Oregon is getting a new campground close to the coast. Where is it?

The Oregon Department of Forestry is transforming an off-highway vehicle staging area into a new campground in the Tillamook State Forest.

The Diamond Mill OHV staging area is currently undergoing reconstruction into a full campground that is scheduled to open in the Tillamook State Forest on April 1.

“Diamond Mill is in the heart of some of the most active OHV usage areas in the Tillamook State Forest,” said Ben Burns, the recreation facilities manager for ODF. “Historically, Diamond Mill has been a staging and parking area for mostly single track (motorcycle) trail users.”

The campground is being prepared with boulders, soil, gravel and vegetation, along with site contouring to give campers more privacy and a more comfortable overnight experience, according to the agency.

Here’s what to know about the campground at Diamond Mill.

How many campsites will be at Diamond Mill?

The new campground at Diamond Mill will have 16 sites, multiple posts and signage, new picnic tables, fire grates and a double-vault pit toilet.

What is the Diamond Mill fee?

The fee for the sites at Diamond Mill will be $20 a night.

Can people reserve camping sites at Diamond Mill?

Camping sites at Diamond Mill are not available for reservation in 2026.

“For this first year the campground ground will remain a first come first served area,” Burns said. “Then, we will consider user feedback and might go to a reservation system in 2027.”

When does Diamond Mill open?

Diamond Mill and other seasonal State Forests campgrounds open on Wednesday, April 1.

People can learn more about camping at state forest campgrounds on the ODF website at oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/camp.aspx.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval is a lifelong Oregonian who covers trending news, entertainment, food and outdoors. She can be reached at GSandoval@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.