Forest Encounter Locations for Dungeon & Dragons 5e

"A winding path leads past an overgrown cave entrance. Squirrels store a vast supply of nuts here for unknown reasons. "

Tables for Wilderness, Semi-Civilised and Unusual Forest locations. Result is from Forest Unusual Locations.

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Forest Encounter Locations

A place defined by trees, from sweeping pine forests in the mountains to tropical forests bursting with life. Ancient trees hold portals to the feywild or hollows for animal dens. Others support elven villages or another might be a hanging tree with associations with the dead.

There is a 5e Forest random encounter generator at ChaosGen. And a separate tool for encounter locations including Forest.

There is also a pdf of these and more tables at the DM's Guild as Forest Encounters.

Forest Encounter Tables - creatures | locations | non-combat | enhancements

Forest Wilderness Locations

d8+d12	Forest Wilderness Locations
2	An enchanted pond surrounded by thorny bushes heavy with berries (there is a flowery scent covering the area)
3	A field of sedge by a turbulent river (near a circle of standing stones)
4	A sparkling cave entrance amongst many orange flowers (which is influenced by the ethereal plane)
5	A shrine to a power of hunting in a clearing of ferns (someone has left a set of enchanted panpipes)
6	A large reed-filled pool fed by a spring (which is disguised by a hallucinatory terrain)
7	A fallen tree by an overgrown pond (there is a rainbow)
8	A group of carved trees heavy with fruit (it is touched by fiendish magic)
9	A patch of thorny heath surrounded by dead blue flowers (it is misty)
10	A ring of pink mushrooms surrounded by mud (a lantern is hanging from a tree)
11	A game trail running through a grove of sycamore trees (there are tiger tracks less than a day old)
12	A cave entrance half-covered by vines (rain is falling)
13	A few mossy oak trees and a mound of logs (there is a flag warning of great danger beyond)
14	A fallen tree providing a precarious crossing over a sparkling stream (nearby is a hidden valley)
15	A field of red mushrooms with a twisted sapling (there is smoke from a fire)
16	A clearing of fallen trees around a mossy rock (something is calling for help nearby)
17	A grand tree surrounded by wisps of mist taking creature forms (hail is falling)
18	A clearing of brambles with a concealed cave entrance (there is a horrible stench)
19	Edge of a muddy lake with stepping stones to an island (there is a camouflaged tent)
20	A deep hollow beside a gigantic skull. (there are several dead ravens)

Forest Semi-Civilised Locations

1d8+1d12	Forest Semi-Civilised Locations
2	A hamlet built into an overhanging cliff (currently there is thunder and lightning)
3	A wide cave entrance by a smouldering campfire (near shore of a blue lake)
4	Two dying shrubs near a shrine to a forgotten power (there is a wolf skeleton)
5	A hidden tree house near a rugged pathway (sleet is falling)
6	A newly-built hamlet in the trees (there is writing here in Elven)
7	A large clearing and a muddy ditch (close to an enchanted bridge over a polluted river)
8	A clearing of orange fungi surrounded by a tended hedge (it is foggy)
9	A ferry over a fish-filled river (nearby is a treeless hill)
10	A ring of mushrooms near crude steps leading up a cliff (there is a torn tent)
11	A sheltered campsite with a thorny hedge (near a gigantic tree)
12	An unlit fire by a mound of stones (nearby is a haunted cairn)
13	A mound of carved rocks and a covered hollow (there are gnoll tracks that look recent)
14	A watchtower at a meeting of two rivers (there is a battered canoe)
15	A ruined bear statue surrounded by mud (close by is a grove of enchanted ash trees)
16	A clearing of recently felled trees (close to a ford across a foul-smelling river)
17	A wooden hut suspended between two trees (which is blessed by a power of air)
18	A raised wooden walkway covered in ivy (nearby is a tunnel entrance)
19	A field of crops by mounds of debris (the birds and animals have gone quiet)
20	A wide canyon and a pile of logs (close by is an area of freshly felled trees)

Forest Unusual Locations

1d8+1d12	Forest Unusual Locations
2	Shifting vines cover a draconic burial ground. A forest spirit protects it at night, greeting those who come o ask questions.
3	Several shrines to a healing deity line a river bank. Under a full moon the flow of the water reverses, taking swimmers to another realm.
4	Spire of the Many Minstrels. A splendid fey palace built into five towering trees. Mists full of music and song cover the lands around.
5	An verdant island in a sparkling river is home to an elven fountain. Stepping stones lead to the island from both banks.
6	Patches of distinctive pink fungi grow around a stone circle. Spirits are said to protect the domesticated beasts kept here.
7	A titanic tree is covered in moss and webbing and infested by spiders. Slabs bearing Goblin writing tell of an annual ritual here.
8	Dragondale Moot. A cliffside hamlet inhabited by a diverse selection of creatures. They pay tribute to a local green dragon for protection.
9	The bones of an ancient monster make a bridge spanning a turbulent river. Felines of many types are attracted here.
10	A clearing with an old watchtower with an intact bell. Vines and thorns have been crafted into forms of forest creatures.
11	A blessed orchard bears large fruits throughout the year. Tales talk of a family of unicorns that has protected it for centuries.
12	The Shell and Pincers. A ramp spirals up a giant tree to the inn held there. Beetles cover tree and ground, including giant fire beetles
13	A winding path leads past an overgrown cave entrance. Squirrels store a vast supply of nuts here for unknown reasons.
14	A stone statue of a demonic figure in a clearing encircled by runed trees. There is a malevolent force awaits a suitable vessel.
15	Extensive overgrown gardens surround an old asylum, but nothing grows within the ruins. A curse is said to linger here.
16	Pool of the Hungry. A giant plant in a murky pool is known to eat creatures. A foolish few search here for a Feywild crossing.
17	A citadel of vines, wood, bone and flowers is sacred to druids. A waterfall flows down one side and a hallucinatory terrain hides it.
18	A reed-filled river runs through a field of enchanted red flowers. There is a crossing of large lily pads and butterflies are everywhere.
19	The skull of a massive monster sits in a clearing which is knee deep in leaves. The half-built brewery stands beside a path leading away.
20	Lastlight Dell. A lonely hill with a few dying trees is associated with a friendly hag. The border to the Feywild and Shadowfell is thin here.