    Timber, OR
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    9. East Summit Rd dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Tolovana Park, OR
    9 miles

    10. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 750-7000

    "South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy."

    "Do not drive here if you can't drive on the edge of a cliff on gravel roads. it's bumpy and definitely not for the faint of heart. other than that, it's a great site with nice pullouts and camping for"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Tillamook State Forest

65 Photos of 22 Tillamook State Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tillamook State Forest

87 Reviews of 22 Tillamook State Forest Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    Perfect for Overland and off-road vehicle camping

    Accessible through the Jones Creek campground turn off, continue up the forest roads past the OHV staging area and you’re in paradise! Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. There is a massive network of forest service roads many with spots to set up your own quiet camp away from all the dirt bikes and RVs. No facilities obviously but that’s what makes this place special. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and a gorgeous piece of the PNW coastal area.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    GPS takes you to the top!

    My mistake, these coordinates took us to the top of the mountain. It is currently an active logging area, so the truckers are out at 3am. The road up was a very narrow road. So careful if there’s other cars coming through, especially the logging semis.

    Nonetheless a cool spot. Dry camping. Please clean up after yourselves.

  • Robert D.
    Jul. 14, 2022

    South Lake

    A rough and very narrow road to get here.

    We took a ride from Hebo up road 14 or 1400 to South Lake. The trip took over 1 hour down a partly paved road with lots of pot holes then the rest of the way down a very narrow pot hole dirt road to South Lake. Along the way we passed Hebo Lake Campground that had many tent camp sites. Once we arrived at South Lake we found the lake to be somewhat small and there were a few tent sites somewhat close together. We had been told this lake was always stocked with Trout. We suggest only using a 4x4 or a high clearance vehicle to make this trip.

  • Jeremy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 10, 2022

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    Great secluded spot in the woods

    Great spot because it's so secluded in the forest. 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 at least 4 other campsite off this road at different points if you keep driving. Some of them are more or less level and more or less muddy. This one was the best, but there are lots of options. All of them are commonly used because there are ashes from fires. There's a moderate amount of trash at most of them.

    Requires a Discovery Pass. I bought a day pass for $12 online since I don't need the annual pass. They tell you to write the date and order number in large print on a piece of paper and put it on your dash. No one came to check my pass though (in January, so it's the off season)

    You have to take a dirt road to reach the campsite, but it is pretty well maintained. The only difficulty I encountered were two points where a few inches of road were a bit washed out. They were small enough that I could manage them alright in a 2WD van that had normal clearance. So most cars could probably manage them.

    There's a small trail behind this spot that that leads to the creek, which is nice. Other than that, you can hike along the dirt roads, but there aren't any actual hiking trails that I found. I saw a porcupine for the first time while wandering one of the side roads! I didn't drive up to Snag Lake.

  • Gerard R.
    Jul. 24, 2020

    South Lake

    Quiet Lake

    South Lake is fairly small, I consider it more of a pond to be honest, but a great place for disperse camping. The quickest drive in is a bit sketchy. I recommend taking a slight slower route to avoid scratches on your vehicle from branches. We checked out a few dispersed sites before we picked our spot. We managed to get a spot that was a 1 minute walk to the water, and about the same to the vaulted toilets. The vaulted toilet is on the NW side of the lake. It must’ve been checked often for toilet paper because we were there for 4 nights and it always had some in there.

    We caught trout every day we were there. Most are small but was fun nonetheless. There is an old boat without a motor tied up for anyone to use. Only had one ore that was half broke but it still managed to get us across the water 🤷🏻‍♂️. We found a decent amount of firewood, just have to make sure it’s try if course. It’s all hidden below the ferns/greenery. No picnic tables or metal fire rings but who needs them? Plenty of rocks for a fire pit were already set up. Plenty of shade. Only downside was precious campers leaving toilet paper near the trees when you are literally a minute or less walk to the vaulted toilet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2023

    Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight

    Amazing Hike!!

