Tillamook State Forest spans 364,000 acres in the northern Coast Range of Oregon, with elevations ranging from 500 to over 3,500 feet. Weather changes rapidly in this mountainous terrain, with annual rainfall exceeding 100 inches in some areas. Tent campsites near Tillamook State Forest typically feature gravel or dirt surfaces with variable shelter from the elements depending on location.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Morrison Eddy, campers enjoy excellent water access from a peninsula setting. "A marvelous tucked-away vibe with greatly reduced traffic considerations... with shade and decent water frontage," notes Bjorn S., highlighting the secluded fishing spots along the waterfront.
Mountain hiking: Steep elevation trails challenge experienced hikers at Elk Creek Campground. A reviewer completed "the Elk Mountain-Elk Creek loop straight out of the campground, covering ~9 miles with ~3,890 feet cumulative elevation gain in ~4 1/2 hours" and recommends adding "the connection to the Kings Mountain summit" for more challenge.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to spot wildlife. At Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River, Jennifer R. reports "we saw a bald eagle down at the river that flew only about 15 feet above the water, and made a return trip before settling in a tall pine tree across the river from us."
Creek swimming: Summer months bring opportunities for cooling off. At Keenig Creek Campground, one camper discovered "a beyond perfect swimming hole, that we all quickly discovered was plenty deep enough to jump off the rock formation next to it. It was busy on a hot saturday afternoon, but not crowded in the least."
What campers like
Separation from neighbors: Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers significant privacy between sites. Kyle B. notes the Cedar Creek Road area has "a nice variety of dispersed camping sites with some good views if you drive far enough, and fairly easy gravel roads for access."
Mountain views: Higher elevation dispersed sites provide unique vantage points. Eric R. describes his experience: "Unreal. Sunrise was one of best I've ever seen, especially with the clouds below." These elevated sites offer perspectives impossible to find at lower elevation campgrounds.
Late arrival options: Several campers report finding sites even with late day arrivals. According to Mariah W. at Cook Creek, "We showed up late-ish on a Saturday worried that the place would be all filled up, but had no trouble finding an open site."
River convergence: At Elk Creek Campground, campsites sit near where smaller waterways join larger ones. Corinna B. describes camping "on a slight incline heading down to where the sweet, beautiful little Elk creek and the larger Wilson River converge."
What you should know
Trash issues: Multiple reviewers mention encountering garbage left by previous visitors. At Cook Creek, Mario S. reports: "Lots of trash around, unfortunate to see, seems like the reviews in the past that this is a common theme around here. We did our best to clean up."
Human waste problems: Beyond general trash, improper disposal of human waste creates challenges. Mariah W. notes that "any time we tried to explore around venturing outside of our campsite, we came upon toilet paper, which especially grossed me out having a small kid in tow."
OHV noise: Jones Creek and other campgrounds experience noise from off-highway vehicles. Katie C. explains: "There are many river access points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance," but other reviewers mention ATV traffic creating noise.
Difficult site selection: Finding the right site can require exploration. At Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River, Corinna B. advises: "These spots look like small dirt driveways or parking spots and the campsites are tamped down enough to be recognizable as a camp site, sometimes with stone fire rings. Beware that there is private land intermixed with the state forest, so look out for 'no trespassing' signs."
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Several campgrounds feature safe water recreation for children. At Keenig Creek Campground, a camper describes discovering "a beyond perfect swimming hole" although they note "the amount of caddisfly larvae in the water- not my favorite little creature to swim with."
Unique accommodations: Families seeking something different can try covered wagons. A reviewer at Twins Ranch LLC shares: "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! My kids went on walks and collected berries, leaves, buds and lots of memories."
Safer creek options: For families with younger children, smaller waterways offer advantages. Corinna B. describes spending "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."
Wildlife education: Use camping as a teaching moment about local species. Michelle A. enjoyed "seeing the newts, crawdads, fish, and tadpoles" while camping at Keenig Creek, providing natural learning opportunities for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing awareness: Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina offers varying site configurations. Josh H. advises: "Spots 1-27 are the tightest I have ever seen, so try to avoid them. 52-58 are right on the Bay, and pretty sizable."
Early arrival recommended: Competition for level spaces can be intense. Jennifer R. reports that at Tillamook Forest Dispersed Camping on the Nehalem River, "Level spots were a little hard to come by, even on a Thursday, but we eventually found one."
Road condition challenges: Access roads vary significantly in quality. At Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, Seth M. advises, "Road is fine and easy. AWD is nice but isn't necessary if the road is fairly dry," suggesting road conditions may worsen during wet periods.
Wi-Fi limitations: Even established RV parks have connectivity constraints. A camper at Netarts Bay RV Park reports: "The only reason it is not a 5 star is the lack of good Wi-fi. There is 'wi-fi' available, but you can only use it for email? Part of why we choose RV parks from time to time vs a state park or dispersement camping is to have access to some amenities."
