Camping Areas Near Banks Oregon
Learn about Camping Areas Near Banks Oregon
If you’re searching for Camping Areas Near Banks Oregon, you have great choices within a 15–45 minute drive. This guide quickly lays out the closest options, what they’re like, and how to plan. You’ll learn where to camp, what to expect, and local tips to make your trip easy.
Quick Answer
The closest, most reliable camping near Banks is L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (about 15–20 minutes). You’ll also find forested campgrounds in the Tillamook State Forest along Highway 6, plus city-run camping in Vernonia. Columbia County parks add quiet, wooded options. Reserve for weekends; summer burn bans are common.
What Camping Areas Near Banks Oregon Means
When locals say “Camping Areas Near Banks Oregon,” they usually mean:
- State park camping at L.L. Stub Stewart near Buxton
- Tillamook State Forest campgrounds off Highway 6
- Vernonia city campgrounds along the Banks–Vernonia corridor
- Columbia County parks north of Vernonia
- A few private RV parks in the Forest Grove/Hillsboro area
Most are 10–45 miles from Banks and sit in the Coast Range forest. Expect tall trees, creeks, and cooler nights even in summer.
Best Camping Areas Near Banks Oregon
Closest and most convenient
- L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (Buxton) — 15–20 minutes from Banks
- RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, horse camp, hiker-biker camp
- Direct access to the Banks–Vernonia State Trail, mountain bike trails, disc golf
- Well maintained, reservable, busy on sunny weekends
- Note: Day-use fee for non-campers; camping includes parking
Vernonia area (about 25–30 minutes via OR‑47)
- Anderson Park (City of Vernonia)
- Tent/RV sites near shops, Vernonia Lake, and the BV Trail
- Family friendly; check city website for seasons and availability
- Tip: Vernonia is a handy base if you want town services plus easy trail access
Tillamook State Forest along Hwy 6 (30–55 minutes west)
- Gales Creek Campground — Small, shaded sites; good for tents/small rigs
- Elk Creek and Jones Creek — Popular river corridor campgrounds; classic forest camping
- Browns Camp (OHV) — Busy with off-highway vehicles; expect engine noise
- Reehers Camp — Equestrian-friendly
- Most are first-come, first-served (seasonal). Bring water backup and small bills for self-pay. Fire restrictions are common in late summer.
Columbia County parks north of Vernonia (35–55 minutes)
- Camp Wilkerson County Park — Wooded, quiet; tent/RV sites, rustic cabins, group areas
- Big Eddy and Scaponia Parks — Riverside, simpler facilities, usually seasonal
- Good for a peaceful forest stay away from highway noise
Private RV options (20–35 minutes)
- Forest Grove/Hillsboro area
- Full-hookup parks convenient to groceries and services
- Best for travelers who prioritize hookups and year-round availability
Good to know
- Henry Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park) is day-use only — no camping.
- The Banks–Vernonia Trailhead in Banks does not allow overnight camping.
What to Expect
- Scenery: Dense fir and cedar forests, creeks, ferny understory. Dark skies away from towns.
- Weather:
- Summer: Warm days, cool nights; campfire bans are likely.
- Fall/Spring: Cool, wet, beautiful foliage; bring rain gear.
- Winter: Many forest campgrounds close; higher spots can get ice or occasional snow.
- Roads: Highways are paved; forest sites may require short gravel drives. Drive slowly after storms.
- Services: Fuel and groceries in Banks and Forest Grove; limited amenities deeper in the forest.
- Wildlife: Deer, elk, songbirds; secure food and keep a clean campsite.
- Reservations:
- State park and many county parks: book ahead (especially weekends).
- Tillamook State Forest: mostly first-come, first-served.
Tips for Visitors / Residents
- Reserve early for L.L. Stub Stewart and summer weekends anywhere.
- Check fire danger and restrictions before you go; expect campfire bans in late summer.
- Bring cash for self-pay forest campgrounds and backup water filtration.
- If you want quiet, avoid OHV-focused areas like Browns Camp on weekends.
- For biking, base at Stub Stewart or Vernonia to jump on the Banks–Vernonia State Trail.
- Cell service drops quickly in the Coast Range. Download maps offline.
- Pack layers; nights can be chilly even in July.
- Respect closures and seasonal gates on forest roads.
Best Local Resources
- Oregon State Parks — L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (reservations, site maps)
- Oregon Department of Forestry — Tillamook State Forest camping and fire restrictions
- City of Vernonia Parks — Anderson Park camping information
- Columbia County Parks — Camp Wilkerson, Big Eddy, Scaponia details
- Tillamook Forest Center (Hwy 6) — Seasonal visitor info, trail conditions
- Banks–Vernonia State Trail — Map, trailheads, hiker-biker options
Search these by name for current hours, fees, and closures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Areas Near Banks Oregon
How far is Banks from Portland?
- About 25–30 miles west. Plan 35–50 minutes depending on traffic.
What time of year is best for camping near Banks?
- Late spring through early fall. Summer is dry and popular; fall is cooler and quieter. Many forest campgrounds close in winter.
Is it kid friendly?
- Yes. Stub Stewart and Vernonia parks are great for families, with nearby trails, open space, and restrooms.
Can I have a campfire?
- Only when restrictions allow. Expect seasonal bans; always check current fire danger before you go.
Is parking available for extra vehicles?
- Most campgrounds allow one vehicle per site and charge for extras. Check the specific campground rules.
Can I camp right at Hagg Lake or the Banks–Vernonia Trailhead?
- No. Hagg Lake is day-use only, and the Banks trailhead does not allow overnight camping.
Summary
If you want Camping Areas Near Banks Oregon, start with L.L. Stub Stewart for the easiest, most developed choice. For rustic creekside spots, look to the Tillamook State Forest along Hwy 6. Vernonia and Columbia County parks add family-friendly and quiet options. Reserve early, check fire restrictions, and enjoy the forests right outside Banks.