Searching for the best camping near Wilsonville, OR? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Oregon camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"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."
"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"
"This gorgeous trail and dispersed camp is so unrecognizable from the 2021 fires that there is no turn off. May we remember it’s memories!"
"Dispersal camping all year."
"There are several backpacking campsites that are on the water, there is nothing more beautiful than watching the sunrise over the lake with Mt.Hood in the background."
"It's best to come up with a couple backup plans as this is a popular spot! The hike in off the road isn't difficult, and the tent sites are all situated relatively close to the trail."
"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."
"There’s a pretty decent sized gravel turnout… It’s the only big gravel turn out like this on this part of the road … you’ll see what looks like a logging road with a steep decline."
"We found this dispersed site by driving on Mt. Hebo Road about 20 minutes past Hebo Lake Campground."
"I wanted to add videos of the river sites to my other review for this site, but the website wouldn't let me - anyway, the hike has 3 river sites about 1 mile in from the trailhead and they are beautiful"
"We wanted a beginner backpacking trip (10 to 12 miles round trip) close to town - this one is a pretty hike with views at the end (theoretically, we saw fog)."
"I saw a total of 3 designated dispersed camping sites along this road. But there were a ton of pull offs along the river."
TravelerAccessible 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.
RangerMy 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.
LegendWe 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.
TravelerSouth 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.
TravelerDo 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.
TravelerThe exact coordinates for this spot are in a no camping zone so I wouldn’t recommend making the drive all the way up to it. We camped off of the paved road on the way up the mountain off one of the dirt roads. Not a bad spot though but saw plenty of people. There was a bear in the morning which was cool.
LegendLoved this spot. Gorgeous, lots of unique sites. Only downside is incredibly loud atv and dirt bike activity.
These sites are beautiful and really meant for tent camping—but you can park an rv in most of the spots.
There is a vault toilet closer to site 14 but no hookups.
OHV vehicles are incredibly loud and ran throughout the weekend— but I have a feeling it’s very quiet on the week days.
Gorgeous—lovely area, no real amenities or ATT/ Verizon service.
ScoutGreat views, easy drive, AWD car would have been able to make it. The road to South lake was gated off so we used this turn out, there are many along the road. A slight drive on the forest access road leads to the top of the hill. Plenty of dead standing wood for fires.
ScoutIt's basically a few tent spots right off the road you can pull up to with your car. No amenities besides a vault toilet and no fee. Nothing fancy, but really beautiful, clean, nice rangers, and not busy at all. Get ready to dodge loads of potholes and deer as you travel up the gravel roads to get here, though
ALSO we had full data and cell service!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wilsonville, Oregon, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Here are some top spots to consider for your next outdoor getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wilsonville, Oregon dispersed camping allowed?
Dispersed camping is allowed in several areas within driving distance of Wilsonville. South Lake offers dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads with pullouts suitable for car campers and vans, though access requires navigating narrow, bumpy roads. Pioneer Bridle Trail Camp off Hwy 26 provides easily accessible dispersed camping spots near Government Camp with both roadside sites and more secluded options further in. While these areas aren't immediately adjacent to Wilsonville, they're within reasonable driving distance and provide true dispersed camping experiences in national forest lands.
What are the rules for dispersed camping around Wilsonville?
Dispersed camping rules in the areas surrounding Wilsonville include a typical 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. At Hebo Road and similar locations, campers should be aware of designated no-camping zones, which are clearly marked. Mirror Lake area has restrictions on camping at the trailhead itself, with proper dispersed camping allowed only in designated areas away from the parking area. Pack out all trash, maintain at least 100 feet distance from water sources, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during summer months. Many areas require a Northwest Forest Pass or recreation pass for parking.
Are there free camping options near Wilsonville, Oregon?
Yes, there are several free camping options within driving distance of Wilsonville. Tillamook State Forest Dispersed Camping offers numerous no-fee sites accessible via forest roads past the OHV staging area. These gorgeous spots are typically accessible with 4WD/off-road capable vehicles. Another option is Gee Creek Rest Area I-5, which provides basic amenities including water and toilets while being easily accessible for larger vehicles. Most dispersed camping in national forests around Wilsonville follows the standard 14-day stay limit, and sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system.
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