SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Tillamook State Forest, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem RiverView 47 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Tillamook State Forest, Oregon

Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River

6 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Along Lower Nehalem Road in Tillamook State Forest, dispersed sites line the right side of the road for several miles, many positioned directly beside or within a short walk of the Nehalem River. The road starts paved from Highway 26, then transitions to dirt and gravel. Reviewers consistently note that the sites between mile markers 11 and 12 are among the most accessible, where narrow pull-offs open into flat, usable areas large enough for two or three vehicles. Private land is intermixed throughout the corridor, so watching for posted "no trespassing" signs is essential before setting up camp.

River access is the defining feature here. Campers describe short paths through the trees that open onto rocky riverbanks, where the water is shallow enough to wade in warmer months. Bald eagles have been spotted hunting low over the river. Sites tend to fill on weekends, and finding a level spot can take some driving, even on weekdays. Established fire rings mark the more frequently used areas, and the forest around them includes old-growth conifers typical of the Coast Range. Nearby, Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground provides a more developed alternative with facilities, and Morrison Eddy sits just down the road for smaller tent-only camping.

No facilities exist at the dispersed sites. Bring all water, a waste kit, and plan to pack out everything. Jamie B. describes it as "tons of dispersed camping along the river and down dirt roads." Arriving on a weekday and during daylight hours gives the best chance of locating a site before dark.

Fee Info

$5/vehicle/night

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Pacific Coast Road Trip

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: Astoria, OR to Brookings, OR

Astoria to Brookings: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsTillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River is located in Oregon near Tillamook State Forest

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

45.76221512 N
123.65835975 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Oregon Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
33%
17%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the stunning river setting and spacious sites with fire rings, though finding level spots can require some searching. Many mentioned this area offers true dispersed camping with no facilities, so come prepared to be self-sufficient.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2021

Absolutely beautiful, pristine dispersed camping on the Nehalem River

Level spots were a little hard to come by, even on a Thursday, but we eventually found one. Stunning surroundings on the river. Lots of property is private so you need to pay careful attention to signage to ensure you’re camping on forest service land. Peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. We saw a bald eagle down at the river that flew only about 15 feet above the water, and made a return trip before settling in a tall pine tree across the river from us. Our bird dogs were intrigued to say the least.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Jennifer R., October 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Jennifer R., October 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Jennifer R., October 10, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Feb. 28, 2021

Beautiful existing camp sites!!

The drive through the forest is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t camp at the River but I will be back. It’s a big area.I’m pretty sure Boondocking is allowed all around this area.

  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Terrell B., February 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Terrell B., February 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Terrell B., February 28, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2019

Tricky to find, but one of the most magical camping locations

We arrived really late and it was really tricky for us to find the place as it's not really a campsite but more like awesome spots by the river without any signs. We recommend you arriving during the day as it was just pure luck, we picked probably the most amazing spot here. We found it somewhere in between the 11th and 12th mileposts. There is a narrow path towards the river, first we thought we might gonna get stuck, but it immediately opened up to a spacious big area where 2-3 cars/RVs could easily fit.

It's a dispersed camp so there is no infrastructure around it, but there was a built fireplace there.

Probably the most amazing part of it was when in the morning we found an other really narrow path towards the river which again opened up and we walked to the beautiful shore of the river, where we had the chance to dip in the river.

All in all we were super surprised and happy that we spend a night here.

  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Dani F., September 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Dani F., September 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Dani F., September 23, 2019
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2018

Private camping experience, lots of shade and fresh air

It is a hit or miss as to whether or not it will be easy to find a dispersed site, but we have always found one every time we come out this way. Sometimes we find a spot immediately, other times, we drive around and "explore" the old logging roads to see what hidden gems we've yet to find.

SiteCook creek, Nehalem, etc
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Lana N., August 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Lana N., August 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Lana N., August 7, 2018
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Nice, Free Spot on the Nehalem River. Dispersed Camping with No Facilities

Getting There

From Oregon Highway 26, head south at the sign for "Lower Nehalem Rd." Coming from Portland, this will be on your left just past Baker's General Store and just before Elsie. The first five miles or so are paved before turning into a dirt and gravel road and lead to several nice campgrounds including the larger Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground and smaller tent-only sites such as Morrison Eddy Campgrounds.

Continuing on, Lower Nehalem Road turns into Foss Rd. and you'll also go from the Clatsop Forest into the Tillamook Forest. Along the road, there are several dispersed camping site on your right, often right next to or near the river. These spots look like small dirt driveways or parking spots and the campsites are tamped down enough to be recognizable as a camp site, sometimes with stone fire rings. Beware that there is private land intermixed with the state forest, so look out for "no tresspassing" signs. We found several amazing sites just past mile marker 11. I took photos of the surrounding area to remember how to get there that I've included, but I'm not 100% sure that the GPS coordinates are correct.

The Sites

Several well-marked sites (three or so) with a short walk down the the absolutely beautiful Nehalem River. The river was pleasant on a warm day with lots of rocks and salamanders to check out. According to the Tillamook Forest website, dispersed camping is free, though there are absolutely no facilities, so you'll have to bring your own water and toilet-type-items and pack out all trash. These sites are well-used and many (though not all) were full on the weekend. The only down-side was there were a few oddball young male campers roaming around making howling noises and "clearing" branches with machetes. In general, many of the sites we checked out along the way had a bit of a "what are you doing here" vibe from the folks who were already set up, so be ready to wander through a few spots before finding your perfect one.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Corinna B., July 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Corinna B., July 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River by Corinna B., July 17, 2018
  • (22) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping spots along the Nehalem River in Tillamook State Forest?

Access dispersed camping along the Nehalem River by taking the turnoff for Lower Nehalem Road from Oregon Highway 26. This junction is located just past Baker's General Store and before Elsie when coming from Portland. The road is paved for the first five miles before becoming dirt and gravel. Camping spots are scattered along the river and down various old logging roads branching off the main route. While not marked with official signs, there are numerous spots directly by the riverbank. For best results, arrive during daylight hours as finding suitable spots can be challenging after dark.

Are there any facilities or amenities available at Nehalem River dispersed camping areas?

The Nehalem River dispersed camping areas are true primitive camping with no developed facilities or amenities. There are no restrooms, trash service, potable water, or designated fire rings at these sites. Campers need to be fully self-sufficient and prepared to pack out all waste. The natural beauty of the river and forest setting compensates for the lack of amenities, but visitors should bring everything they need, including water and waste disposal solutions.

How far is Nehalem River dispersed camping from popular Oregon coast destinations like Cannon Beach?

The Nehalem River dispersed camping area in Tillamook State Forest is approximately 30-40 miles from Cannon Beach, which typically takes about an hour to drive depending on road conditions and exact camping location. The route travels through the scenic forest before connecting to Highway 26 and then coastal highways. This makes it a convenient base camp for day trips to coastal destinations like Cannon Beach and Manzanita while enjoying the peaceful forest setting with significantly lower costs than oceanfront campgrounds.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Tillamook State Forest?

When dispersed camping in Tillamook State Forest, be vigilant about private property boundaries as they intermingle with public lands—look for signage to ensure you're camping on forest service land. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste. While specific regulations aren't detailed, standard dispersed camping rules likely apply: camping is typically limited to 14 days, campfires may be restricted during fire season, and you should camp at least 200 feet from water sources. For current and complete regulations, contact Tillamook State Forest management before your trip.

Keep Exploring