Like many Oregonians, I’ve spent my fair share of spending the night under the stars, listening to the sounds of Oregon’s iconic craggy shoreline as the waves wash up along the shore. No matter where in the world my travels take me, nothing beats the lure of the Pacific, the intoxicating scent of fresh sea water mixed with a nearby old-growth forest.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable camping experience, the Oregon coast camping is a must-do. It has everything from glamping cabins to modern yurts, to deluxe RV spots to tent sites with a view, and more. Here you’ll find some of the best RV parks on the Oregon Coast.
These campgrounds are listed from north to south and I have divided them in to two sections: northern and southern Oregon coast. These campgrounds all follow the Leave No Trace principle, which is an easy way to avoid leaving a negative impact on the environment.
How to Make Reservations for Oregon Coast Campgrounds
I’m not going to sugarcoat this – Oregon coast camping is VERY popular and even the shoulder season can find you scrambling for a good camping spot. Making reservations at just about every campground mentioned here is highly recommended, if not required. You will find links below. Plan well in advance (up to 6 months at the more popular areas) to get the best spots available.
That said, reservations are not required in order to camp, but why take the chance? A quick visit to the Oregon State Parks website gives you some great information.
Oregon Coast RV Parks
RV Camping on the Oregon coast is a thing of beauty. With over 363 miles of coastline, it is home to some of the country’s most stunning natural beauty. From rugged, unspoiled cliffs to rock pools and historic lighthouses, this state’s breathtaking shoreline is a must-visit destination for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and road-trippers.
With an abundance of RV parks and campgrounds to choose from, it’s easy to find a place to base yourself and enjoy all of the amazing activities on offer throughout the entire coast. But before you make your reservations, it’s important to know when is the best time of year to visit this stunning coastal region.
The best time to visit is in the fall and spring, when temperatures are often a bit cooler and the weather is more pleasant. These months are also less crowded than summer, so you’ll likely have an easier time finding an RV park or camping spot in your desired location.
Yurts on the Oregon Coast
For those who want to experience a unique Oregon Coast vacation, there are yurts for rent at several of the area’s campgrounds. Some of them even offer ocean views close to the beach! Be sure to check out my guide to yurt camping in Oregon with the link earlier in this paragraph.
Campgrounds on the Northern Oregon Coast (Astoria – Newport)
Fort Stevens State Park
Located west of Astoria, Fort Stevens is a 4,300-acre park offering an exploration of history and nature. It was once the primary military defense installation in the three-fort, Harbor Defense System at the mouth of the Columbia River (Forts Canby and Columbia in Washington were the other two).
The main attraction at Fort Stevens is touring the historic sites within the park including the only enclosed Civil War earthworks site on the west coast. You can also explore the old military fort and artillery gun batteries.
What’s more, this area is home to the “Graveyard of the Pacific”, a massive sand spit that extends from Tillamook Bay to Cape Scott and was formed when sediment from the Columbia River was carried by the wind and waves into the ocean. This graveyard is the site of more than 2,000 shipwrecks and thousands of souls have lost their lives here. Sort of a creepy place to spend a night under the stars, don’t you think? You can still see the remains of a shipwreck here, if you visit when the sand isn’t too soft.
If you enjoy hiking, biking or swimming, Fort Stevens is the place to be. It has a network of 9 miles of paved bicycle trails and 6 miles of hiking trails that lead you through forests of spruce and hemlock, across wetlands and dunes and along the shore.
This oceanfront RV park in Oregon features 30 full hookup sites and 35 electrical sites with water, as well as flush toilets and showers. The park is also close to the beach, so you’ll have access to incredible harbor views and excellent crabbing and clamming opportunities. Plus, you’ll be just a short drive from Garibaldi, an authentic fishing village.
Cannon Beach Camping
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a beach lover’s dream destination. The town is home to the third-tallest intertidal rock in the world, Haystack Rock, as well as a multitude of stunning beaches, coastal hiking trails, and other natural attractions. It’s also a hot spot for beachcombers, boogie boarders, and surfers alike.
Camping is a great way to get a closer look at Cannon Beach and the surrounding area, and with so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a campground that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for a traditional camping experience, or prefer the convenience of full hookups, you’ll be able to find a Cannon Beach campsite that’s perfect for you.
Cannon Beach RV Parks
Ideally, a Cannon Beach RV vacation should be booked well in advance so that campsites are not full. During the peak summer months, parking in the town of Cannon Beach is free and fills up very quickly.
For a quieter stay, look for a campground that is farther away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still within walking distance to town. This way, you can avoid navigating a huge crowd and be able to take your time exploring the area.
Located in Seaside, Circle Creek RV Resort is a great option for campers who want to stay close to the beaches and Ecola State Park. The campsite sits on 11.5 acres and has 44 grassy sites, each with full hookups and Wi-Fi.
