Dairy Creek West - L L Stub Stewart State Park, near Buxton, Oregon, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort. The campground offers spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to gather around the fire and enjoy the great outdoors.

Visitors rave about the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities, including accessible drinking water and well-kept restrooms. Many campers appreciate the privacy provided by the vegetation between sites, especially in the lower numbered areas, which creates a more secluded atmosphere. One camper noted, “Sites under number 40 are well spaced and fairly level,” highlighting the thoughtful layout.

For those eager to explore, the campground is surrounded by a network of hiking and biking trails, including access to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. Whether you're hiking through the lush forest or enjoying a leisurely bike ride, there’s plenty to keep you active. Plus, the park often hosts stargazing events, giving you a chance to enjoy the night sky.

While some campers mentioned the presence of bugs, they also noted the tranquility and beauty of the area, making it worth the minor inconvenience. With its combination of well-maintained sites and abundant outdoor activities, Dairy Creek West is a great choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful camping experience.

Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Buxton, OR has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Buxton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Buxton

The Best Camping Near Buxton, Oregon

We LOVE this campground. Quick drive from SE Portland (or bike out all the way on a lovely trail if you are so inclined). We drove up to meet up with friends who biked in so we could camp a few nights. The sites are well situated so that there is enough distance that we could not see our neighbors. The communal fire pit was convenient and wood was provided. The campsite had gravel so we were glad we brought our moving blanket to place under our tent tarp. The trails were extensive and we could hear the brooke!

Bike and Camp...or drive up and walk up

Had a great visit brought the mountain bike to explore the numerous bike trails for all levels of riders, rode to the town of Vernonia all on a paved bike trail plenty to do here for everyone on your list 

The Stubb

Weather: beautiful for February/March! Sunny during the day, highs around 50, close to freezing at night.
Amenities: Difficult disc golf course, and three hole warm-up course, rental meeting hall available with two charcoal BBQs, two welcome centers, rental cabins, big back-in spaces, tons of hiking trails that link up with. Wooded and serene. 
We'd rate this a 7.5.

L. L. Stub Stewart State Park

My husband and I have stayed here twice and both times it has rained. Which is fine but we find it very humorous (and actually really enjoy camping in the rain). The hike in is pretty easy--about a quarter mile down the up. They have carts to help you get all your stuff to your spot in one trip which is very helpful. When we visited, there were at most 2-3 other groups in the area so we were very spread out and had lots of privacy. The atmosphere is very green and lush. Outhouses are present but no showers and fire pits are communal and conveniently placed between the site subgroups. Because you are in a state park you have easy parking, access to a disc golf course, a paved bike trail (Banks-Vernonia Trail) and lots of hiking/mountain biking trails. We plan to return to explore more of the mountain bike trails.

Hike in Camp in the Rain

Went tent camping. Was expecting a bit more of a campsite, but it was just a big field with everybody together. No privacy or trees even blocking other campsites. Not suitable for more than 1 tent or groups. Bathrooms okay, and water was close so thats a plus. Would only stay again if desperate.

Closest campsite to Portland

I love this campground.

Specifically, I love site number 10.

There are 23 sites at this campground, though sites 10-23 are reservable, leaving sites 1-9 ‘first come, first served’. To get to the campground, you’re going to be working on the far left side of the Welcome Center parking lot. They have allotted several parking spots there, as well as a huge parking area for other cars and trailers. Once you park, grab your gear and hike on down that path straight ahead! If you have. A lot of gear they have three carts available to haul everything out in one go.

The trail to the camp is about 1/4 mile, it’s dirt in some places and gravel in others. The trail is very easy, you go down a ways, and then hit a gradual short climb to the few station. If you haven’t paid online (reserved spot), you will need to fill in the information on one of the provided permits, write down your car infix, put the fee in, and drop it in the box. (Right now the sites are $11/night). Place the white top copy on your dashboard (yes, you have to hike back out there. I know, I know.) OR: You can skip all of that, set up camp in your chosen (non-reserved) spot, and go pay at the welcome center drop box. Saves you a trip.

When you’re done with all of that and want to find your spot, there are two trails; one on each side of the fee board. The left goes through sites 23 and up. The right side starts with site 1\. It's just one gigantic loop so whichever way you choose will lead you to the right spot.

I was in site 10, and took the left: this ended up being the long yet scenic choice.

