Vernonia camping options sit within the Tillamook State Forest at elevations between 600-800 feet, experiencing mild summers around 75°F and wet winters with 60+ inches of annual rainfall. The region features second-growth forests of Douglas fir, western hemlock and red cedar that regenerated after the devastating Tillamook Burn fires of the 1930s-40s. Most glamping accommodations near Vernonia remain open year-round but require advance reservations during peak summer months.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: 21+ miles at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park offer varied terrain for all skill levels. "There are lots of hiking, biking, and horse trails. They even have a disc golf course within the park," notes a camper who appreciated the extensive trail system.
River activities: fishing and wading: The Nehalem River at Nehalem River Park & Campground provides excellent water access. "Lots of trees to tie up a hammock and a great shallow river for wading and playing," writes one visitor who found it surprisingly enjoyable with children.
Stargazing opportunities: On clear nights, local astronomy groups often host events at select parks. "Local astronomy groups often host star gazing events when the night sky is clear for various meteor showers or other astronomical events of interest," mentions a camper who enjoyed these organized gatherings.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers value secluded spots. At Camp Wilkerson, "My partner and I had a relaxing time camping... staying overnight on a Saturday and Sunday in August. Since the camp is planned predominantly as a youth recreation center, I was a bit worried that it would be a pretty loud campsite due to lots of kids running around. That was not the case for us!"
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and showers are well-maintained at many parks. "Clean bathrooms, one women's shower. Walk to Mt. St. Helens visitor center. Very shaded and dense forest," notes a visitor to Seaquest State Park.
Woodsy, green atmosphere: The lush surroundings create a peaceful environment. "The atmosphere is very green and lush. Outhouses are present but no showers and fire pits are communal and conveniently placed between the site subgroups," writes a visitor who appreciated the natural setting at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park.
What you should know
Mosquitoes can be problematic: Bring plenty of repellent, especially near water. "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!"
Limited cell service: Most parks have minimal connectivity. At Gales Creek Campground, a camper advises, "I love this campground it's about 40 minutes from Portland and is a perfect retreat from the city life; that being said there is no cell service whatsoever."
Varied shower availability: Some parks offer better facilities than others. "The lower bathroom is old and needs updated. The showers are free but the water just sprays everywhere and you have to keep pushing the button for more water. The upper bathrooms are amazing and worth the walk near the horse camp," explains a Camp Wilkerson visitor.
Site reservation recommendations: Popular glamping close to Vernonia, Oregon fills quickly, especially yurts and cabins. "We were fortunate to get a yurt (number 7) for one night in July as a walk in. The ranger was shocked as they are usually sold out months in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks have dedicated play areas for children. At Fort Stevens State Park, "We just got back from our week long camping trip and like always it was fun. We have been there multiple times, it's one of my favorites. So much for kids to do from exploring, riding bikes, fishing and going to the amphitheater for some stories."
Junior Ranger programs: Educational activities keep children engaged. A Seaquest State Park visitor shared, "At night the campground had a great Junior Ranger program with a very enthusiastic park ranger that kept the almost 50 people/kids entertained. She was great at engaging all the kids and teaching them about the park, highly recommend this for anyone bringing kids."
Paved biking paths: Safe areas for children to ride. "Good paved loop for kids to ride bikes. All stores are back in but there's a decent bit of room between stores, especially compared to some PNW coast campgrounds," mentions a visitor to Nehalem Bay State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose locations away from noise when possible. "The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi. We had a clear shot to the north sky for Starlink, but it's doubtful we'd get a southern sky shot from this site due to the mature trees."
Leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven sites. A visitor to Big Eddy Park notes, "This is a nice small campground right off the main road. You can see cars go by and see neighboring houses from many camp spots. Might be ok for a stop in between for a night but if you are looking for an away from it all campground this isn't it."
Drier options for early/late season glamping: When seeking luxury camping near Vernonia during shoulder seasons, look for heated accommodations. "Stayed the night in one of their small cabins, very nice sat outside by the fire and just watched the stars, this is a primary horse camp and is surrounded by trails, seen a heard of elk on one of my hikes," shares a Camp Wilkerson visitor.
