SP Campground Review – L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park, Buxton, OR

September 12, 2011 by libertatemamo 4 Comments

A lovely, green park on the Coastal Range in NW Oregon

Link to campground here: L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, OR
Link to map location here:  L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, OR

1. Site Quality = 5/5
   This is Oregon’s newest State Park and the sites definitely reflect that. All are lovely, large (huge in fact!) flat gravel sites (mostly back-in with a few pull-thoughs). Full hookups (50Amp/water/sewer), large “sitting area” with picnic table/fire-pit and good separation. Easy access throughout. There are 2 main RV “loops” and one horse-campground which are somewhat different:
   -> West Loop (sites 1-30) – This is set around a circle of thick pine, so inner sites esp. on right side (even numbers 2-14) have lots of shade/privacy. Decent privacy on outer sites too. 
   -> East Loop (sites 60-72) – This is fully open so there’s no real privacy, but lots of sun. Upper sites (#90-94) have some lower-hill views. Outer left-hand sites (even numbers from 74-89) back-up against trees and get afternoon shade.
   -> Horse Campground – This is set is shaded pine and is marketed as one of the best horse campgrounds in the NW. Lovely, large sites and horse-stalls with direct access to trails.
2.  Facilities = 4/5
   Pretty decent facilities here. Spacious bathroom and individual showers-stalls. Showers have good pressure/temp, but were not quite as pristine as we like (a few too many dead bugs). Lots of space and activities around the park incl. day-use & picnic areas, large disc-golf track, playground and ~15 miles of fabulous trails. On-site dump station.
3. Location = 3.5/5
   This park is set close to Banks & Vernonia, which are cute little towns with local interest/history, but perhaps not exactly “destination” locations especially compared to the nearby Oregon Coast. However you’re in a lovely, forested (and quiet) location only ~45 miles from Portland.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Another excellent doggie park. There is a lovely fenced off-leash dog area (on Hilltop Day-Use area), plus masses of forested trails.

Overall Rating = 4.4
BONUS ALERT = Hike & camp deep in Coastal Range forest!

Summary: This campground was another “find” thanks to a tip from Laurie and Odel over at We Call It Home. They pegged it as a rave and we completely agree. This is Oregon’s newest State Park and the  sites are huge, full-hookup with lovely “sitting areas”, good separation and tons of space. There’s a selection from full shaded (in West loop) to full open (in East loop) as well as a separate (excellent) horse campground loop. Lots and lots of hiking in the surrounding forest as well as some neat little day-trips to old logging towns such as Vernonia. Good biking trails too. Campground is almost completely empty during the week, but does book-up on the week-ends. This is not exactly a “destination” location, but is a fabulous (and quiet) forested stop if you’re on your way from Portland to the Coast. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely stay here again if we pass through on Hwy 26.

 Extra Info:  Good Verizon signal. Sites cost $26/night (full hookup), all reservable. On-site dump station.

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