Another great campground is Wright’s for Camping, a small tent camp that has 22 campsites with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. The campground is set in the woods and is ideal for a family who doesn’t need a fancy, modern facility.
Nehalem Bay State Park
Nehalem Bay State Park is one of Oregon’s largest campgrounds with 265 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. You can even rent a yurt here. Each site is equipped with electricity, water, a campfire ring, a picnic table and grills. There are 18 yurts and 17 equestrian and hiker/biker campsites.
The campground spreads out over a four-mile long sand spit that extends to the ocean beach. The dunes protect the beach from coastal winds, making it a popular place to build sand castles and fly a kite.
Another popular activity is beach-combing for shells, agates and glass floats. Guests can also ride their bikes along the 1.8-mile-long bike path or head into Manzanita, where fine dining and boutiques abound.
Nehalem Bay State Park is a great destination for all ages. With a large campground, a variety of day-use activities and the opportunity to practice the leave no trace principle, this is a perfect Oregon Coast vacation spot for the whole family.
Barview Jetty County Park
One of the most popular beachfront campgrounds on the Oregon Coast, Barview Jetty County Park is located at the mouth of Tillamook Bay and offers a variety of activities for all visitors. From beach access to bird watching and more, this is a great place for any type of vacation. With 242 tent sites and 73 full hook-up RV sites, including some pull-throughs.
Cape Lookout State Park
If you’re in the mood for some beach camping, Cape Lookout State Park is one of the best campgrounds on the Oregon coast. This 2,000-acre sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean is full of natural beauty and wildlife, including miles of beaches for beachcombing.
It’s also a popular landing site for parasailers and hang gliders, so if you’re lucky, you might see these daring fliers land just feet from you on the beach! This is the perfect place to watch whales, explore Cape Lookout Trail, and take in incredible views of the coastline.
The park also features a short nature trail, which is great for learning about the plants and trees in the area. It’s a short walk from the campground to the trail, and you can pick up a brochure or digital version of the trail information from the registration booth.
The campground offers traditional tent sites and full hookup RV sites. There are also 13 yurts and six cabins for rent. Each yurt has a wooden floor, lockable doors, lighting, heating, and beds. The cabins are a little more upscale, with electricity, a microwave and small fridge, and a bathroom inside.
Devils Lake State Recreational Area
If you’re looking for a place to go swimming, boating, and fishing during your Oregon Coast vacation, then you’ve come to the right place! Devils Lake is a great location for an outdoor adventure and makes a wonderful destination for RVers.
Beverly Beach State Park
Nestled in a beautiful forest and only a short walk from the sandy beaches, Beverly Beach State Park is a popular spot for families to stay. You’ll find more than 130 tent and RV sites here, with a third of them offering full hookups.
Campground on the Southern Oregon Coast (Newport – Brookings)
South Beach State Park
If you’re looking for a fun camping experience along the Oregon coast, Newport Oregon RV Parks like South Beach State Park, just south of Newport, are a great option. It boasts several miles of scenic beaches, heaps of hiking trails, and lots of recreational activities.
This campground is open year-round and can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. It has 60 tent sites and 227 RV sites that offer electricity or no hookups.
There are also 3 tents-only group sites that can accommodate up to 25 people and 6 vehicles. They are located about 300 yards away from the main campsites, but have a dump station and bathrooms nearby. The campground also has a Hospitality Center and meeting hall. Its amenities include clean showers, flush toilets, and drinking water.
The campgrounds at this location are situated near some of the best whale watching viewpoints and tidepools on the Oregon coast, as well as the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Rock Creek Campground
Operated by the National Forest Service, Rock Creek is tucked deep in the Siuslaw National Forest near Florence and provides a well-shaded place to stay close to the ocean. The 14 campsites for RVs, trailers and tents spread along the creek have a rainforest-like feel, with moss and ferns in abundance. It’s also a great spot for birders and fishermen. The creek flows through the campground and is lined with tide pools.
Put simply, it’s hard to beat for its stunning postcard environment and its enviable proximity to some of the best stretches of Oregon beaches. But its secluded and unpaved approach means that hikers would do well to practice the leave no trace principle.
This a must-see spot for anyone wanting yurts on the Oregon coast, so book a site before you go. If you’re not a tent camper, there are plenty of other options; all can be reserved ahead of time.
Honeyman State Park
Honeyman State Park is another popular camping destination at the Oregon Coast. It’s located mid-way along the coast, 3 miles south of Florence. The park is surrounded by two miles of sand dunes and features two freshwater lakes and an array of recreational opportunities.
This is the perfect place to bring your camper or rig, as it’s a quiet and relaxing destination that is home to a marina and an excellent fishing pier. The park also has an interpretive center that helps visitors learn about local wildlife and Native American history.
The park’s campground has pull-through and back-in sites that accommodate both RVs and tents. Its clean bathhouse features indoor laundry facilities, a recycling station for cans and bottles, and a soda machine.