There are communal fire rings in the back section (which is great for groups!). There are no trash cans: pack it in, pack it out. There are pit toilets available: aka, outhouses. The doors lock, there's hand sanitizer provided. Going into the pit toilets, and then coming out really makes you appreciate the fresh air of the great outdoors.

The tent pads are a typical woodsy mix of pine straw, leaves, and loose gravel. Sleeping pads are a blessing, but so are nicely stacked lead piles in a pinch. Tent stakes require a little oomph, I just use the ball of my shoe to push it into the ground.

If there's one thing you want to pack, it's bug spray. It's not overly buggy, but the mosquitoes are there, and you don't want them to dampen your experience! Be on the safe side.

There are no food storage lockers, you cannot leave food out on the tables. You are still in the wilderness, and you are in bear/cougar territory. Hang your bags, or go throw your food back in trunk of your car. Best case scenario is you wake up to some trash pandas ransacking your site if you leave food out.

Overall, this has become one of my favorite spur-of-the-moment camping spots and I come back twice a week.

Serenity in Fauna-Great for Groups too!

We stayed here for about 5 days while we tested out our new trailer prior to a longer cross country trip. We are from Portland and this is a short drive from home.

Sites here are spacious and have picnic tables and firepits. We had room for our 28 foot trailer plus 2 pickups (extra charge for extra vehicle though).

Shower facilities were ok - typical campground facilities in my opinion, but at least it was an actual toilet and hot water in the showers.

Not a ton of privacy at each site, but got some shade during each day and plenty of space to stretch out and cook/eat outside or just sit and chill.

There are miles of hiking trails that are family friendly and the dog park has one of the best views I've ever seen from a dog park.

The camp host we met was super friendly and very helpful. They sell firewood and ice every evening.

spacious sites and good hiking

We stayed in the Cabins here, dog friendly, cozy in the winter months, only a couple dog friendly cabins so have to book ahead of time. Sweet campfire, a bit close together. Nice shorter hikes.

Sweet Cabins, Dog Friendly

This hike in site is great for those who are looking to get away from the RVs and large groups of family campers that are in the other areas of LL Stub Stewart. The bit of a hike in deters most people, but is totally doable. There are also small carts for gear available, as long as they are not all in use. The path is not paved, but is not bad at all. Worth the hike in for the seclusion!

Each site has a picnic table, and the forested area means that you don't feel like you are right on top of one another. We were able to fit two tents in our site, although it was a little bit of a squeeze. The communal fire area gives you a great experience to meet fellow campers, and is large enough that multiple groups can cook at once, as long as you aren't a fire hog! The bugs can get pretty bad, however, so bug spray is a must.

We had to walk the loop twice to find our perfect spot, but we also went during a meteor shower weekend and were lucky to find an empty site at all! LL Stub Stewart is full of great hiking and biking trails, and has a hilltop area that overlooks the park. There is even a small "dog park" area, along with a picnic shelter. Great for finding orchids in the spring, as well as rough skin newts.

Buggy but secluded and super close to Portland

This is a great spot for group camping! The upper area encircles a large open are perfect for games and running around. There is a nice disk golf course and a lot of large paths for waking and biking. Tons of hiking trails and close to Vernonia. The restrooms are clean. There are several ADA sites, cabins, tent soots and even horse sites.


Great for group camping 

This park has breathtaking views and a nice dog park. Most of the time I have the place to myself

Amazing state park with tons of camping 

Most of the time we have the dog park to ourselves 😍

Amazing park 

Mixedfeeling about this place, the trails are great however owners don't clean up after there horses that go on the trail. Beautiful area secluded lots of trees

Hmmmm

**Campground Review: Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp**

Brooke Creek Hike-in Camp is one of 3 campgrounds within Stub Stewart State Park, and the only one that really feels like you’re actually camping out in the woods – because you are.

The tent only hike in camp isn’t a long haul from the parking area at the welcome center – it’s about ¼ mile and the trail into the campground is mostly gravel. There are carts available for hike in campers to use at the campground trailhead if needed. Note that if you’re using a cart, that the walk in is uphill.

The campground area is wooded and each site has a picnic table. There are pit toilets and a water point. There are not fire pits in the sites—the fire pit areas are shared in central places in the campground. Some of the sites have a lot more privacy than others. I was camping in an unusually warm mid-week in May so the campground was mostly empty.

