Tent camping near Walton, Oregon offers access to diverse forest landscapes within the Siuslaw National Forest, with elevations ranging from 200 to 4,000 feet. The area receives approximately 80 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush, dense vegetation throughout the Coast Range. Most primitive campsites can be found along Forest Service roads where fallen leaves and pine needles provide natural padding for tent setup.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Visit Alsea Falls where a moderate 2-mile trail leads to Green Peak Falls. A camper noted, "This is a cozy little BLM managed campground with 16 total sites. Two are group sites, and only some sites can be reserved via recreation.gov."
Fishing opportunities: The Alsea River Getaway provides direct riverbank access for salmon fishing. According to one visitor, "On the alsea river bank can fish for salmon from location. Very private and relaxing way to get a way from the city."
Mountain views: During summer months, drive to Marys Peak for panoramic vistas. A camper shared, "On a clear day you can see snow cap mountains and the ocean in July." The peak offers several well-maintained hiking trails through old-growth forest.
What campers like
Peace and solitude: Many campers appreciate the quiet environment at Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek. One reviewer mentioned, "We found a spot at the end of the road that opened up a little bit more than other sites. There were others around here and not a huge amount of site options."
Authentic forest experience: Visitors enjoy the immersive forest setting. A camper at Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping described, "I drove back in a few miles and camped along the road, in some old growth forest. It was dark, and I mean truly dark in there when you shut off your lights off, and silent as a tomb."
Non-motorized water recreation: Hult Reservoir prohibits motorized boats, creating a peaceful environment for paddling. A visitor commented, "No motorized boats. Dispersed camping. Excellent hidden creek water. Restroom open during camping season."
What you should know
Vehicle access challenges: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Suislaw National Forest Dispersed Camping, a camper warned, "It's a small road through the forest with a few pull off spots along the way. Nothing particularly interesting here, just trees. Can be difficult to find a spot without having to drive pretty far into the forest."
Limited campsite availability: The most accessible sites fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. At Alsea Falls, one camper observed, "One of my favorite sites, but recently it has become super crowded on any summer days. I was lucky to snag a site at 1 pm on a July weekday."
Seasonal considerations: Winter access is limited due to snow at higher elevations. A Marys Peak visitor noted, "The winter does close this early, depending on the amount of snow that falls."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Stoney Acres Farmstead offers a more controlled environment for families new to tent camping. A visitor shared, "This place is beautiful, the owners are the nicest people."
Trail difficulty awareness: Some trails may be challenging for young children. A camper at Alsea Falls cautioned, "The hiking trails can be challenging in parts so beware if you have small kiddos."
Weather preparation: The area experiences significant temperature variations between day and night. At Marys Peak, a camper advised, "Can get cold at night since it is at a higher altitude and weather changes quickly."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Most forest campgrounds have compact sites unsuitable for larger RVs. One camper at Alsea Falls noted, "Sites are few and are pretty small so if you have a larger rig you might want to pass on this one."
Road access restrictions: Forest roads can be narrow and difficult to navigate. A visitor to Forest Road 51 cautioned, "Narrow and unpaved road. Very narrow, My trailer could barely fit through and there was only a three-way intersection inside to make a U-turn."
Alternative parking strategies: Some RVers find success parking at wider pull-offs along main forest roads. Near Beaver Creek, a camper suggested, "I probably wouldn't do this if I had a trailer or an rv, but my toyota Corolla did just fine."
