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Best Dispersed Camping near Wheeler, OR

70 Reviews

Tillamook State Forest offers several dispersed camping areas within 30 minutes of Wheeler, Oregon, primarily accessible via gravel forest service roads. Sites are clustered along Cedar Creek Road, with additional options at Cole Mountain Ridge and near Cannon Beach. Most sites feature established fire rings and accommodate both tents and small RVs, though no amenities are provided - no toilets, drinking water, or trash service.

Road conditions vary significantly, with many routes requiring careful navigation. A recent visitor noted, "The road is gravel, pretty well maintained. There are a lot of pull-off roads, not sure if you can go down all of them." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the more remote sites, particularly after wet weather. Several camping areas offer scenic mountain views, though some locations experience noise from ATVs and dirt bikes, especially on weekends. Most sites operate on a first-come basis, with better availability on weekdays. Fire restrictions commonly apply during summer months.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Wheeler, Oregon (21)

    1. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Tillamook State Forest, OR
    16 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."

    2. Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    3 Reviews
    Wheeler, OR
    7 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."

    3. Cole Mt Ridge

    4 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    14 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!"

    4. Dispersed Camping Near Cannon Beach

    5 Reviews
    Tolovana Park, OR
    14 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."

    5. soapstone lake trail dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Arch Cape, OR
    12 miles

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

    6. Trask River Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    23 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."

    7. North Fork Trask

    2 Reviews
    Tillamook, OR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (503) 842-2545

    "I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."

    8. South Lake

    16 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    35 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. Siuslaw National Forest Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Beaver, OR
    26 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "If it's dry then there is even more room. There was plenty of firewood but we had to get the fire going before burning the wet stuff."

    10. East Summit Rd dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Tolovana Park, OR
    13 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wheeler, OR

57 Photos of 21 Wheeler Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wheeler, OR

70 Reviews of 21 Wheeler 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.

  • 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.

  • EThe Dyrt ADMIN User
    May. 29, 2025

    Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek

    360 views!

    This was a really fantastic campsite! Definitely quite the long and slow drive up a narrow backcountry road - steep in sections but overall quite manageable. There are a few options up here but one really phenomenal site with wide ranging views. Be weary that it is a long drive to get here and no way to tell if there's sites available until you do the entire drive up. No water up here.

Guide to Wheeler

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wheeler, Oregon, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Wheeler

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Trask River Campsites

  • The Trask River Campsites offer river access and a fire pit, making it a great choice for those who enjoy fishing and campfires.
  • Located in a more private area, this spot allows for a peaceful retreat while still being close to dirt bike parking for those looking to ride.
  • With no permits required, you can easily set up camp and enjoy the natural beauty without the hassle of reservations.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Wheeler, Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wheeler, OR?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wheeler, OR is Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 dispersed camping locations near Wheeler, OR, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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