Home to pristine beaches, rugged cliffs and spectacular viewpoints, you will find the best camping in the Oregon Coast. It boasts a rich history in its small seaside towns, offers astounding views of the Pacific Ocean and has abundant natural wildlife. But while many tourists simply pass quickly through this area, why not take advantage of the many campgrounds that dot the coastline?
Whether you are a hiker, a cyclist, a tent camper, or a large RV camper, there is a campground for everyone. Sandy beaches, lively tide pools and giant dunes are located just on the doorstep of some of these beautiful campgrounds! The only important thing to remember is to reserve your campsite well in advance! While reservations are not technically required, campgrounds typically fill up fast. If you wait too long, when summer arrives there will likely be no available sites left!
I have compiled a list of some of the best camping along the Oregon Coast. Most of the listed campgrounds are operated by either the U.S Forest Service or the Oregon State Park system. Although this is by no means a complete list, it should help you start planning your perfect seaside adventure!
Oregon Coast Camping: State Park Campgrounds
Any list of the best camping along the Oregon Coast must always start with the State Park Campgrounds. Reservations for these campgrounds can be made from one day to six months in advance to ensure your site. These State Park campgrounds are scattered along the coast but all have similar amenities that include:
- drinkable water
- flushing toilets
- hot showers
- hiking/ biking campsites
- RV dump stations
- fire pits
- picnic tables
- Yurts
Our favorite Oregon State Park Campgrounds are listed below:
South Beach State Park Campground
South Beach State Park stretches for a few miles along the coast, starting just south of Newport. The park has a long sandy beach and a paved jetty trail for running and biking. Open year-round, the campground has more than 280 campsites with easy access to the beach. The campground also has access to nearby horse-shoe pits and a 9-hole disc golf course. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and Hatfield Marine Science Center are within a short drive of the campground. Kayaking, fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and beach combing are popular activities in the park.
Harris Beach State Park Campground
Harris Beach State Park Campground is located only a quarter-mile from the beach and offers year-round camping. The campground has more than 150 campsites, although some camp loops close during the winter. Numerous sea stacks line the beach making for gorgeous coastal views. Oregon’s largest island, Bird Island, is also located just off the park’s coast.
Depending on when you camp here, you may see a tufted puffin, grey whales, or seals/ sea lions playing along the coast. Tide pools are hidden along the rocky outcroppings along the beach. Hiking, biking, and surf fishing are popular outdoor activities within the park.
Cape Lookout State Park Campground
Cape Lookout Campground and its 200+ campsites are open year-round. The campground is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean and is surrounded by Sitka spruce and hemlocks. Miles of hiking trails that explore the coast are located within walking distance. Beachcombing, hang gliding, bird watching, and fishing are popular activities within the park. The Three Capes Scenic Route and Clay Myers State Natural Area are nearby attractions.
Beverly Beach State Park Campground
Beverly Beach State Park Campground is one of the largest campgrounds in the state. Open year-round, this forest-sheltered campground has more than 250 campsites just steps from the beautiful coastline. The sandy beach extends all the way from Yaquina Head to Otter Rock. Tide pools teeming with sea life are scattered along the shoreline. Beachcombing, surf fishing, and biking are popular activities around this area. The Oregon Coast Aquarium, Yaquina Head lighthouse, and the town of Newport are all worth a trip.
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground is located beside a stretch of sand dunes and freshwater Lake Marie. Although somewhat small, with roughly 60 campsites, the State Park sees many annual visitors. This is due to its close proximity to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Some of these sand dunes can be larger than 500ft! Check out more information about the dunes here.
There is no direct access to the dunes from the park, but the nearest entry is only two miles away. Off-road vehicle riding, sand sledding, biking, and hiking are popular activities. The famous Salmon Harbor Marina is less than a mile from the campground.
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground is tucked within a 47-mile stretch of sand dunes. The year-round campground allows ATVs to drive directly onto the dunes between October and April. With more than 350+ campsites, the Honeyman Campground is the second largest Oregon State Park campground. Although it is only two miles from the ocean, there are no marked trails that lead to the beach. Instead, the campground has access to two beautiful freshwater lakes: Cleawox and Woahink. Cleawox is the perfect lake for swimming. Woahink has a public boat ramp and is the prime location for water sports. You can also rent boats, canoes, or equipment within the park.
Humbug Mountain State Park Campground
Humbug Mountain State Park Campground enjoys one of the warmest weather areas along the Oregon coast. The campground is open year-round and has just less than 100 campsites. Each of these campsites is very spacious and is shaded by a mature forest. A short trail connects the campground to the nearby sandy beach. The surrounding state park is dominated by the presence of Humbug Mountain which has spectacular views of the ocean. The park also contains one of the coast’s highest headlands for jaw dropping pictures and excellent scuba diving and windsurfing opportunities.
