One-Night Forest Escape: Group Camping at Nehalem Falls

🌲 Nehalem Falls Group Camping Adventure – 1-Day Overnight Trip 🌲
📍 Nehalem Falls Campground, OR – Group Site (Tent Only)
🗓️ Date: [07/12/25]
🚗 ~2 hours from Portland (with optional coastal hike stop)

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Hey everyone!

Let’s take a short break from the city and reconnect with nature for an awesome overnight camping trip at Nehalem Falls Campground! This will be a relaxed, social, nature-centered outing with space to hike, chill, play games, and unwind under the trees.

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🗺️ Location + Arrival Info
• Nehalem Falls Campground is located about 2 hours west of Portland in Tillamook State Forest.
• We’ll be camping in the Group Tent Site (Main Loop).
• Official check-in is at 4:00 PM, but we will begin meeting at the campground around 3:00 PM to get organized and ready to set up.
• Optional morning hike plans are available for anyone who wants to join in before arriving at camp.

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🚗 Parking Info – Read Carefully!
• Our group site includes limited on-site parking (48′ × 28′). That means only 5–6 cars will fit depending on size.
• Extra vehicles must use the overflow parking area, located a short walk from the group site.
• The cost for overflow parking is between $5–$10 per vehicle, per night – bring exact cash just in case.
• Please carpool if possible to save space and cost – use the event comments to coordinate rides!

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🧭 Itinerary

🕘 Morning Plan (Optional Coastal Adventure)
• 9:00 AM – Depart Portland
• 11:00 AM – Arrive at Cape Falcon Trailhead, hike 5-mile roundtrip (approx. 2 hours)
• 1:00 PM – Relax at Short Sand Beach for ~1 hour
• 2:00 PM – Drive ~30–45 minutes back to campground
• 3:00 PM – Meet at Nehalem Falls Campground
• 4:00 PM – Official group check-in and tent setup

🕔 Afternoon & Evening
• 4:00–7:00 PM – Chill time, games, music, conversations
• 7:00 PM – Group dinner (BYO food, or coordinate a shared potluck-style meal)
• 9:00 PM – Fire circle (if allowed) and social hangout
• 10:00 PM – Quiet hours begin – all amplified sound and loud noise must stop

🕗 Next Morning

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Free time for your choice of adventure or rest
Suggestions:
• Elk Flats Trail + Neahkahnie Viewpoint – stunning coastal views (~3.5 miles)
• Rockaway Big Tree Trailhead – easy walk among giant Sitka spruce
• Nehalem Falls Trail – short and scenic 0.7-mile loop (15–20 min), right near camp
• Hang out at camp, enjoy coffee, or explore nearby Nehalem town
(All options are ~30 minutes or less from the campground)

12:00 PM – Group clean-up begins — help us leave the site as we found it
1:00 PM – Official checkout time

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🃏 Campfire Games & Social Fun

We’ll have a chill campfire vibe with optional games and group activities. Bring any favorites!

Planned group games include:
• Secret Hitler
• Monikers (charades-based)
• Werewolf / Mafia – social deduction with roles
• Salad Bowl – mix of guessing games with paper prompts
• Psychiatrist, Contact, and Ninja – movement/social games for bigger groups
• Musical instruments, chill music (respectful volume), and more!

Bring any games you’d like to share — the more the merrier.

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📋 Suggested Packing List
• Tent and sleeping bag (or plan to share)
• Sleeping pad or mat
• Headlamp/flashlight
• Reusable water bottle (no drinking water guarantee – bring enough!)
• Camping chair or blanket
• Warm clothes for the evening
• Food/snacks (dinner, breakfast, and anything in between)
• Reusable plate/cup/utensils
• Trash bag (leave no trace!)
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Games, cards, instruments, or group-friendly activities
• Optional: beach towel, hiking shoes, daypack

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🔊 Reminders
• Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.
• Alcohol is allowed in moderation — be respectful and responsible.
• Dogs are welcome on a leash.
• There are vault toilets but no showers at the site.
• This is a leave-no-trace event – clean up after yourself and help the group keep it tidy.

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✅ Final Notes

We’ll update this event with a carpool coordination form, weather info, and any fire restrictions closer to the date. If you’re new to camping – don’t stress! This is a chill, supportive group and a great place to get started.

Let’s spend the night around the fire, under the stars, and surrounded by awesome company. 🌲🔥