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Look at all that forest land you can camp in as long as you follow the rules.
Siuslaw National Forest
4077 SW Research Way
PO Box 1148
Corvallis, OR 97339
ph (541) 750-7000
fx (541) 750-7234
The information on this page came from here.
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Experience Our
Dispersed Camping Opportunities
Camping Outside of Campgrounds
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. By applying "Leave No Trace" practices, you will ensure a safe, clean and positive experience for your family and the environment.
 Where Can I Camp?
Dispersed camping is generally allowed anywhere except where posted closed or within 200 feet any of developed road, trail or facility such as campgrounds, picnic areas or trailheads.
 Within Cascade Head Scenic-Research Area and Experimental Forest.
All area within the Mary's Peak Scenic Botanical Special Interest Area (T12S, R7W, Sections 19, 20, 21, 28, and 29) other than Mary's Peak Campground (when open.)
All area within the boundary of the Corvallis Watershed.
The area posted South of Tahkenitch Landing Campground, East of highway 101 and west of Tahkenitch Lake.
Within 200 feet of Loon lake, T 19 S, R 12 W, NW 1/4 of Section 4.
That posted area West of Driftwood II Road, North and East of Siltcoos Road and East of the Coast Guard Sand Road.
Outside designated sites in the areas of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area managed for motorized recreation.
That area of National Forest land within the established boundaries of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: T15S, R12W, Sections 9, which is west of Hwy 101 and east of the Pacific Ocean.
Fairview Mountain Meadows: T16S,R11W,Section 8, SW 1/4, which encompasses the Fairview Mountain Management Area for the Silverspot Butterfly.
Rock Creek Meadows: T16S, R12W, Section 15, NW 1/4 which encompasses the Rock Creek Management Area for the Silverspot Butterfly.
Big Creek Meadows: T16S, R12W, Section 15, SE 1/4 which encompasses the Big Creek Management Area for the Silverspot Butterfly.
How Long Can I Camp?
Camping outside of developed campgrounds is limited to no more than 14 days during any 60 consecutive day period.
 Choosing a Dispersed Campsite
You are welcome to choose a campsite that has been used before or choose one that is new. But regardless of which you choose, it is important to follow these steps:
Camp, on bare, or compacted soil when possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Keep activity on durable ground to prevent site expansion.
Park vehicles on roads and barren ground to avoid disturbing vegetation.
Where no campsites exist, camp at least 100 feet of a water source, as plants and wildlife near water are especially fragile.
When camping at existing sites near water, be prepared to wash dishes and to bathe well away from your campsite to avoid polluting streams and lakes.
Select a campsite with good natural drainage to eliminate the need to trench or level tent sites.
Avoid creating new "roads" to access your campsite.
Refrain from cutting or damaging vegetation, including standing dead trees. Use removable ropes instead of nails to hang things from trees.
 Campfires
Some wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are generally allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Restrictions, if any, can be found here.
Campfire Tips
Before starting your first campfire, know how to administer first aid for burns.
Use camp stoves for cooking, to minimize the use of down wood for fuel. Animals, insects and micro-organisms need downed, rotting wood to survive.
Use existing fire rings whenever possible. This minimizes the scarring of new rocks, soil and plants and prevents campsite expansion.
Bring plenty of garbage bags to pack out all of your garbage, including food scraps. Burning garbage is unacceptable.
Select an area for your campfire away from meadows, and trees with low, overhanging branches, AT LEAST 100 feet from any water sources.
Use a fire pan, or learn how to build a "Leave No Trace" mound-fire.
If you don't bring your own firewood, collect only dead and downed wood that is on the ground, wrist size or smaller. Branches on live trees should be left in tact. If a popular camping area does not have dead and downed wood, bring your own firewood and use a camp stove. Burn the wood completely to ash.
NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.
You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPFIRE, MAKE SURE IT IS DEAD OUT. It should be cool enough to the touch that you could put your whole hand into the ashes.
Properly Dispose of Waste
Visitors who don't properly manage human waste, washing or garbage contaminate water and attract animals to campsites.
Human Waste
- Dispersed camping often means no toilet facilities. Extra care must be taken to properly dispose of human waste.
- To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 100 feet from any water source, campsites or trails.
- When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and place your toilet paper in a sealed self-sealing type baggie for disposal in a proper waste container.
- Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.
Waste Water and Washing
- Do all washing and dispose of waste water at least 100 feet from any water source. Dig a small hole to act as a "sump" for dishwater.
- Use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
 Treating Your Water
Increased visitation to our National Forests has lead to the contamination of water sources by invisible, micro-organisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporium. These organisms can lead to serious illness when consumed by humans. No untreated water source can be considered safe for consumption.
Be prepared to treat undeveloped water sources or bring your own water. Heating to a rolling boil, using purification tablets or a filter, can all effectively treat water. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use.
Camp Waste
Pack it in, Pack it out. This mantra applies to your camp waste as well as the waste left behind by previous campers. Be prepared to pack out all garbage, including tin, glass, plastic, paper and food scraps such as peels and bones.
Remember, your fire ring is not a garbage receptacle. Well-intended campers often consolidate their garbage in a fire ring expecting the following camper to burn or dispose of it properly. Garbage that is left behind is typically dispersed by animals making the cleanup job much more difficult and creates unwanted behaviors in birds, squirrels and bears. Yellow jackets are attracted to meat juices and sugars and can render a campsite unpleasant and unsafe for future use.
Respect Your Neighbors
Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing other campers and recreationists in the area. If you bring pets, keep them in control at all times. Also, respect private landowners and refrain from camping and trespassing on private lands.
Have Fun!
If you follow the tips above, you can have a safe, low impact, primitive camping experience. Thank you for helping care for YOUR National Forest!
For additional information, contact any of the Siuslaw National Forest offices.
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