Tillamook State Forest Nehalem Falls Campground

Agreed, the secret’s out. 80% full on the last Friday (9/14) of the season. Was featured on a TV show about 3 years ago and a popular camping book gives it a scenic rating of 10/10, though I wouldn’t go quite that high. The friendly, professional camp host told me not to write a review-“don’t do that, it’s too busy already!” So I told him I’d also write reviews of some other good campgrounds in the area, so look for-Beaver Eddy (recently closed for logging, though didn’t look like a permanent close + one roadside site was open), Cook Creek (designated dispersed sites), Henry Rierson Spruce Run (larger, more open, right off both road and Nehalem River, with good hikes right there) and Morrison Eddy (my favorite). A Tillamook State Forest Recreation Guide will show you the way. But Nehalem Falls would always work because it has the right mix of fantastic tree cover, decent vegetation between spots, a walk-in campsite area, and being right off the small but self-important Nehalem Falls, set in a picturesque curvy rock valley replete with swimming holes. The whole Nehalem River valley is gorgeous, with minimal traffic noise. 

The Gateway

Nehalem Falls Campground, OR

This is Nehalem Falls Campground, site T3. It's one of six walk-in tent sites at this campground in the Tillamook National Forest. You park the car about 50 feet away and bring your gear in. The campground also has about ten car camping sites and two group sites (the only ones that can be reserved). The tent sites are very private and right on the Nehalem River which is warm enough to swim in.

Nice quiet camping next to a river

Truly one of our favorite campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest.  All of the campsites are very nice (though try to avoid the campsite nearest the dumpster as you will get an occasional smell of garbage).  Make sure to spend plenty of time down by the river and take an hour to slowly walk the small loop trail.

Five or six years ago one could easily get a campsite on Friday evening, but last year (2015) we were unable to get a camping spot on a Tuesday morning!  I asked the camp host why this was and he told me that the campground was featured on an outdoor show a couple of years ago and has been full ever since.  Sad to have 'lost' our favorite campground, but it is still great for day trips from Portland.

The secret got out 

Enjoyed an incredible time hiking and dispersed camping near the Nehalem Falls and Cook Creek. Peaceful and beautiful!!

Backpacking at Cook Creek

Beautiful area, very quiet, walk in tent sites were easy access, host was lovely. 

Lovely place

This site is about 20 sites of assorted variety in a hauntingly beautiful old growth forest. Nestled near a river, with easy access to the falls trail. Ensure you wear clothing suitable for wet hiking. The entire hike is a pretty easy and birding opportunities are many. Views of an old railroad/camp and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in as well as picnic. Wonderful little spot with a delightful trail adventure.

Breathtaking

So pretty, lots of free camping near the area. Also campgrounds. Beautiful views, hikes, creeks. The dogs highly enjoyed all the outdoor activity’s.