Camping near Gaston invites thrillseekers to OHV trails through old-growth forests.
In the heart of northwestern Oregon outside of Portland, the Gaston area shines as a haven for camping deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. Minutes west of Gaston, Tillamook State Forest invites campers to explore 360,000 acres from campgrounds set amid lush Douglas fir and western hemlock trees—like those at Elk Creek, Gales Creek, or Jordan Creek. Vehicle and walk-in tent sites provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings with terrific access to over 250 miles of OHV trails for dirt bikes, quads, and side-by-sides. Stagecoach Horse Camp also offers corrals for equestrian campers. For a more comfortable camping retreat, head 25 miles north of Gaston to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. Full-hookup RV sites and pet-friendly cabin rentals here offer easy access to fun activities like a disc-golf course, a children’s playground, and the fully paved Banks-Vernonia State Trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Two EV charging stations are conveniently located at the Banks Trailhead parking area for campers with electric vehicles.