I chose Site 1 because it had a good place for my hammock. If the campground had been full, I’d have picked a site a lot further in since the first few sites are right along the single trail that all campers/hikers would be using.  Some of the sites can be reserved in advance, and some are always open for walk ups.

The self-registration is at the campground, NOT at the trailhead, so you’ll have to hike in, register, and then return your camping receipt to your car. If you’re paying with cash, bring your money on the first hike in. You can also pay with your credit card number.

There are lots of trails directly accessible from the campground including the Banks-Vernonia Bike Trail as well as other hiking, biking and equestrian trails. I had a nice run on the Bumping Knots Loop.

**Product Review: The PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove**

As a Ranger for The Dyrt I sometimes get to test and evaluate quality products from amazing sponsors. On this camping trip, I tested out the Primus LITE+ backpacking stove. [https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010](https://primus.us/products/eta-lite-7?variant=38436885010)

I’ve been in the market for a backpacking stove for awhile, looking for a lightweight and simple to setup option, so I was excited to get to test out the Primus LITE+. I opted for the .5L pot because I often camp solo (there is also a PRIMUS LITE XL version with a 1L pot available), Also, you can purchase the XL pot separately as an accessory which will give me more options when camping with a partner.

Here are my opinions on the PRIMUS LITE+ after using it for one camping trip to make dinner and breakfast:

**PROS**:

Boils Fast: The PRIMUS LITE+ stove is incredible at the most basic things it needs to be good for: boiling water fast! In under 2 minutes start to finish you can assemble the stove and bring your water to a boil. Plus, fast boiling means you aren’t using a lot of fuel.

Size/Weight: The whole stove system packs into itself and is about the size of a large mug including the fuel canister. I can fit the entire thing into the side pocket of my backpack. With the canister it weighs about a pound.

Pot Versatility: The pot that comes with the PRIMUS LITE+ locks to the stove giving it a good wind shield, and allowing you to hang the pot to boil if you don’t have even terrain. The XL pot which is sold separately also attached to the same setup.  If you aren’t backpacking and want to use another pan or pot, there are small pegs which screw into the stove top to allow you to use any cooking set up. The pegs are stored in the handle of the stove so you don’t lose them.

Accessories: I haven’t gotten it yet, but the LITE+ has a coffee press attachment so you can brew a cup straight in the pot. Always a bonus when a simple attachment means one less thing to carry for your perfect camping setup.

**CONS:**

Fuel Canister:  The smaller canisters needed if you want to pack your fuel into the kit  aren’t as readily available at places like Target or Walmart where I can more easily pick up my camping fuel when I’m on the road to camp. If I want to pack it all in to the pot, I’ll need to shop in advance at REI or a specialty outdoor store that carries the smaller canisters.

Insulation: The insulated sleeve on the pot makes it easy to hold and to drink from, but after just a couple of uses it was already getting pretty dirty with coffee and soup debris. It isn’t as easy to keep clean, and since the handle is actually part of the insulation sleeve, you can’t effectively use the pot without it.

It’s Small: Being small is one of the benefits of the stove, but the .5L mug/pot is smaller than I anticipated. While it’s perfect for a solo trip, you’ll want the 1L pot if you’re cooking for more than one.

Overall, Primus LITE+ is a great stove that’s efficient. I’d opt for the bigger size if I were to buy it again, since it would be more versatile with only a little added weight and easier to fit the more readily available fuel cartridge.

Ranger Review: PRIMUS LITE+ Backpacking Stove at Brooke Creek Hike-in

I spent a night there, it is an amazing place. Fresh air, forest, clean and easy for camping.

An amazing place to camp.

The perfect place to make sure you have everything in order before heading halfway across the state to find out you forgot to pack the new campfire spatula you bought at the end of the year last year! Cabins, hike in tent/hammock sites, RV sites, they have it all! They even provide wheel barrows to haul stuff in to the hike-in sites! 

