The Best Places for Camping on the Oregon Coast

oregon coast camping

The Best Oregon Coast Campgrounds

The rugged coastline of Oregon, with its dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests, beckons outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide. Nestled along this breathtaking stretch of the Pacific Northwest lies a collection of campgrounds that offer not just a place to rest but an opportunity to immerse oneself in the region’s natural splendor. From the serene tranquility of Central Oregon to the wild beauty of the South and the rugged charm of the North, the best Oregon Coast campgrounds promise unforgettable experiences for campers of all kinds.

North Oregon Coast Camping

The north coast has a collection of Oregon state parks, historic landmarks, and towering sea cliffs which dot the landscape. It is a haven for camping enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Here are the top Oregon coast camping spots you should know about.

1. Fort Stevens State Park Campground & Warrenton KOA

Fort Stevens State Park Campground - oregon coast camping

Located in Warrenton, Fort Stevens State Park offers a range of camping options amidst historic military fortifications and scenic landscapes. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV hook-ups, this campground provides an excellent base for exploring the northern Oregon coast.

For those seeking a more traditional camping experience with modern amenities, the Warrenton KOA provides comfortable accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Situated conveniently near Fort Stevens State Park, it offers easy access to coastal attractions and outdoor adventures.

Camping Options: Fort Stevens State Park has tent sites and RV hookups. Visitors can choose from traditional tent camping or enjoy the convenience of RV hookups amidst historic military fortifications and scenic landscapes.

  • The prices for yurts and cabins range from $42 to $98.
  • Tent sites are available starting at $24 for residents, with a 25% increase for non-residents.
  • RV and camper sites are priced between $35 and $38.

Hiking Trails: The Peter Iredale Trail is a popular hiking trail within Fort Stevens State Park. This easy, family-friendly trail leads to the famous shipwreck of the Peter Iredale, offering a glimpse into Oregon’s maritime history.

2. Nehalem Bay State Park Campground

Nehalem Bay State Park Campground oregon coast camping

This campground offers stunning views of the bay and everything the Oregon coast offers. Visitors can enjoy beach combing, kayaking, and hiking trails while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Oregon coast.

Camping Options: Nehalem Bay State Park Campground offers a variety of camping options, year-round, including tent sites and full-hookup RV sites, including electricity Hookups. Plus, it is pet-friendly.

  • Camping year round
  • Nightly rate: $32.00
  • 265 electrical sites with water
  • 18 yurts (9 pet-friendly)
  • Horse camp with 17 primitive sites
  • RV dump station

Hiking Trails: The South Jetty Trail is a popular hiking trail within Nehalem Bay State Park. This scenic trail leads hikers along the South Jetty, offering panoramic views of the bay, coastal dunes, and wildlife observation opportunities.

3. Devil’s Lake Campground

Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area comprises two parks situated on opposing sides of Devils Lake. The campground is situated on the west shore, just minutes away from downtown Lincoln City and a brief stroll from the beach. East Devil’s Lake State Park, a day-use park featuring a boat launch, can be found a short drive around the lake’s southern end.

Camping Options: Devils Lake Campground offers lakeside camping with tent sites and RV hook-ups. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife watching along the tranquil shores of Devil’s Lake.

  • Open for camping May 1 – Nov 30
  • 28 full-hookup sites with cable TV
  • Five electrical sites with water (four with cable TV)
  • 54 tent sites with water nearby
  • 10 yurts (five pet-friendly)
  • Hot showers
  • Firewood for sale

Hiking Trails: The Regatta Grounds Park Loop Trail is a popular hiking trail near Devils Lake Campground. This scenic trail winds through lush forests and offers panoramic views of Devils Lake, making it a favorite among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Barview Jetty County Park Campground

Barview Jetty County Park - oregon coast

Located near Rockaway Beach, Barview Jetty County Park Campground provides beachfront camping with stunning ocean views.

Camping Options: Barview Jetty County Park Campground offers beachfront camping with stunning ocean views. It also offers tent and RV sites, so whether you prefer tent camping or RVs, you’ll have access to spacious sites steps away from miles of sandy shoreline.

  • Tent Site: $33.00 per night
  • Mobile Cabin: $61.00 per night (2 nights min)
  • Pet-friendly: $11 per night
  • RV Sites (Full Hook-up)
  • Coin-Operated Hot Showers
  • Electricity

Hiking Trails: The Twin Rocks Loop Trail is a popular hiking trail near Barview Jetty County Park. This scenic trail winds along the coastline, offering breathtaking views of Twin Rocks and the surrounding ocean landscape. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the North Oregon Coast.

