Elk Bend Recreation Site
Nestucca River Recreation Area
Want to camp?
Camping season is generally May-September, with Alder Glen and Elk Bend remaining open through the weekend following General Western Oregon Coast 2nd Season for elk. During months with reduced sunlight, potable water may be turned off. Be prepared to bring your own wash and drinking water.
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.
A place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the electronic age. Elk Bend is the Bureau of Land Management’s group campground within the Nestucca River Recreation Area. The campground sits along the Nestucca River National Back Country Byway and newly designated Nestucca Wild and Scenic River. The Byway takes travelers on a slow, leisurely route that winds through Oregon's Coast Range. The Nestucca River is renowned for fishing opportunities and beauty.
Each campsite contains a picnic table and fire ring. A centralized paved parking area is centralized up on the Nestucca Back Country Byway. There is one vault toilet and seasonal potable drinking water.
Need to Know
Campfires? Please see here for current campfire restrictions: Fire Closures and Restrictions (https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/oregon-washington/fire-restrictions). Typically, campfires are limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided within the recreation site. No building rock campfire rings.
Pack-it in, pack-it out.
Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Firewood collection is NOT allowed at the developed campgrounds.
Pets are allowed but must be leashed (max. 6 feet). Please dispose all pet waste in trash receptacles.
A fee of $5 for extra vehicles will be collected at the facility through the on site fee station. Cash or check made payable to BLM is accepted. Place fee in the yellow fee envelope. Keep the receipt tab to display on your vehicle dash or campsite post.
No ATVs or ORVs allowed within the recreation site.
Caution: Log trucks may be encountered throughout the year. The Byway is open year-round but may become hazardous due to snow and ice.
The site is remote, there is no cell service or electrical connections. Sites are small and may have limitations.
Natural Features
Nestucca Wild and Scenic River
Nearby Attractions
The Nestucca Off-Highway Vehicle Area is located in the Nestucca Backcountry Byway, and includes Whipup Flat, Elk Flat, and Grassy Flat. Oregon ATV permits required.
Recreation
A small group campground offering 5 individual campsites in the Oregon Coast Range.
Changes & Cancellations
Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.
Visit https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies for more information.
Contact Information
Mailing
Bureau of Land Management Northwest Oregon District-Attn: Recreation Operations 1717 Fabry Rd SE Salem OR 97306
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 503-375-5646
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Coastal Hwy 101 at Beaver: Turn right onto Blaine Road. 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.