Sunset Bay State Park Campground
Located only a short walk from the beach, the Sunset Bay State Campground has more than 130 campsites. The year-round campground has access to beautiful sandy beaches and towering sea cliffs. Nearby hiking trails connect Sunset Bay to Shore Acres. Coastal forests and beautiful ocean vistas are found on top of the surrounding headlands. Popular activities include beach combing, swimming, kayaking, and exploring the tide pools.
Bullards Beach State Park Campground
Situated amongst shore pines and protected from strong ocean breezes is Bullards Beach State Park Campground. Each of the 190+ campsites is open year-round and has easy access to the beautiful beach. The short trail connects the lowland forest to the beaches’ sandy dunes. Campers enjoy exploring the almost five-mile-long beach and visiting the nearby historic lighthouse. Biking, fishing, crabbing, horseback riding, and sand sledding are popular activities within the park. The Coquille River and Brandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge are close by.
Oregon Coast Camping: U.S. Forest Service
The best camping along the Oregon coast would not be complete without including U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds. These campgrounds are far more primitive but are often more secluded. Campers should expect very limited services and be prepared to pack out all trash. Listed below are our favorite U.S. Forest Service Campgrounds.
Tillicum Beach Campground
Tillicum Beach Campground is a medium-sized campground that is open year-round. The campground has just 61 campsites in total, most of which have shady, beachfront views. A few of the campsites even have electric and water hookups. The campground has flush toilets and drinkable water, but no showers are available. Nearby attractions include Cape Perpetua and The Rock Creek Wilderness Area.
Rock Creek Campground
Surrounded by Douglas fir and spruce trees, Rock Creek Campground has 14 campsites which are open from May through September. Because it is located in the Siuslaw National Forest, the entire campground has a rainforest feel due to the large amounts of mosses and ferns. Campers have access to vault toilets, drinkable water, and picnic tables but no electric hookups. Many of the surrounding trails lead through the forest to rocky overlooks. Birding and fishing opportunities are common in the park. If you arrive at the right time you may even be able to spot migrating whales along the coastline!
Cape Perpetua Campground
Sitka spruce, alder, and Douglas fir trees surround Cape Perpetua Campground. Tourists pack in its 37 campsites from March until September. Each of the campsites is situated along the banks of Cape Creek and has access to flush toilets and potable water. Miles of hiking trails surround the campground which leads to rocky overlooks and tidepools. Campers often visit the nearby attractions of The Giant Spruce and St. Perpetua. The Cape Perpetua Headlands is one of the most dramatic features within the park. It offers views 800 feet above the Oregon coastline.
Waxmyrtle Campground
Located near the Siltcoos River, Waxmyrtle Campground has 57 campsites that are open from May 1st through September 30th. A thick wall of shrubbery provides plenty of privacy for each campsite. The campground also has drinking water, flush toilets, and trash facilities.
Due to its location near the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, off-road trail riding and dune riding are popular activities. Campers can also enjoy The Waxmyrtle Trail and its spectacular views of the lower river estuary. If you are lucky you may even see the snowy plover nesting in the estuary.
Oregon Coast Camping: Family Owned
There are also a large number of family-owned campgrounds along the Oregon coast. These campgrounds have a rich history and a unique story to tell. One family-owned campground has made it into our list of the best camping along the Oregon Coast.
Wright’s For Camping
Wright’s For Camping is a family-owned and run campground that has been in business since 1959. Specializing in tent camping, the campground has 22 total sites which are open from May to mid- September. Wright’s is located in mid-town Cannon Beach and is a few minutes drive from the sandy beach. The campground has no hookups available, but there is a shared bathhouse and a laundry room. Nearby attractions include Haystack Rock and the boutiques within Cannon Beach.
Useful Websites for Oregon Coast Camping
If one of the campgrounds listed above piqued your interest, be sure to check it out on Campendium.com, thedyrt.com, or campsitephotos.com. Each of these websites has photos and reviews from previous campers so you can see exactly what each campground has to offer. The Oregon State Parks website and the U.S. Forest Service website are also useful tools for up-to-date information on campsites that fall under their jurisdiction. Always be sure to double-check all rules and regulations before starting your trip!
Conclusion
These are just a few of our favorite campgrounds that make up the best camping along the Oregon Coast. Forest Service Campgrounds offer the best option for privacy and seclusion. Oregon State Campgrounds have the most amenities. In family-owned campgrounds you’ll find history and a family-friendly atmosphere.
No matter the requirements, there is a perfect campground on the Oregon Coast for everyone! Just remember, once you decide on your destination, book your campsite well in advance! Each campground differs in when they begin taking bookings for the next season. It pays to check ahead of time and ensure you lock in your dates before it’s all booked out.
If you have already decided where along the Oregon coast you would like to camp, be sure to make sure you know what to bring. Check out our ultimate beach camping list to make sure your next beach adventure is truly ultimate! Happy Camping!