5. Cape Lookout State Park Campground

Cape Lookout - oregon coast camping
Cape Lookout State Park

Perched on a scenic promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. Campers can hike along rugged cliffs, watch for migrating whales, and enjoy beachside campfires under starlit skies.

Camping Options: Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers tent camping and RV sites with easy access to the beach and hiking trails. The campground facilities include hot showers, flush toilets, and a camp store, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.

  • 38 full-hookup sites
  • 170 tent sites with water nearby
  • One electrical site with water
  • 13 yurts (6 pet-friendly) 
  • Six deluxe cabins (3 pet-friendly)
  • Group tent camping area

Popular Hiking Trail: The Cape Lookout Trail is a must-do hike for visitors to the campground. This scenic trail leads hikers along the edge of a dramatic cliffside, providing breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and opportunities for whale watching during migration seasons.

Central Oregon Coast Camping

1. Harbor Vista County Park

Harbor Vista County Park provides tent camping and RV sites with scenic views of the surrounding coastline. Located in Florence, it offers easy access to fishing, crabbing, and exploring charming coastal towns.

Camping Options: Tent camping, 3 cabins, 45 RV sites (electricity and water, with a dump station). The sites are dog-friendly and come with picnic tables and water.

  • Nightly Rate: $40.00
  • Parking Length: 62 ft
  • Parking Width: 14 ft
  • Electric: (30 & 50 amps)
  • Two (2) Pets Allowed
  • Max Vehicles: 3

2. Loon Lake Campground

Tucked away in the tranquil surroundings of the Umpqua National Forest, Loon Lake Campground offers a serene retreat for nature enthusiasts. Campers can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking, amidst the beauty of the Central Oregon Coast.

Camping Options: Loon Lake Campground offers both tent camping and RV sites, providing a range of options for visitors. The campground facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, and boat ramps. Loon Lake Recreation Site’s operating season is from Memorial Day weekend to September 30th

  • Standard Nonelectric Single Capacity: $18.00
  • Standard Nonelectric Double Capacity: $36.00
  • Tent Only Nonelectric Single Capacity: $18.00
  • Tent Only Nonelectric Double Capacity: $36.00
  • Rv Nonelectric Single Capacity: $18.00
  • Pet-Friendly

Popular Hiking Trail: The Loon Lake Loop Trail is a popular hiking option near the campground. This scenic trail winds around the picturesque lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding forested hillsides and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

3. Tillicum Beach Oregon Coast Campground

Situated near the charming town of Yachats, Tillicum Beach Campground invites visitors to relax and unwind along its pristine shores. The 61 campsites have beachfront views with easy beach access.

Camping Options: Tillicum Beach Campground primarily offers tent camping, providing a rustic and immersive experience for visitors seeking to connect with nature. While the campground lacks RV hook-ups, it compensates with its serene coastal setting.

  • $34/Night for single unit without hookups, $10/Night for extra vehicle.
  • $41 for electric hookup sites
  • Single-family campsites, a few of which have both electric and water hookups.
  • Flush Toilets
  • Drinking water, picnic tables, & campfire ring
  • No showers

Popular Hiking Trail: Nearby, within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, travels can explore various hiking trails, including the Captain Cook Trail and the St. Perpetua Trail. These trails offer panoramic views of the rugged coastline, unique geological formations like Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn, and opportunities to spot marine life such as whales and sea lions.

4. Beverly Beach State Park Campground

Beverly Beach State Park Campground - oregon coast camping

Nestled between lush coastal forests and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, Beverly Beach State Park Campground offers a quintessential camping experience. Campers can explore scenic trails, fly kites on the expansive beach, and enjoy family-friendly amenities amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.

Camping Options: Beverly Beach State Park Campground caters to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, providing a mix of wooded and open campsites with modern amenities such as hot showers and flush toilets. But it’s very popular, reserve a spot in advance here. The campground’s proximity to the beach makes it a popular destination for families and beachgoers.

  • 53 full-hook up sites
  • 76 electrical sites with water (32 pull-through)
  • 128 tent sites with water nearby
  • 21 Yurts 
  • 3 seasonal group tent camping areas
  • Hiker/biker camp
  • Firewood for sale daily
  • RV Dump station

Popular Hiking Trail: The Beverly Beach State Park Trail is a short but scenic trail that meanders through coastal forests and emerges onto the expansive sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls, beachcombing, and kite flying while taking in views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

5. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park - oregon coast camping

Embraced by towering sand dunes and serene lakes, Umpqua Lighthouse State Park boasts a unique coastal landscape. Campers can hike through windswept forests, climb towering dunes, and visit the historic Umpqua River Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline.