Camping checklist

Absolutely love the cabins at this place! We live 30 minutes away so it’s the perfect quick get away. Our dog LOVES the dog park too. Amazing views 

**Campground Review:** Something for everyone!   

Top reasons I love this campground:

*   So easy to get to from anywhere in northwestern Oregon; especially the Portland area 
*   Open year-round 
*   18-hole disc golf course 
*   Great hiking and biking trails 
*   Full hook-ups, cabins, equestrian sites, and walk-in tent sites

**Product Review:** As a Ranger for The Dyrt, occasionally I get to test products. At this campground, I tested [Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier](https://liquid-iv.com/) and the [Liquid I.V. Sleep night time drink mix](https://liquid-iv.com/products/sleep-blueberry-lavender?variant=11638583099428). I really liked both products. They are portable, have natural ingredients, taste good and I found them to be effective! Additionally, Liquid I.V. has an incredible social justice cause donating millions of their products to people around the world who are in need of proper hydration. I love that this is a company AND products I feel good about! 

**Pros:** 

*   Portable 
*   Natural ingredients (vitamins, electrolytes, potassium, sodium, glucose) 
*   Rapid absorption 
*   IT WORKS!! 
*   Amazing cause 

**Cons: **

*   It’s pricey 
*   I wish the Sleep night time drink mix came in another flavor without lavender
*   Contains more sugar than I would like 

**Overall, I give the product 4.5 stars**

Ranger Review: Liquid I.V. at L.L. “Stubb” Stewart

Nice. Level. Spaces. Good room between spaces. 

Great place away from the city but not too far of a drive. We stayed at Dairy Creek West. Great spaces. Large and level campsites. Playground in a train shape on Hilltop Day-use area for both small kids and bigger kids. 
Only bummer was how loud the hand dryer was right by the restrooms but only because the door were open to help with airflow during COVID. Also no showers, but only because of COVID too.

Dairy Creek Camp West

We were rolling around west of Portland in our camper van thinking about dispersed camping in the Tillamook. We decided late in the pm it wasn’t the super safest idea so we went to LL STUB. It’s an all star campground for a reason. Beautiful site and park with the best rangers and camp hosts making the whole experience pleasant. It’s clean and there is a great hilltop for stargazing  and tons of running and mountain bike trails. Can’t comment on bathrooms as we were self contained. We stayed in a full hook up space. Quiet at night. Would definitely drive down from seattle to stay here in the future. Bravo!! We got a last minute spot through some serious finagling but I DO NOT recommend that strategy. This is a popular place without a lot of alternatives nearby. Book ahead. 

Awesome last minute camp

My dog and I went there a couple of weeks ago to try out my tent and other assorted gear. The tent area had filled up but there was still plenty of room and everyone was well behaved. I live in Hillsboro, so it's a quick trip out there provided there is availability.

Last minute trip for gear shakedown.

Just a short drive from the western suburbs this place seems to be popular with families with small kids or those that really don't want to commit to a bigger adventure.  Good amenities but overall uninteresting considering the vast array of options in this part of the state.  I could see this a s quick weekend family trip but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there if I had more time.  Good access to biking and some OK hiking.  Lots of options for horses, RVs, as well as tents.  THere were cabins but I was not able to peak inside.

  

Note that the walk-in sites are closed until spring '21 for 'tree thinning'.

Close to the PDX area but busy and uninteresting

We were huge KOA fans before visiting this campground. On our first trip with the 30’ travel trailer, we backed in with surprising ease and had soooo much room to stretch out the awning and enjoy the spot itself. The state park is amazing too! 

Clean, long, gravel spots with trees!

We've stayed here many times and keep coming back.  Sites are always clean and hosts we've interacted with were always helpful and friendly.  The Dairy Creek West loop has more shaded and privacy for most of the sites if thats what you are seeking, while the East loop is more open and affords a more social experience for those who like the chance to interact with their neighbors a bit more.

  

Aside from the sites, the park has many hiking trails of varying length, access to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, several disc golf courses, cabins, a horse camp, a day use picnic/event area and a hike-in camp area.  
  
Local astronomy groups often host star gazing events when the night sky is clear for various meteor showers or other astronomical events of interest.

Convenient, well kept and lots to do...

- averagely managed restrooms

- 40miles of paved biking trails
- HUGE campsites
- peaceful and quiet!




Bikers camp

This campground is huge. Two levels of full hookups. And a loop with corals for horses. Miles of horse trails, bike trails, hiking trails. 

What a beautiful campground

This was our first time visiting this campground. We were presently surprised by the clean and spacious site. We had sun in the morning and lots of shade during the afternoon. Lots of hiking trails to explore. A few close Geo’s for those of you that do he hunt. 

Fantastic Campground 

Really rude host at dairy camp. 

Really nice park with access to lots of trails.  Great for late season camping.  We loved the camp host.

