Floras Lake State Park
Floras Lake may not be one of the most visited of the Oregon Coast state parks, but it is by no means any less beautiful. Parts of it are covered in thick forest and it is mostly undeveloped, which only adds to its beauty. It contains a natural coastal lake, a remote promontory, and plenty of unspoiled beaches.
Things to do: Hiking and exploring are the best ways to experience this remote part of the Southern Oregon coastline. The lake itself is prized for its winds, making it the perfect spot for windsurfing.
Best Hikes: Floras Lake Waterfall Trail This trail offers the best of everything, a lake, ocean, woods, stunning rock formations, sandstone walls, and the grand finale a stunning waterfall. Be sure to take the time to enjoy the falls at the end, its certainly a hidden gem.
Camping: Camping is available at Floras Lake on the shores of the lake itself, offering you stunning views when you wake up in the morning. Camping here is pretty rustic, but there are no fees, so pitch your tent and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.
READ MORE: Your Guide to Exploring Floras Lake State Park
Tips For Camping At The Oregon Coast
Practice Leave No Trace
- If youre unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, its a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.
Oregon Coast Camping Reservations
- Make no mistake, the Oregon Coast is a popular place, therefore making reservations for camping at the Oregon Coast is strong encouraged . I will link the reservation sites for each of the Oregon Coast campgrounds I list below to make your trip planning a bit easier.
You + Sunscreen = Best Friends
- Ive been sunburned at the Oregon Coast more times than I can count the fog is misleading! I finally found this sunscreen and never leave the house without it, highly recommend it.
Harris Beach State Park Campground
Sunset on Harris Beach. Photo by Michael Battey.
Harris Beach Campground lies just north of the border between Oregon and California on the coast. Its proximity to both the coastline and riverside attractions of southern Oregon is one of the reasons why it makes for a great stay. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a stunning section of coast that is worth all the time you can afford to give it. The campground itself sits above Harris Beach, which has no shortage of sea stacks, beachy real estate, and awesome tide pools, all in quick walking distance from your camping spot for the night. A larger campground, with 35 full hook-up RV sites, 53 RV sites, and 59 tent/car sites, this campground has a spot for all kinds of campers. Harris Beach fills fast and reservations are highly recommended here through Reserve America.
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Loon Lake Lodge And Rv Campground
If you love the water, you will definitely enjoy your stay at the Loon Lake Lodge and RV Campground. It is surrounded by the mesmerizing waters that extend over two miles and overlooked by the tall, majestic mountain peaks. Who could ask for anything more? Its Oregonian camping at its best!
They also have everything that you will need for a comfortable and enjoyable camp experience. With full hookup sites for your RV camper to the restaurant and convenience store, you are guaranteed to have a comfortable camping experience.
In addition to this, they also provide WIFI connections and cottage rentals! If you have a family member who does not quite enjoy the outdoors as much as you do, there are options!
If you get even more adventurous, be sure to explore the nearby Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area. Its a great place for families to check out and learn about the natural wildlife and geographical area of Loon Lake!
Pricing:
Find More Info Here: Website
Honeyman State Park Campground
Typical campground road at Honeyman State Park Campground. Photo by Denis LeBlanc.
The second largest Oregon State Park campground, this is not a place to go if you’re looking for solitude. With 145 tent/car sites, 120 RV sites, and 45 full hookup sites, not to mention 10 yurts, Honeyman is the staging ground for dune explorations of all types. An entire loop is designed for off-road fans, and it is the only one that allows OHVs on the roads. Trails also lead to two nearby lakes for swimming in the summer months. Because this campground is so close to Eugene, it can be quite full in the busy summer season. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made through Reserve America.
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When Is The Best Weather On The Oregon Coast For Camping
The best weather for camping on the Oregon coast occurs during the summer months. Temperatures peak in July and August with highs around 77°F and lows of 55°F on average during that time. Still, this beautiful weather has been known to drive up occupancy at campsites in the area. While not quite as warm, late spring and early fall usually makes for a less-crowded and still-lovely time to camp on the North Coast.
Best Camping On Oregons South Coast
- Sunset Bay State Park: Not only is this bay-fronting campground lovely, its home to the Oregon coasts only real swimming beach and adjacent to several of the southern Oregon coasts top sights: Shore Acres State Park, Cape Arago, and South Slough National Estuarian Research Reserve.
