The tent campsites near Warren, Oregon sit within the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests, where elevations range from 200 to 3,000 feet above sea level. This region receives significant rainfall, averaging 70-100 inches annually, creating lush forest conditions with dense understory vegetation. Most primitive camping areas restrict fires during summer months when humidity drops below 30% and temperatures rise above 75°F.
What to do
Swimming in natural spots: At Elk Creek Campground, the Wilson River offers excellent swimming options. "The water was very cold, but refreshing on a hot day," notes michelle A., who enjoyed "seeing the newts, crawdads, fish, and tadpoles" while swimming at the campsite.
Mountain biking trails: The network of trails through Tillamook State Forest provides challenging terrain for cyclists. "There are tons of outdoor activities to partake in," says Ashley F. about Four Directions Retreat, located near several popular biking routes that connect to the forest trail system.
Paddling opportunities: For water enthusiasts, boat-in camping presents unique experiences. Ryan W. describes Sand Island Marine Park as having "lots of dock space" though cautions it "can be a long haul from the boat to the camp site." The island requires planning as there's no detailed signage: "Could use a map of the island and sites."
What campers like
Seclusion from crowds: Tent campers consistently value privacy at Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping. Seth M. describes finding "a little side road that gets a bit narrow and then opens into a beautiful spot," while Michael P. shared: "I setup camp at one of the spots here 3 nights in a row & had no visitors the entire time!"
Water features: Campsites near creeks and rivers rank highly with visitors. According to trena E., Keenig Creek Campground has "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."
Unique camping experiences: Government Island State Recreation Area offers distinctive boat-in camping that appeals to adventurers. Fatima H. explains: "We love camping on the island, as you can only get to it via boat so it is not overly populated. There are no fire pits but you can burn. No potable water, so bring your own."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Fire regulations change throughout the year based on conditions. "Fire regulations vary seasonally, with restrictions often in place during summer months when fire danger is high," applies to most locations in the area, particularly in Tillamook State Forest.
Water planning required: Most dispersed camping areas lack water sources. At Brooke Creek Walk-In Campground, FeSTeR 1. explains their experience: "The walk in and out is nothing but a hill. But that was a small price for the beautiful seclusion."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds sit near highways. Justin P. cautions about Keenig Creek: "Unfortunately, closer to the river meant closer to the highway, too. So we never really got the serenity of a site further off the path." Similarly, dispersed camping in Tillamook State Forest can be noisy: "Only downside is incredibly loud atv and dirt bike activity," notes Amy & Stu B.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for variable facilities: Public toilets vary widely in maintenance. At Sand Island Marine Park, Erik M. found significant cleanliness issues: "The biggest con by far was the lack of cleanliness. We understand toilets are always an issue camping, but these were so bad we couldn't even use them."
Choose accessible sites: For families with small children, consider the distance to carry gear. At JJ Collins Marine Park, accessibility can be challenging as it's "very hard to find" according to Eva W., requiring additional planning for families with young children or mobility concerns.
Look for swimming options: Camps with safe water access provide built-in entertainment. Jessica K. shares about Elk Creek: "The river was an excellent location to play in and in some spots we were able to swim," making it ideal for family outings during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most camping near Warren focuses on tent camping with minimal RV infrastructure. At Healing ponds farm retreat and healing center, RVers will find limited options as Amy S. notes: "We wanted a peaceful camping experience, without any campers around us. That was somewhat what was delivered. However, we wanted to let people know that the one campsite the host have is adjacent to the main road and to their driveway and house."
Road condition awareness: Many forest roads aren't suitable for larger rigs. According to brendan, some Tillamook Forest roads are "very narrow" and require caution "if there's other cars coming through, especially the logging semis."
Consider noise factors: Highway proximity affects some sites more than others. For RVers at Keenig Creek, Julie P. advises: "Don't choose a campsite close to the highway...you will hear every car/truck that goes by! My advice would be to get as close as you can to the river."