Camping Options: The year-round tranquil campground provides a selection of RV and tent sites, as well as options for cabins and yurts. Campers can choose from sites nestled among the dunes or situated near Lake Marie, providing options for different camping preferences. You can reserve them here.

  • Nightly Rate: $30 per night
  • 12 full hookup sites
  • 8 electrical sites with water
  • 23 tent sites with water nearby
  • Flush toilets and showers
  • 2 rustic yurts (1 pet-friendly)
  • 2 rustic log cabins (1 pet-friendly)
  • 6 deluxe yurts (3 pet-friendly)
  • 1 ADA deluxe yurt 

Popular Hiking Trail: The Umpqua Dunes Trail is a notable hiking option near the campground. This trail leads through the unique coastal dune ecosystem, offering opportunities to explore the ever-shifting sands, observe coastal flora and fauna, and access the pristine beach along the Oregon Coast.

6. South Beach State Park Campground

Located near the vibrant city of Newport, South Beach State Park Campground offers a blend of coastal charm and recreational opportunities. Campers can explore miles of sandy shoreline, paddle along the tranquil estuary, or bike on scenic trails winding through coastal forests.

Camping Options: South Beach State Park Campground provides tent camping and RV sites within a short distance from the beach. The campground amenities include hot showers, bike rentals, and a visitor center, catering to both outdoor enthusiasts and families.

  • 227 electrical sites with water
  • 60 tent sites
  • 27 yurts
  • 3 group tent camps

Popular Hiking Trail: The South Jetty Trail is a scenic trail that leads hikers along the South Jetty of the Yaquina Bay, offering panoramic views of the bay, coastal dunes, and wildlife such as shorebirds and seals. The trail is also popular for biking and birdwatching.

7. Harbor Vista County Park

Offering rustic camping with panoramic views of the coastline, Harbor Vista County Park is a hidden gem along the Central Oregon Coast. Campers can unwind in peaceful surroundings, explore nearby beaches and trails, and savor the beauty of Oregon’s coastal landscapes.

Camping Options: Harbor Vista County Park offers tent camping and RV sites with panoramic views of the coastline. While the campground facilities are more rustic compared to other parks, visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and easy access to nearby beaches and trails.

  • Nightly rate: $70 per night (2-night min.)

  • Pet fee: $10 per pet per night (maximum two pets allowed)

Popular Hiking Trail: Nearby trails along Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi offer scenic coastal hikes with opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife observation, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast.

8. Rock Creek Campground

Rock Creek Campground on the Oregon Coast is located within the Siuslaw National Forest, near the town of Reedsport. This campground is nestled amidst the coastal forests of the Oregon Coast Range and provides a rustic camping experience.

Camping Options: Rock Creek Campground offers tent camping opportunities. The campground provides a rustic camping experience, ideal for those seeking solitude and immersion in nature. Facilities may include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, but amenities are generally limited.

  • Camping: $33/Night for a single unit, $10/Night for an extra vehicle.

  • Day use: $9/Day/Vehicle

Popular Hiking Trail: While Rock Creek Campground itself may not have designated hiking trails, it is often located near or within proximity to hiking trails in natural areas. Visitors to Rock Creek Campground may have access to nearby trails such as the Rock Creek Loop Trail or trails within neighboring national forests or parks. These trails offer opportunities for scenic hikes amidst lush forests, alongside creeks, and through picturesque landscapes.

South Oregon Coast Camping

Discover the allure of the South Oregon Coast with its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush coastal forests. Here are some of the premier Oregon coast camping sites that offer an unforgettable outdoor experience:

1. Humbug Mountain State Park Campground

Humbug Mountain State Park Oregon coast Campgrounds

Nestled at the base of majestic Humbug Mountain, this campground provides a serene retreat amidst old-growth forests and pristine streams. Campers can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the coastline, fish for trout in nearby streams, or unwind in nature’s embrace.

Camping Options: Tent camping and RV sites are available at Humbug Mountain State Park Campground. The campground offers both electric and non-electric sites, as well as facilities like restrooms and showers.

  • Nightly rate: $18.00
  • 39 electrical sites with water
  • 56 tent sites with the beach nearby
  • Pet friendly
  • Fire pit
  • Picnic Tables

Popular Hiking Trail: The most popular hiking trail at Humbug Mountain State Park is the Humbug Mountain Trail. This moderate to strenuous trail leads hikers through old-growth forests, past waterfalls, and eventually to the summit of Humbug Mountain, offering panoramic views of the coastline.