Nice state park near Portland

Sites under number 40 are well spaced and and fairly level. Vegetation between sites provides more privacy than in sites above number 40

Well maintained and quiet

This is such and easy and fun getaway if you live near Portland, OR.  45 minutes and you are transported to nature.  It's easy to overlook this on your way to the coast, but it is worth a visit if you just need a quick overnight into nature.

Portland Quick Getaway

Very clean campground. Large spots. So many trails. Clean warm bathrooms.  Nice views.

Clean close in campground

The campground is the newest in Oregon as of this time.  As such, the trees are still immature and very exposed.  I’m pretty sure we had one of the nicest spaces in the park.  There are two large loops, this one had trees and shade - really hot that weekend.  Large level grave pad for parking and pitching a tent, as there was not really grass for the tent.  

The upper loop was very exposed and it was more like an open meadow on a hillside.  

There’s lots to do with playgrounds for younger kids and frisbee golf for all.  Many hiking trails to explore.  Perfect for newer campers as it has wide roads, large back in spaces, and level lots.  I wish it had a river or creek as water always adds a little something to three trips.

Nice washrooms and showers with lots of hot water.

About 20 min drive into Vernonia where there are plenty of quirky little stores and history to explore.

Quick getaway from Portland 

We stopped here on our way south from Washington. Had a nice stay. Campsite was so clean, even the gravel was raked. Plenty of room at each campsite. Bathrooms were old but very clean and well kept. Showers were also very clean. Camp hosts were very nice and helpful. Some nice hiking close by. I would definitely stay again.

Really nice campground 

As we had been here before, it was an easy drive in on US-26 to the campground (CG). What we didn’t do was read our 2019 review on whether we needed to stop at the park building that sits down the hill from the main road. The way it looks from the road, there isn't any RV parking, but as we rolled past the exit, we saw there actually was RV parking. The next road happened to be our loop, Daisy Creek, so we went ahead and backed into our site, 52, with FHUs. The pad starts with asphalt and then goes to gravel, where you actually park the rig. After setting up, we walked down to the park building, and the rangers had just opened their check-in windows. Since we were pre-registered, we could have printed out our confirmation email and placed that on the dashboard. However, they gave us a rearview mirror tag so we wouldn't have to print off our confirmation. The water and sewer hookups were in the middle of the site, with electric being at the back of the pad. The water pressure was not very good at around 35 psi. We had a clear shot to the north sky for Starlink, but it's doubtful we’d get a southern sky shot from this site due to the mature trees. We got 3 bars LTE on Verizon. There is a good variety of sites for RVs, large and small. There are also tent sites to include a walk-in tent area near the main building where you register. Since we were here last time, they now have an off-leash fenced dog area. What makes this CG so special is the multitude of hiking, biking, and horse trails. They even have a disc golf course within the park. The CG is close to Portland, but you'd never know you were that close to a major city.

One of the Better State Parks

We really enjoyed this state park.  We were tent camping in November, so we knew what we were getting into. We reserved a full hookup site and packed heated blankets (site had electricity) and plenty of blankets. Overall the park is very clean, well maintained, and very quiet. Lots of hiking to be had. Would recommend bringing bikes along if you have the chance. We’re definitely planning on coming back during the summers months. The biggest bonus is that it’s really close to the metro area. It was a 30 minute drive for us. 

Clean, beautiful, and a nice getaway 

Showed up in the dark &amp; rain, no reservations in February. Lots of room at each site, very clean, nice bathrooms, quiet. Easy onsite reservation/payment. 

Clean and easy to get in/out

Very nice campground. Large, clean sites. Lots of hiking and mountain biking trails within the park and a regional rail to trail runs through it. 

I really appreciated other Dyrt reviews that said the shadier, more private sites are numbered below 40. We were in 38. 

The walk in sites in Dairy Loop surround a meadow, so less private. The other walk in sites on the other side of the visitor center are very sweet. Just little sites carved out of the woods. They are a longer walk from the car and have a pit toilet instead of flush. But very sweet. 

Nice park for biking

A very nice campground, close to Portland.  Well maintained, bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve seen at a campground. 

Well maintained 

Super clean, nice place. Trails are awesome. Showers and bathrooms if u don’t want to use yours. Lots of R.V. sites. 

Photos of Dairy Creek West — L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park

Real photos from real campers