There are a variety of outdoor activities at this park, including swimming, hiking, fishing, and boating. Spring visitors can enjoy pink rhododendrons and fall visitors can pick huckleberries.
Honeyman has been a popular destination for Oregonians for nearly 100 years. It features a number of Civilian Conservation Corps projects from the 1930s and a plethora of recreational options. Those who love to explore nature can enjoy sandboarding, kayaking, ATVing and hiking through the giant dunes.
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is one of the more secluded campgrounds on the coast and has an amazing location at the base of the spectacular lighthouse bluff, overlooking Winchester Bay and open coastal dunes. There are 63 sites for camping, including 12 full hookups.
You can easily walk or bike from the campground to the cliffside lighthouse and museum, which is maintained by Douglas County. There’s a trail to the top of the lighthouse where you can admire stunning views of the sweeping coastal views.
If you’re a history buff, you can also visit the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum and learn more about the fascinating history of the Umpqua Lighthouse. The 65-foot structure was first lit in 1894 and towers over a spectacular 100-foot cliff at Winchester Bay. Tours are usually available year-round (check hours & admission).
Sunset Bay State Park
Sunset Bay State Park is an Oregon coast camping destination that is a popular basecamp for a number of activities. It has sandy beaches, pristine forests, and towering sea cliffs. It also features trails that lead to nearby Shore Acres and Cape Arago State Parks.
The mid-sized campground at Sunset Bay has a mix of tent, RV, and yurt sites. Several are ADA accessible, and the park offers hot showers and plumbed toilets. There are 121 general campsites and 25 have full hook-ups. There are eight yurts and two group tent camps.
One of the most scenic areas in the park is the horseshoe-shaped cove. This protected cove is a great place for swimming, surfing, boating, and kayaking. During storms, large waves create powerful swells that make for incredible wave action. The area is often lauded as the best storm watching spot on the entire Oregon coast.
A network of hiking trails connects Sunset Bay to Shore Acres and Cape Arago state parks, giving hikers access to pristine coastal forests, cliffs, ocean panoramas and more. The trails also lead to Gregory Point, the Cape Arago Lighthouse, and Shell Island and Simpson Reef.
Boice-Cope State Park
Boice-Cope State Park is a fantastic choice for campers who want to enjoy Floras Lake, a popular destination for wind surfers and kiteboarders. The park is also a short drive from nearby Bandon and offers great ranger programs.
This campground is situated 18 miles south of Bandon and is nestled between a beautiful lake and rolling dunes. You can walk out to the beach to build sandcastles, fly a kite or just relax to the sound of the ocean waves.
Boice-Cope has 31 campsites, including 13 tent sites and 18 RV sites with electric and water hookups. All sites are first-come, first-served and include fire rings, barbecues and picnic tables.
The park is surrounded by Sitka spruce and shorepines, making it the perfect place for enjoying nature. It is also a good option for campers who are looking to practice the leave no trace principle, which is important when visiting a national or state park.
Cape Blanco State Park
Cape Blanco is one of Oregon’s most remote state parks, but it offers spectacular ocean views, a historic lighthouse, and plenty of historical walking and beach trails to explore. It also has 64 campsites (52 with water and electric), 4 cabins, and 8 equestrian sites.
The westernmost tip of the Oregon coast, Cape Blanco is a dramatic headland jutting out about 200 feet above the pounding Pacific. It was first explored in 1603 by Spanish captain Martin D’Aguilar, and it has been an important part of the region’s history ever since.
From the parking area, walk north along the beach to see a group of sea stacks called Blanco Reef, including Black Rock, a sea arch; Split Rock; Barrel Rock; and Needle Rock. To the south, look down to Port Orford Heads and Humbug Mountain.
While you are on the beach, make sure to stop for a picnic lunch on the bluffs. The bluffs are a great place to watch for whales, and you can often see them in the waters.
Humbug Mountain State Park
Humbug Mountain State Park is one of the best campgrounds on the Oregon coast. It sits in a forested valley that is protected from strong ocean winds by the surrounding mountains. This micro climate makes it a popular destination year round.
Hiking trails are plentiful at this park and take visitors to the summit of Humbug Mountain, the highest headland on the coast. The trail winds through Douglas Fir forests and gives hikers peek-a-boo views of the ocean, with more expansive vistas at the top.
This campground is right next to the beach and offers 95 sites with hookups, flush toilets, hot showers and a reservable picnic area. The campground also features drinking water spigots throughout the campground.
A Word on Dispersed Camping in Oregon
In case you didn’t know, dispersed camping means FREE camping. Yes, you can camp for free near the Oregon coast, but don’t expect a killer view of the ocean. Dispersed camping is a great option for those who don’t mind roughing it a little more than usual, as these sites will not have any facilities such as bathrooms, showers, water, or RV hookups. For information on dispersed campsites in Oregon by region, visit the Bureau of Land Management camping options website.