2. Sunset Bay State Park Campground

Situated within a sheltered bay surrounded by towering cliffs, Sunset Bay State Park Campground offers a tranquil setting for camping enthusiasts. Campers can explore secluded coves, enjoy picnics on sandy beaches, or embark on scenic hikes along the rugged shoreline.

Camping Options: Sunset Bay State Park Campground offers tent camping and RV sites, including full-hookup sites and sites with electric hookups. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and a picnic area.

  • Nightly Rate: $31.00
  • 30 full-hookup sites
  • 35 electrical sites with water
  • 65 tent sites with water nearby
  • 8 yurts (4 are pet friendly) 
  • Meeting Hall

Popular Hiking Trail: A popular hiking trail near Sunset Bay State Park is the Cape Arago Loop Trail. This scenic trail traverses rugged coastal cliffs, providing stunning views of the ocean, sea stacks, and wildlife. The trail also passes by Simpson Reef, where visitors can often spot seals and sea lions.

3. Harris Beach State Park Campground

harris beach oregon coast camping

As one of Oregon’s most picturesque coastal destinations, Harris Beach State Park captivates visitors with its sweeping views and pristine beaches. Campers can pitch their tents amidst windswept dunes, watch for migrating whales from scenic overlooks, or stroll along the sandy shores at sunset.

Camping Options: Harris Beach State Park Campground offers tent camping and RV sites, including full-hookup sites and sites with electric hookups. Campsites are nestled among coastal vegetation and provide easy access to the beach.

  • Nightly Rate: $20.00
  • 65 full-hookup sites
  • 25 electrical sites with water
  • 59 tent sites with water nearby
  • 6 yurts (3 pet-friendly)

Popular Hiking Trail: One of the popular hiking trails near Harris Beach State Park is the Harris Butte Trail. This moderate trail leads hikers through forests and meadows to the summit of Harris Butte, offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape.

4. Cape Blanco State Park

Cape Blanco State Park - oregon coast camping

Boasting the westernmost point in Oregon, Cape Blanco State Park beckons adventurers with its wild beauty and historic landmarks. Campers can explore the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, hike along rugged coastal trails, or marvel at panoramic ocean vistas from the park’s scenic viewpoints.

Camping Options: Cape Blanco State Park offers tent camping and RV sites, including electric and non-electric sites. The campground is situated near the historic Cape Blanco Lighthouse and features amenities such as restrooms and hot showers.

  • Nightly rate: $26.00
  • 52 electrical sites with water
  • 4 reservable standard cabins (2 are pet-friendly)
  • Horse camp
  • Pet friendly

Popular Hiking Trail: A popular hiking trail at Cape Blanco State Park is the Cape Blanco Trail. This scenic trail winds along the coastline, passing by rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the historic lighthouse. Hikers can enjoy stunning ocean views and observe seabirds and marine life along the way.

5. Bullards Beach State Park

Nestled along the Coquille River Estuary, Bullards Beach State Park offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by marshlands and sand dunes. Campers can enjoy birdwatching, beachcombing, or fishing for salmon and steelhead in the river’s gentle currents.

Camping Options: Bullards Beach State Park offers tent camping, RV sites, and horse camps. The campground features a variety of amenities, including hot showers, a dump station, and easy access to the beach.

  • 103 full-hookup sites
  • 82 electrical sites with water
  • 13 yurts (6 pet-friendly)

Popular Hiking Trail: A popular hiking trail near Bullards Beach State Park is the Bullards Beach Trail. This easy trail meanders through coastal forests and dunes, providing opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Hikers can also access the beach from the trail for beachcombing and exploring tide pools.

For even more ideas for camping on the Oregon coast or camping in Oregon more generally, check out our guide for a list of the best camping spots in Oregon.

FAQs About Oregon Coast Camping

What’s the best weather for Oregon coast camping?

If you are thinking about some Oregon coast camping this year know that mild temperatures and clear skies are typically in late spring and early fall. However, Oregon’s coast can be unpredictable, so be prepared for some rain and wind at any time of year.

Are most Oregon Coast campgrounds first come, first serve?

Many Oregon Coast campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially during peak seasons. It’s advisable to arrive early or have a backup plan if you’re planning to camp at popular locations.

What are the best places to camp on the Oregon coast?

The most popular Oregon campgrounds include Fort Stevens State Park, Nehalem Bay State Park, and Cape Lookout State Park. Each offers stunning natural beauty and a range of amenities for campers. The southern Oregon coast is also quite popular, such as Harris Beach State Park Campground.



Leave a Reply

Discover more from Oregon Tails

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading