Walton's forests create natural buffers that protect dispersed camping areas from coastal winds. Sites near Walton allow campers to explore both inland forests and coastal dunes within a 40-mile radius. The area's multiple recreation sites accommodate various camping styles from primitive tent sites to glamping retreats with seasonal operations typically running May through September.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Water activities are possible at Whittaker Creek Recreation Site where shallow areas provide safe places for children. "The creek if fun to play around in and you can walk all the way to the Siuslaw river with a small dammed up area where the day use area is," reports Andrea R., adding that "there is also a small boat ramp near that is used moderately."
**Catch crawdads: Several creek-adjacent camping areas offer crawdad catching opportunities for visitors. "Crawdads are plentiful in the river (this is the invasive species that the alert is for)," notes Dave B. at Whittaker Creek. Another camper, Skyler A., confirms it's "a good place to catch some crawdads!"
**Hiking options: Trails range from moderate to challenging across campgrounds in the area. At Hult Pond, one visitor mentions "plenty to explore if you aren't worried about a little elevation in your hike," while the Whittaker ridge old growth trail gains "900 ft. in a mile, so not the easiest for young kids."
What campers like
**Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural vegetation that creates separation at Harbor Vista Campground. "The tall vegetation provided great privacy from other campers," writes one reviewer, while another notes that "each campsite is very secluded with bushes and trees all around."
**Off-grid experience: Limited connectivity appeals to campers seeking disconnection. At Hult Pond Recreation Area, visitors note the complete absence of cell service: "We lost cell service about an hour before we even got there, and didn't have any the whole time there," explains Grace A., making it "great to just get away from it all."
**Seasonal peace: Timing affects crowding levels significantly. One Hult Pond visitor reports: "I went during my spring break and I was lucky that it was too cold for most people to camp there. It was beautiful and quiet (other than the 9pm daily goose choir)."
What you should know
**Campground maintenance varies: Some sites receive more attention than others. Whittaker Creek receives mixed reviews, with one camper noting it's "old and not maintained. The pit toilets are clean and the access to the creek is great," while another describes it as having "a little 'walking dead' feel to it as everything is overgrown."
**Weather preparedness: Coastal influence creates variable conditions. The Clay Creek Recreation Site trail is described as having "so many weeds and other brush that frequently went over the trail so you kinda had to wade through it," showing seasonal overgrowth challenges.
**Road access challenges: Remote locations mean difficult driving conditions to some sites. Clay Creek's access road is "super super narrow and winding. Scary to drive-don't drive at night! Potholes in some areas and branches have fallen onto the road," warns Lauren A.
Tips for camping with families
**Wading areas: Shallow water features provide safe play zones for children. Emily L. at Whittaker Creek notes "the water is safe for little kids, as it is dammed and slow moving," making it ideal for families with young children.
**Playground access: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park offers structured recreation options. While it lacks traditional playgrounds, a reviewer notes "they offer the Junior Ranger Program to occupy kiddos which is great!"
**Tent space considerations: Family-sized tents require adequate clearance and space. At Clay Creek, one camper advises to "be mindful of the lower hanging branches on the tree surrounding the tent pad" and suggests bringing "a mallet" as they "had a tough time getting stakes for the small sun shade tent into the ground."
Tips from RVers
**Site selection strategy: Larger RVs require careful placement at certain campgrounds. At Thousand Trails South Jetty, experienced RVers suggest: "look at the entire campground before you pick your spot!" One camper learned this lesson after setting up in a muddy area before discovering "the high-side of the campground, much bigger, much drier sites."
**Backing challenges: Harbor Vista requires maneuvering skills. "Site 25 if you're wondering where we stayed exactly. Our picnic table was situated in the rear of the site," notes one RVer who had a "small problem getting the slide out on the driver's side while simultaneously lowering the entry steps on the passenger side."
**Size limits: Some campgrounds restrict larger vehicles. Clay Creek is noted as "a bit tricky to find" with a reviewer mentioning "it wasn't a drive in site, but the parking lot next to the site was where I parked," indicating limited direct vehicle access for larger RVs or trailers.
