Popular Tillamook State Forest campground to transition to reservations-only system starting in 2026 season

TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Forestry announced Wednesday that Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle Campground will leave behind its first-come, first-served model and adopt a reservations-only system.

This change will be put into effect when the campground opens for the 2026 season on April 1st.

ODF State Forests Recreation Facilities Manager Ben Burns claims the new system is being put in place for two main reasons. The first being that it will benefit campers, saying in part, "it’s reassuring to know you’ll have a campsite waiting when you arrive. This system eliminates the frustration of driving around the campground hoping to find an open site.”

Burns says the second reason for the change has to do with efficiency of operations at the campground, stating, "Fee collection takes up a significant portion of staff time during the camping season," Burns said. “The time saved can instead be used to better maintain and improve our campgrounds."

Reservations open March 2nd, 2026, without a change of fee, for $20 per night.

You can read the full release from the Oregon Department of Forestry below:

Browns Camp Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Campground, managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), will transition from a first-come, first-served model to a reservation-only system when it reopens for the season on April 1, 2026.

“We are making the change to a reservation-only campground for two main reasons,” said Ben Burns, ODF’s State Forests Recreation Facilities Manager. “First, it benefits our campers. When you load up your toy hauler for a weekend trip, it’s reassuring to know you’ll have a campsite waiting when you arrive. This system eliminates the frustration of driving around the campground hoping to find an open site.”

ODF successfully implemented a reservation system at all equestrian campgrounds in 2025 for similar reasons.

“Horse campers often travel long distances with large trailers and have limited options if a campground is full,” Burns said. “The reservation system worked well to eliminate that problem, so based on that success, we’re expanding reservations to OHV campgrounds.”

The change will also improve operational efficiencies.

“Fee collection takes up a significant portion of staff time during the camping season,” Burns said. “The time saved can instead be used to better maintain and improve our campgrounds.”

Browns Camp has 28 campsites, and ODF encourages visitors to reserve early—especially for busy holiday weekends—when reservations open on March 2, 2026. The group camping area at Browns Camp is already reservation-based and will remain unchanged.

Campsites can be reserved at www.reserveamerica.com. Same-day reservations will be allowed although reserving sites prior will be recommended due to spotty cell phone service in the area. Camping fees will remain the same at Browns Camp: $20 per night.

In addition, ODF is working to improve overnight options for OHV users in Tillamook State Forest by converting the Diamond Mill OHV Area into a campground.

“We are actively working on that project, and it will be ready to roll out for the 2026 season,” said Burns.  Visit ODF’s  Recreation, Education and Interpretation website and social media sites for updates and opening announcements.”