Hebo Lake Campground

The crisp scent of Douglas fir and the quiet lapping of water against fishing docks greet visitors at Hebo Lake Campground, a secluded forest retreat where tradition meets tranquility. This intimate 12-site campground in Siuslaw National Forest centers around a three-acre lake stocked with rainbow trout, framed by western hemlock and red alder at 1,650 feet elevation. The historic Civilian Conservation Corps picnic shelter, restored in 2016, anchors the day-use area while serving as a testament to the area's legacy.

Five accessible fishing docks line the lake's perimeter, complemented by a half-mile loop trail winding through old-growth stands. The adjacent Pioneer-Indian Trail offers longer hikes following early 20th-century pathways with ocean views. Campers enjoy basic vault toilets and fire rings, though the absence of drinking water enhances the rustic character.

Located 4.5 miles northeast of Hebo along Forest Service Road 14, the campground provides quick access to Highway 101 and the Tillamook Coast. Day trips could include tidepool exploration at Cape Meares State Park or the interpretive center at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, both within 25 minutes' drive. The campground's compact size and lack of RV hookups foster a quiet, device-free atmosphere ideal for paddling, wildlife observation, and multi-generational fishing excursions.