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Best Dispersed Camping near Tolovana Park, OR

81 Reviews

Dispersed camping options near Tolovana Park include several primitive sites in the surrounding Tillamook State Forest and coastal mountain areas. Cole Mountain Ridge and areas near Cannon Beach provide free camping on Forest Service land approximately 20-25 minutes from the coast. Additional dispersed sites can be found along Soapstone Lake Trail and near Foley Creek, where camping is permitted without formal facilities. The Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping area offers a more extensive network of primitive sites, though slightly farther from Tolovana Park.

Access roads throughout these dispersed camping areas consist primarily of gravel and dirt surfaces. Several campers note that while most roads are navigable by standard vehicles, some side routes may require higher clearance. The Cole Mountain area features several pull-offs from the main gravel road, with spots that accommodate 2-4 vehicles at established sites. Most areas have no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas permitting campfires in established fire rings while others prohibit fires entirely. Camping is generally free, with the standard 14-day limit applying to most Forest Service lands.

These mountain forest campsites provide scenic views and relative seclusion within reasonable driving distance to coastal attractions. "Gorgeous spots all over that are accessible in most 4WD/off-road capable vehicles," notes one camper about the Tillamook State Forest area. Sites at Cole Mountain Ridge offer "180 degree views around to the west" according to visitor feedback. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions—some report excellent solitude, while others mention noise from ATVs and dirt bikes in certain areas. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent throughout most dispersed camping areas. Many campers recommend arriving early, especially during summer months, as the more accessible and scenic spots fill quickly despite being dispersed.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Tolovana Park, Oregon (20)

    1. 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!"

    2. 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."

    3. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Arch Cape, OR
    10 miles

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

    4. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    17 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."

    5. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    26 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."

    6. East Summit Rd dispersed

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

    7. Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed

    16 Reviews
    Naselle, WA
    39 miles
    Website

    "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 several spots off the road around these radio tower stations and it is quite secluded. We didn't see any other person the whole time we were there."

    8. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    48 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"

    9. Tillamook Forest Dispersed - Shots and Pecks

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

    10. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    36 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Tolovana Park, OR

60 Photos of 20 Tolovana Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tolovana Park, OR

81 Reviews of 20 Tolovana Park 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!

  • 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.

  • michael K.
    Aug. 8, 2022

    South Lake

    Beautiful Site but..

    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 car campers, vans, etc... I was fortunate and I have a black series off road trailer behind a 4runner, and we were fine. I would not recommend a trailer for this location. great for tents and the lake is ok, not too appealing to us, though.

Guide to Tolovana Park

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tolovana Park, Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Scenic Overlook for dispersed campers

  • The Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
  • This location is accessible by car and provides a free camping experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature without the hassle of reservations.
  • While there are no amenities like showers or toilets, the natural beauty and tranquility of the area more than compensate for it.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Tolovana Park, Oregon

  • When visiting the Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping, be prepared for narrow logging roads and limited access points, which can add an adventurous twist to your camping experience.
  • It's advisable to bring your own water and supplies, as this area lacks drinking water and trash disposal facilities, ensuring you leave no trace behind.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the privacy that comes with dispersed camping, as many spots are tucked away from busy trails and roads.

Dispersed campers should check out Trask River Campsites

  • The Trask River Campsites provide easy river access and a fire pit, making it a great choice for those who enjoy fishing or evening campfires.
  • This location is well-reviewed for its cleanliness and privacy, allowing campers to unwind and connect with nature without disturbances.
  • With no amenities available, campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in this beautiful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tolovana Park, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tolovana Park, OR is Cole Mt Ridge with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tolovana Park, OR?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Tolovana Park, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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