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.
"We spent only one night here (approx. 45°41'49.5"N 125°44'18.1"W) in a lovely clearing featuring a metal fire ring. Sites are designated, but free for use up to 14 days."
"Camped out for a night in designated camp site #3. Lots of room for Cars and a couple spots to pitch a tent. A bit rocky, but we used shovel to dig out a more comfortable spot."
"These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots.
There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups."
"Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles."
$5 / night
"There is a narrow path towards the river, first we thought we might gonna get stuck, but it immediately opened up to a spacious big area where 2-3 cars/RVs could easily fit."
"The drive through the forest is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t camp at the River but I will be back. It’s a big area.I’m pretty sure Boondocking is allowed all around this area."
$15 / night
"This is a great site if you like "rustic" (which we do) since the sites are walk in-only. Adorable sites with picnic tables, fire rings and just enough privacy."
"First of all, it is an easy enough drive from Portland, about an hour or so."
"This is my new absolutely favorite Oregon campground."
"Elk Creek Campground in Oregon is a real paradise for those looking for peace and unity with nature."
$15 - $20 / night
"I showed up around 3pm on a Friday and was barely able to find a walk-in tent site. All the car-accessible sites were taken and the only reservable site is the group spot."
"There are many river acess points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big."
$15 / night
"I also liked that it was $15 (vs the $20 of Henry Rierson nearby)."
$15 / night
"You walk down about three city blocks to this penisular oasis, where you’re treated to tall trees, a nice variety of sites and plenty of beautific water scenes."
$25 - $45 / night
"The campsites are nice with a fire pit and picnic table, spaced out enough that you're not right on top of each other.. The price is also very reasonable.."
"If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! Even during Covid! "
"Fun spot on the Oregon coast. Very clean. Loved the spaces, cement pads for your outdoor living. Good Wi-Fi. Friendly staff."
"I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals. I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful."
TravelerI love this campground.
Specifically, I love site number 10.
There are 23 sites at this campground, though sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 ‘first come, first served’. To get to the campground, you’re going to be working on the far left side of the Welcome Center parking lot. They have allotted several parking spots there, as well as a huge parking area for other cars and trailers. Once you park, grab your gear and hike on down that path straight ahead! If you have. A lot of gear they have three carts available to haul everything out in one go.
The trail to the camp is about 1/4 mile, it’s dirt in some places and gravel in others. The trail is very easy, you go down a ways, and then hit a gradual short climb to the few station. If you haven’t paid online (reserved spot), you will need to fill in the information on one of the provided permits, write down your car infix, put the fee in, and drop it in the box. (Right now the sites are $11/night). Place the white top copy on your dashboard (yes, you have to hike back out there. I know, I know.) OR: You can skip all of that, set up camp in your chosen (non-reserved) spot, and go pay at the welcome center drop box. Saves you a trip.
When you’re done with all of that and want to find your spot, there are two trails; one on each side of the fee board. The left goes through sites 23 and up. The right side starts with site 1. It's just one gigantic loop so whichever way you choose will lead you to the right spot.
I was in site 10, and took the left: this ended up being the long yet scenic choice.
There are communal fire rings in the back section (which is great for groups!). There are no trash cans: pack it in, pack it out. There are pit toilets available: aka, outhouses. The doors lock, there's hand sanitizer provided. Going into the pit toilets, and then coming out really makes you appreciate the fresh air of the great outdoors.
The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel. Sleeping pads are a blessing, but so are nicely stacked lead piles in a pinch. Tent stakes require a little oomph, I just use the ball of my shoe to push it into the ground.
If there's one thing you want to pack, it's bug spray. It's not overly buggy, but the mosquitoes are there, and you don't want them to dampen your experience! Be on the safe side.
There are no food storage lockers, you cannot leave food out on the tables. You are still in the wilderness, and you are in bear/cougar territory. Hang your bags, or go throw your food back in trunk of your car. Best case scenario is you wake up to some trash pandas ransacking your site if you leave food out.
Overall, this has become one of my favorite spur-of-the-moment camping spots and I come back twice a week.
