Nestucca River Recreation Area

Show on map 503-815-1100 blm_or_no_mail@blm.gov

Northwest Oregon District Office, 1717 Fabry Road
Salem, OR 97306

Want to go camping? Camping season is generally May-October. Reserve a site at one of our four campgrounds on recreation.gov or pay when you arrive for non-reserved campsites using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. You must download before you reach the site since there is no cell reception in the drainage.

The Nestucca River Recreation Area takes travelers along a slow, leisurely route that winds through Oregon's Coast Range on the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway. The Byway runs adjacent to the Nestucca River. Whether you are exploring by car, motorcycle or bicycle, you'll find a riverside picnic table or camping spot at any of four BLM campgrounds located along the route. There are 37 campsites in the Alder Glen, Dovre, Fan Creek and Elk Bend Recreation Sites that offer steel fire rings, picnic tables, potable water and restrooms.

Know Before You Go

Camping is limited to Alder Glen, Dovre, Fan Creek, and Elk Bend Campgrounds.
Fires are limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided.
Firewood collection is NOT allowed at the developed campgrounds.
Trash: Pack-it in, pack-it out.
Caution: Log trucks may be encountered throughout the year. The Byway is open year-round but may become hazardous due to snow and ice.

Point of Interest

The Nestucca OHV Area is located in the Nestucca Backcountry Byway, and includes Whipup Flat, Elk Flat, and Grassy Flat. Oregon ATV are permits required.

Directions

From Coastal Hwy 101 at Beaver, Oregon: Turn right onto Blaine Road. Drive 7 miles to reach the Nestucca Byway. From Willamina, Oregon: Take Willamina Creek Road, to Coast Creek Road, to Gilbert Creek Road, to Bald Mountain Access Road, to Bible Creek Road to the Nestucca Byway. From Carlton, Oregon: Take Meadow Lake Road west 12 miles, continue onto the Nestucca Byway.

Fees

No Fees for day use

Reviews

121 reviews

5 stars

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1 stars

Jessica M

Campground:Alder Glen Recreation Site

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The campground was in a beautiful location, super quiet and the river / waterfall were nice. The issue was the long distance to the 101 / beach towns. I love the fact that there’s no cell service but it made navigation to and from the campground difficult.

Kelsey C

Campground:Dovre Recreation Site

Loop:River

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Small, peaceful campground. Facilities were well kept and there was potable water available.

Kyle C

Campground:Alder Glen Recreation Site

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Showed up for our reservation that we made months in advance. Our site was occupied by someone who paid in the box on site. They wouldn't leave and we had to go elsewhere.

Spencer D

Campground:Fan Creek Recreation Site

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great spot, great host

Julia C

Campground:Fan Creek Recreation Site

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The campground is small in a good way. The campsites are fairly close together, but not overly so. The whole place is shaded by trees, so this would be a great place to escape the heat during summer. There was no cell coverage for me (AT&T) and the trees and surrounding hills blocked skylink coverage. Most of the campsites seem to have paths to the creek, which surrounds the campground on three sides. There is an informal trail along the bank, if you don't mind hopping between rocks occasionally. Look out for stinging nettle. I had a great time watching all the water striders and minnows hunting in the creek, and someone mentioned seeing crawfish. The creek along the campground is too shallow for swimming, but is great for wading and there are a few spots perfect for setting up a chair on the bank.

Kathie B

Campground:Fan Creek Recreation Site

Loop:Camp

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

I've been camping at Fan Creek my whole life. I love how quiet it is. I am grateful for the improvements that the camping fees help to pay for. Things started to get a little sketchy with homeless campers a few years back, so I'm grateful for the camp host and police presence as well. Sad to say it's necessary. I've been camping there for over fifty years.

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in Nestucca River Recreation Area.

Campgrounds

Nestucca River Recreation Area has 4 campgrounds, 31 campsites in total.

4 of 4 campgrounds match

Camping

Pro