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Gales Creek Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Gales Creek Campground, near Gales Creek, Oregon, is a cozy spot that offers a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its picturesque setting along the creek, it’s perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature.

The campground features well-spaced sites, each equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, making it easy to gather with family and friends. Visitors have noted the abundance of trails nearby, ideal for hiking and exploring, with some campsites even offering a bit of privacy right by the water. As one camper mentioned, “The spots are nice especially on the B loop but too close together for my liking,” so keep that in mind when choosing your site.

If you’re planning a trip, be aware that this location operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is key, especially during the busy summer months. While there are no showers and cell service is spotty, the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile getaway. Plus, for just $20 a night, you can’t beat the value. Whether you’re splashing in the creek or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, Gales Creek Campground is a solid choice for a weekend retreat.

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Location

Gales Creek Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located just off the Wilson River Highway (Hwy 6) , 20 miles west of Forest Grove

Coordinates

45.64400004 N
123.35700075 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed May. 22, 2025

May camping

First day campgrounds were open, weather was semi rainy, stayed three nights at site A4. A huge site, could have set up multiple tents. Cost to camp, $20.00 per night. 2nd vehicle free. I was pretty much alone for the whole time. ,

SiteA4
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2021

Beautiful scenic getaway

I love this campground it’s about 40 minutes from Portland and is a perfect retreat from the city life; that being said there is no cell service whatsoever. There’s lots of trails and a couple bathrooms. The spots are nice especially on the B loop but too close together for my liking. Other than that I highly recommend this campground!

SiteB5
Month of VisitAugust
  • birds woke us up so clean up your food at night lol
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  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Breanna , September 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Breanna , September 3, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 20, 2021

Nice spot not too far from Portland

Came here early on a Friday, trying to find a place for the weekend. Only 2 sites left. Neither were level, but I used my levelers for the first time. 

The creek is pretty small. Young forest of beech and maple. Nice hiking trails. Lots of families. Very peaceful.

Month of VisitAugust
  • The creek
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  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Kathy B., July 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Kathy B., July 20, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2021

Perfect for a weekend getaway

Took my family here for the first time and it was very pleasant! The spots are nicely spaced out to provide privacy and each have a fire pit and picnic table. The spaces range in size but every space that was open was more than enough to accommodate my family of 5.

There are ample amount of trails that lead down to the creek where kids can splash around in. If you want to get a more swimming vibe there is a pool of water in the creek at the day use area which is a 5 minute walk from anywhere in the campground.

You can’t beat this place for $20 a night!

SiteB2
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2018

Crowded but picturesque

This campground was right on Gales Creek, with lush vegetation providing nice privacy. It was completely full when we were there and fairly loud during the day. I felt that there were not enough bathrooms to accommodate a full campground, and as such, the vault toilets were rather unpleasant.

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2018

Beautiful campground but not many spaces

This campground is absolutely beautiful. Tons of greenery and places to splash in the creek. Not many sites though and usually prettt full on summer days. Get there early!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Jamie B., August 12, 2018
Reviewed May. 25, 2017

Nice, Pretty Woodsy Campground Between Portland and the Beach

Just off highway 6 (between Portland and Tillamook) is a series of lovely campgrounds in the Tillamook State Forest. Gales Creek is the first one you'll find on your way coming from Portland, and it's one of my favorites. The sites are surrounded by trees, and, if you're lucky, you can grab one next to the cute river than runs through the camp. Enough fun things to do like hikes or play with the water pump. The bathrooms are nothing fancy, and there's no showers, but the price is also right ($15). The main issue is that all sites are first-come/first-served, and there aren't too many sites, so hard to get something on a nice weekend or a holiday. But if you can snag a spot, you're in for a nice time.

SiteA4
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Corinna B., May 25, 2017
  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Corinna B., May 25, 2017
  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Corinna B., May 25, 2017
  • (21) View All
Reviewed Apr. 11, 2016

Rustic Walk In of about 300 yards

This was a very nice campground on the way to the Pacific Coast from Portland about 30 miles. The fees were $10 to drive in and $5 to walk in. We parked outside the gate and walked to a campground. We then realized we could not pay because there were no envelopes to put the money in and take the tab. The ranger came on Sunday and left envelopes. He told everyone that the campground is closed when the drive in gate is locked. We did not see this message on the website, that we checked before leaving home. There were some real good hiking trails. One was also for single track mountain biking. There was pump water and vaulted toilets.

  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Paul A., April 11, 2016
  • Review photo of Gales Creek Campground by Paul A., April 11, 2016
  • Cooking at the site
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  • (23) View All
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2015

Crowded

This campground is constantly crowded. I've been through here while hiking the Gales Creek trail on occasion. I camped there after a 11.5 mile hike from Timber. There was only 1 walk in tent site available. (Others who had driven in were taking up the other walk-in sites) There is a water pump, but I highly recommend filtering/boiling the water. It smells bad. The camp site was clean at least.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there creek access at Gales Creek Campground?

Yes, Gales Creek Campground provides access to Gales Creek, which runs alongside the campground. While the creek is relatively small, it offers pleasant spots for splashing and cooling off, especially appreciated during summer months. Some campsites are situated near the creek, giving visitors the peaceful sound of flowing water. The creek is surrounded by lush vegetation that adds to the natural setting and privacy between sites.

How do I make reservations at Gales Creek Campground in Oregon?

Gales Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservation system. To secure a spot, especially during peak summer months, it's advisable to arrive early as the campground fills up quickly on weekends. Payment is typically made on-site using provided envelopes, with a fee of $20 per night. For the most current information about reservation policies or seasonal changes, contact the Tillamook State Forest office before planning your trip.

What amenities and facilities are available at Gales Creek Campground?

Gales Creek Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets, water pumps, fire pits, and picnic tables at each site. The campground has multiple camping loops with varying site sizes, though most can accommodate smaller setups and are nicely spaced for privacy. Larger RVs over 25ft may have difficulty finding suitable spots. The campground features hiking trails accessible directly from the sites, allowing for miles of exploration through the surrounding forest. Camping fees are $20 per night with no additional charge for a second vehicle.

Where is Gales Creek Campground located in relation to Portland and Hillsboro?

Gales Creek Campground is conveniently located about 40 minutes from Portland and is even closer to Hillsboro. It sits just off Highway 6, the main route between Portland and Tillamook on the Oregon coast. This prime location in the Tillamook State Forest makes it the first campground you'll encounter when traveling west from Portland toward the coast, offering an accessible nature retreat for city dwellers without requiring a long drive.

What do reviews say about Gales Creek Campground?

Gales Creek Campground is praised for its beautiful, lush setting with plenty of greenery and privacy between sites. Campers appreciate the direct access to extensive hiking trails and the peaceful forest environment of maple and beech trees. The campground's proximity to Portland makes it a convenient getaway. Visitors note it can get crowded during summer weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Some mention that the limited number of vault toilets can be insufficient when the campground is full. Overall, it's considered an excellent retreat from city life, though there's no cell service in the area.