    This place was beautiful!! Definitely best for car camping as the spots down by the river were pretty wet and muddy this time of year. The waterfall is amazing and only a 15 minute hike down! The only reason this place got lower than a 5 star is because of all the trash near the parking lot. Too beautiful of a place to be used as a dump!! Definitely used as a party spot but aside from this it’s worth the visit!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    4WD Ideal

    Great camp spot for the night; would have gotten 5 stars had I been able to experience the view. The road in was a little bumpy and in some parts an incline but nothing my Ram 3500 and teardrop couldn’t handle. We followed recommendation from a previous review and followed the road until it ended for the best spot. It was a concrete pad so set up for the teardrop was easy. We were the only campers that we are aware of; very quiet night. No trash on site. Sadly due to the cloud coverage and rain we did not stick around for breakfast but imagine on a clear day a slow morning taking in the sights would be nice.

    Front and 4WD ideal; site fit my 42 foot truck/camper very well.

  • Ariel & John W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2020

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Remote, wild, beautiful

    This is for dispersed camping in the Siuslaw NF off Forest Road 55, off 101. Turn into 55 from 101 between Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn. There is a FS paid campground (Cape Perpetua Campground) right off FS 55.

    If you follow 55 about 10 miles in, there are lots of established boondocking spots at around 4000 elevation. Additionally there are unmapped logging roads which can also be explored for camping.

    Scenery is spectacular, lots of wildlife, deer, elk, coyote, and amazing old growth forests. No amenities of any kind, no cell service.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2023

    Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Coordinates go to a no access area

    The 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.

Guide to Tillamook State Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tillamook State Forest in Oregon, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. This area offers a variety of camping experiences, from scenic overlooks to secluded forest retreats.

Scenic Overlook Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy breathtaking views at the Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek, where you can park and take in the stunning landscape.
  • This spot is perfect for those looking to unwind while surrounded by nature, providing a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle.
  • The area is accessible via a drive-in route, making it convenient for both tent and RV campers.

Unique Experiences While Free Camping Near Tillamook State Forest

  • For a truly memorable experience, visit the Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, where you can unplug and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
  • Campers have reported seeing the northern lights, making it an ideal location for stargazing and enjoying the night sky.
  • The site offers a variety of routes to explore, ensuring that every visit can lead to new adventures in the great outdoors.

Wildlife Encounters for Nature Enthusiasts

  • At the Trask River Campsites, you can experience the thrill of wildlife sightings, including deer and other forest creatures.
  • This area provides river access, allowing for fishing and other water activities, making it a great spot for those who enjoy both land and water adventures.
  • The campsite is well-reviewed for its cleanliness and privacy, making it a perfect retreat for families and solo campers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at South Lake dispersed area in Tillamook?

South Lake offers minimal amenities as it's primarily a dispersed camping area. The small lake (described by some as more of a pond) provides fishing opportunities with several pullout spots suitable for car camping, vans, and small trailers. There are no developed facilities like restrooms, potable water, or garbage service. Access requires navigating challenging forest roads with potholes and narrow sections - 4WD vehicles are recommended. The road in can be rough with branches that may scratch vehicles, so taking the slightly longer route is advised to avoid vehicle damage. Plan to pack out all waste and bring everything you need, including water.

Is free camping available in Tillamook State Forest?

Yes, free dispersed camping is available throughout Tillamook State Forest. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous no-cost options accessible via forest service roads. Many sites can be found past the OHV staging area near Jones Creek campground. North Fork Trask also provides free dispersed camping opportunities. Remember that dispersed camping follows pack-in, pack-out principles - there are no services or facilities. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics, properly extinguish campfires, and be aware that some areas may have seasonal closures or restrictions during fire season or logging operations.

Where is dispersed camping allowed in Tillamook State Forest?

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout Tillamook State Forest along forest service roads and designated areas. Popular locations include Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed, which offers secluded sites with minimal traffic and good stargazing. Beaver Falls Trailhead - Overnight provides spots near the river and access to a waterfall via a short hike. Additional dispersed camping can be found at Cole Mt Ridge, accessible via dirt roads. Most dispersed sites are located off forest roads, typically marked by established fire rings. Be prepared for primitive conditions and check current forest conditions, as some areas may be temporarily closed for logging operations.

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