Elk Bend Recreation Site
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens in May 2026. The campground operates May through the weekend following the General Western Oregon Coast 2nd elk season in late November. During months with reduced sunlight, potable water may be turned off, so bring your own wash and drinking water.
About
Elk Bend Recreation Site is a Bureau of Land Management group campground located within the Nestucca River Recreation Area in Oregon's Coast Range. The campground sits along the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway adjacent to the newly designated Nestucca Wild and Scenic River, offering a remote escape from modern connectivity. The campground features 5 individual walk-in campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. A centralized paved parking area is located up on the Nestucca Back Country Byway, and the campground provides one vault toilet and seasonal potable drinking water. The remote setting means no cell phone reception throughout the drainage. The Nestucca River is renowned for its fishing opportunities and natural beauty. Nearby attractions include the Nestucca Off-Highway Vehicle Area with access to Whipup Flat, Elk Flat, and Grassy Flat trails. The Byway winds through the Coast Range on a slow, leisurely route perfect for scenic drives, with the possibility of encountering log trucks year-round. The campground serves as a base for fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography in this designated wild and scenic river corridor.
Directions
From Coastal Highway 101 at Beaver, turn right onto Blaine Road and drive 7 miles to reach the Nestucca Byway. From Willamina, 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, take Meadow Lake Road west 12 miles, continue onto the Nestucca Byway. The byway is open year-round but may become hazardous due to snow and ice. Log trucks may be encountered throughout the year. No cell service in the drainage.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Alder Glen Recreation Site 2.3mi
- Fan Creek Recreation Site 2.3mi
- Dovre Recreation Site 3.7mi
- Rocky Bend Group Campground 4.4mi
- Hebo Lake Campground 13mi
- Castle Rock Group Campground 15mi
- Jones Creek Campground 21mi
- Browns Camp Ohv Campground 24mi
- Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area 20mi
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| blm_or_no_mail@blm.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (503) 375-5646 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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