Dispersed Campsite Near Kelso/Longview/Astoria

Leaving late on Wednesday from Vancouver CA, to head to the Dunes in OR. But have two toddlers and my wife I know that by the time we hit the Kelso/Longview/Astoria area people will need want to sleep.

Anyone got a good idea for a safe spot where we won’t get shot/mugged etc?

I would likely drive as far south as the Cannon Beach area in case that helped at all.

Please feel free to PM me and know that I won’t share good spots that aren’t my ‘hood. Probably the surfer in me.

Thanks so much!

 

@WrecklessAbandon is familiar with the area and may have suggestions. It's a fairly rural logging town, so shot and mugged are not likely, unless you're on someone's property illegally.

 

Both sides of the Columbia from Longview to Astoria are remotely populated so you should be able to get off the main road and camp without issue however I have never done that in that area. Like Bert mentioned, you will want to make sure you aren't on someone's property so use an app that will tell you who owns it (ex - OnX).

I would research the campgrounds in the area to be on the safe side, there might be some that are free.

One that is appealing, at least to me, is the Nicolai OHV campground (bonus if you want to do some wheeling on the way!).

 

Thanks y'all! I do have Gaia.. so hopefully I can make some heads and tails of it all in the dark!