LegendAgreed, the secret’s out. 80% full on the last Friday (9/14) of the season. Was featured on a TV show about 3 years ago and a popular camping book gives it a scenic rating of 10/10, though I wouldn’t go quite that high. The friendly, professional camp host told me not to write a review-“don’t do that, it’s too busy already!” 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 open), Cook Creek (designated dispersed sites), Henry Rierson Spruce Run (larger, more open, right off both road and Nehalem River, with good hikes right there) and Morrison Eddy (my favorite). A Tillamook State Forest Recreation Guide will show you the way. But Nehalem Falls would always work because it has the right mix of fantastic tree cover, decent vegetation between spots, a walk-in campsite area, and being right off the small but self-important Nehalem Falls, set in a picturesque curvy rock valley replete with swimming holes. The whole Nehalem River valley is gorgeous, with minimal traffic noise.
LegendThis is my new absolutely favorite Oregon campground. Located within the Tillamook State Forest, Elk Creek campground has about a dozen or so sites located on a slight incline heading down to where the sweet, beautiful little Elk creek and the larger Wilson River converge. The sites are decent size though not huge, and are surrounded by beautiful trees, ferns and greenery. Some sites have more privacy, and since it is first come-first served, obviously best to get here early or before the weekend to snag a spot (which are only $10/night). We spent most of our time on the Elk Creek side since we have kiddos and the stream was the perfect size for playing and swimming without the stress of a larger river.
Pros: Beautiful. Fun creek for kids to play in. Great location only 28 miles from Tillamook. Love the sites and price ($10).
Cons: Walk-in only, which is great if you're in a tent, but out-of-luck if you're in a trailer or RV. Elk Creek is also day-use, so people heading to the creek or river will be walking by your site all day (though not too crowded when we were there).
Facilities: Two vault bathrooms (decently clean) but no showers. Fire pits. New picnic tables. Hand-pump water.
GuideBeing a new visitor to WA, we wanted to spend our first night in the middle of nowhere and this did it.
A bit of a climb for our truck camper so 4x4 was handy. There were some lower tree branches but easy to (delicately) pull to the side to get by. The road is 1 lane, gravel but nicely maintained. Not many areas to pull over so go slow and prepare to back up if necessary.
It's first come, first serve with no hookups or trash service but there is a bathroom. There's a couple spots for a bigger truck camper like ours and a handful of secluded tent sites you can walk to from the parking area. The tent sites we saw had a fire ring (fire ban in place right now) and a picnic table all nestled in the trees and ferns. There's 1 main place to fish from and several little nooks as well. There's a LOT of old, picturesque trees/ stumps in the lake, hence the name. A gentleman we met said the lake is stocked and our son caught some rainbow trout (approx 8 inches) so we put them back to get bigger for the next person.
There's also paths to enjoy a walk through the trees.
As far as cell service, we had great Verizon signal and there's a cell tower over the top of the trees so that explains that. 🙂
You need a Discovery Pass to camp here but it's either $10 a night at various campgrounds around WA (so I read) or $30 for the annual pass.
Enjoy and please pack it in, pack it out. It was a really nice campsite so let's keep it that way. Thanks!
Snag Lake Campground (360) 577-2025 https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmQbRypN42ciJemCA
LegendCampground Review: Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp
Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp is one of 3 campgrounds within Stub Stewart State Park, and the only one that really feels like you’re actually camping out in the woods – because you are.
The tent only hike in camp isn’t a long haul from the parking area at the welcome center – it’s about ¼ mile and the trail into the campground is mostly gravel. There are carts available for hike in campers to use at the campground trailhead if needed. Note that if you’re using a cart, that the walk in is uphill.
The campground area is wooded and each site has a picnic table. There are pit toilets and a water point. There are not fire pits in the sites—the fire pit areas are shared in central places in the campground. Some of the sites have a lot more privacy than others. I was camping in an unusually warm mid-week in May so the campground was mostly empty.
I chose Site 1 because it had a good place for my hammock. If the campground had been full, I’d have picked a site a lot further in since the first few sites are right along the single trail that all campers/hikers would be using. Some of the sites can be reserved in advance, and some are always open for walk ups.
The self-registration is at the campground, NOT at the trailhead, so you’ll have to hike in, register, and then return your camping receipt to your car. If you’re paying with cash, bring your money on the first hike in. You can also pay with your credit card number.
There are lots of trails directly accessible from the campground including the Banks-Vernonia Bike Trail as well as other hiking, biking and equestrian trails. I had a nice run on the Bumping Knots Loop.
Product Review: The PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove
As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get to test and evaluate quality products from amazing sponsors. On this camping trip, I tested out the Primus LITE+ backpacking stove. https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010
I’ve been in the market for a backpacking stove for awhile, looking for a lightweight and simple to setup option, so I was excited to get to test out the Primus LITE+. I opted for the .5L pot because I often camp solo (there is also a PRIMUS LITE XL version with a 1L pot available), Also, you can purchase the XL pot separately as an accessory which will give me more options when camping with a partner.
Here are my opinions on the PRIMUS LITE+ after using it for one camping trip to make dinner and breakfast:
PROS:
Boils Fast: The PRIMUS LITE+ stove is incredible at the most basic things it needs to be good for: boiling water fast! In under 2 minutes start to finish you can assemble the stove and bring your water to a boil. Plus, fast boiling means you aren’t using a lot of fuel.
Size/Weight: The whole stove system packs into itself and is about the size of a large mug including the fuel canister. I can fit the entire thing into the side pocket of my backpack. With the canister it weighs about a pound.
Pot Versatility: The pot that comes with the PRIMUS LITE+ locks to the stove giving it a good wind shield, and allowing you to hang the pot to boil if you don’t have even terrain. The XL pot which is sold separately also attached to the same setup. If you aren’t backpacking and want to use another pan or pot, there are small pegs which screw into the stove top to allow you to use any cooking set up. The pegs are stored in the handle of the stove so you don’t lose them.
Accessories: I haven’t gotten it yet, but the LITE+ has a coffee press attachment so you can brew a cup straight in the pot. Always a bonus when a simple attachment means one less thing to carry for your perfect camping setup.
CONS:
Fuel Canister: The smaller canisters needed if you want to pack your fuel into the kit aren’t as readily available at places like Target or Walmart where I can more easily pick up my camping fuel when I’m on the road to camp. If I want to pack it all in to the pot, I’ll need to shop in advance at REI or a specialty outdoor store that carries the smaller canisters.
Insulation: The insulated sleeve on the pot makes it easy to hold and to drink from, but after just a couple of uses it was already getting pretty dirty with coffee and soup debris. It isn’t as easy to keep clean, and since the handle is actually part of the insulation sleeve, you can’t effectively use the pot without it.
It’s Small: Being small is one of the benefits of the stove, but the .5L mug/pot is smaller than I anticipated. While it’s perfect for a solo trip, you’ll want the 1L pot if you’re cooking for more than one.
Overall, Primus LITE+ is a great stove that’s efficient. I’d opt for the bigger size if I were to buy it again, since it would be more versatile with only a little added weight and easier to fit the more readily available fuel cartridge.
LegendThe Dairy Creek Campground at Stub Stewart is a two loop campground. The sites are spacious, but there isn't much character. The East loop is pretty much an open field. The west loop has a few more trees but still not much privacy or space between sites.
Dairy Creek is clean and well maintained, and has great access to the trails and disc golf around the park. If you're in an RV this is a good set up. If you're camping with kids, there's a play area here.
There are a few "walk in" sites where you don't park your car next to your tent, but rather in the parking lot next to the grassy area where the open tent sites are. If you're looking for a better tent camping experience that actually feels like it's in the woods, you're better off going to the hike in campground in the park.
The loops are big and there is parking near the bathroom. This is great if you don't want to walk a long way, but it's bad if you've got the campsite near the bathroom with all the cars coming and going.
RangerIn brief: quieter campground, good for families, small groups, dog owners and hikers.
If you love being lulled to sleep by the sound of waves, this is your spot. The Pacific ocean sang us to sleep each night.
But enough poetics, this is one of the comfiest beach access campgrounds within an hour-ish of Portland. Large tent sites leave plenty of room for you to bring a buddy or to pop out extra lawn chairs.
When we were there the only showers available were over in the RV area but they were clean, private and warm - car camping jackpot! We saw the park staff cleaning the restroom at regular intervals and there was always toilet paper. Fire rings have grill bars on top for hotdogs and that perfect baked potato.
There are always lots of dogs here and while the rangers try to get everyone to keep their pups on leash in camp, be prepared for a surprise sniff or two. Plenty of firewood for sale - and the ecological importance of not bringing your own is pretty big unless you live nearby.
In the summer months expect kids to be riding their bikes and scooting through the park loop Dawn to dusk but at least they are outside!
We've been here in the winter months and it is much quieter, if a cloudy day is your thing then that's a good time for you to go as well.
We always scout out the whole grounds for future trips and take notes on our favorite spots, I'll include some of those below:
D circle
55 and 54 spacious private
42 full shade lots of trees full shade smaller Camp pad
32 Shady Tree filled has a climbing log. Room for multiple tents privacy longer driveway
27 much wider cement pad room for at least three tents 26 right next door both pretty open and connected
67 has hammock trees and room from multiple tents.
Backside of D loop will be great for summer heat
ScoutElk Creek Campground in Oregon is a real paradise for those looking for peace and unity with nature. I stumbled upon this place quite by accident when I was vacationing on the LuckyTrunk website. I saw a photo of this campsite in the ad block, and something inside me made me immediately add it to the list of places worth visiting. And I was right- this place left an unforgettable impression. Elk Creek is located near Highway 6, which makes it easily accessible even for those who are not used to long-distance travel. The campsite is located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, surrounded by majestic Douglas firs that create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony. There is no city noise or bustle here- only nature, fresh air and tranquility. The peculiarity of this campsite is its simplicity and convenience. All tent sites are pedestrianized, which adds to the sense of privacy. Each campsite is well screened by trees, has its own parking, a fire pit with a grill for cooking, and a special platform for a tent. Although there are no RV hookups, many sites are suitable for small trailers or campers.
RangerGreat spot to go if everything else is full which it was, first time we've ever headed to the coast with no reservations in an act of "spontaneity" or "adventure". I advise against doing that in the summer, lol.
Key Points:
For an RV oriented place, the campgrounds are pretty okay. There aren't site numbers or designators, it's just pretty much anywhere on the grass that has a picnic table. There were at least a dozen sites that we could see and we got the impression that you could really pitch a tent anywhere as long as you didn't try to move the fire rings or disturb the RV folks, we were literally instructed "just stay on the grass".
There is definitely a mixture of long-time residents and short term weekend warriors in the RVs themselves which I always find interesting. In one site we had a family in a rental RV rolling in from Cali and in another site, there was a shirtless old man playing with bubbles and blasting Spanish opera music. If you use the expression "variety is the spice of life" then you might enjoy it here. If camping alongside folks who live in their older RVs 24/7/365 makes you uncomfortable, then this won't be the place for you. There is a Harley riding resident who seems to make a lot of motorcycle trips in the day but not late into the night and not early AM, everything was peaceful and quiet by 10pm.
Additionally, if you are a camper that doesn't want nature too much in their face, this may not be the place for you either, there are a butt-ton of coyotes in the area and we had some stubborn garter snakes in the site that didn't seem fazed by us at all.
This fella did a great drone video of the grounds, you can get an idea of all the options for water play options with the river:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTkGoLyQv_g
Lots of fishing access though we didn't get a chance to try it, we could see 'em swimming which is always promising.
We will probably come back here if we have plans to kayak as it is easy, gentle access to the river and we know we'll have a basecamp and a hot shower (albeit a paid one) to paddle back to. Other than that, we'll probably only come here if Cannon is full.
Tent camping near Tillamook State Forest in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by lush forests and scenic rivers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tillamook State Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tillamook State Forest is Cook Creek with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Tillamook State Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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