- Cape Blanco State Park: A beautiful and often blustery campground at the states westernmost point, just north of Port Orford and Humbug Mountain. Campground trails lead down to the beach and to the nearby lighthouse.
- Harris Beach State Park: Just north of Brookings, this magical campground sits in a grove of spruce and firs, and just off the beach are menhir-like sea stacks busy with seabirds.
- Alfred A. Loeb State Park: On the north bank of the Chetco River, find aromatic old-growth myrtlewood and the nations northernmost naturally occurring redwood trees at Loeb State Park. The 1.2-mile nature trail winds through the redwoods, passing one tree with a 33-foot girth. When the south coast is foggy and cold on summer mornings, its often warm and dry here.
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Where To Go Camping On The Oregon Coast
There are many camping destinations on Oregons North Coast, including sites that are relatively close to favorite tourist towns in the region. This allows for the best of both worlds for enjoying all that nature has to offer while still being able to access amenities or visit local attractions after your camping concludes. While there are many options, some favorites include Wrights for Camping , Warrenton KOA, and Fort Stevens State Park.
Beverly Beach State Park Campground
Located in the hidden forest between Cape and Yaquina Head, Beverly Beach State Park is well known for whale watching viewpoints. Visitors can do plenty of activities in these best camping sites in Oregon. These include hiking, picnicking, biking, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing.
Besides, it has a popular and one of the largest campgrounds on the Oregon coast. This forest-sheltered campground has 281 campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers. There are also 128 tents sites, 76 electrical campsites with water, and 21 yurts.27 of 53 full hook-up sites are provided with cable TV. Each campsite includes a fire ring, table, and grate.
Other amenities in the campground are paid hot showers, toilets, RV dump station, picnic area, and playground. If you come with a large group, the park has three seasonal camping areas you can reserve. For hikers/bikers, campsites are also available.
As one of the best camping on the Oregon coast, ideal for whale watching, Beverly Beach State Park Campground is very crowded. Make sure to book camping reservations in advance, particularly during summer. The campground opens year-round, making it an ideal place if you want to avoid peak season. As the campground is surrounded by a forest, protect yourself from mosquito bites by carrying one of the best mosquito repellents for camping.
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Pacific City Rv & Camping Resort
Location: 30000 Sandlake Rd, Cloverdale, OR 97112, United States
Website:
Explore this campsite and RV location if youre seeking Pacific City camping. Pacific City Oregon Camping is a picturesque Thousand Trails RV site in Oregon situated on the Central Oregon Coastline among thousands of tall spruce trees and magnificent ocean vistas. From this RV campground, you may enjoy nature walks, beachcombing, ocean, lake, and river fishing, clamming, crabbing, tidal pools, surfing, sand dunes, and whale watching. Visitors may relax over a campfire in the evening in the crisp Oregon air, toasting hot dogs or Smores. Youll be able to admire the fauna and landscapes local to Pacific City and the RV camping preserve because of the coasts moderate speed.
The nature trail links this RV campground in Oregon to the ocean, making it easy to get to the shore. With its mild summer weather and ocean breeze, one can get away from the valleys heat. In the fall, forage for wild huckleberries and blackberries. Within winter, while snuggling up to a crackling fire, go whale watching. Pacific City provides games and recreational sports equipment, as well as organized leisure activities and planned performers to improve your camping experience at this RV site in coastal Oregon.
Amenities:
Make a group reservation here or call them at for inquiries and bookings.
What To Bring For Oregon Coast Camping
Assuming you will arrive during the warmer summer months and are looking for a traditional camping experience, here are things you should consider bringing outside of standard camping gear. Trail guides and road maps are important as cell signals may be inaccessible in remote areas. Warm clothes are essential as temperatures can drop significantly at night. Hiking boots or trail shoes are also recommended if you are going to be exploring the great outdoors as part of your camping adventure. There is always a chance of rain, as well. A rain jacket for each person and rain fly for any tent is a good idea.
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Dunes Areas From North To South
- South Jetty: South Jetty provides day use access to beach and dunes, with separate areas for OHV and non motorized use.
- Siltcoos: Along the Siltcoos River are traditional campgrounds and easy trails along the river and to the beach. OHV users will find developed and dispersed camping opportunities.
- Oregon Dunes Day Use: Miles from OHV recreation, this area provides exceptional opportunities to explore the dunes on foot.
- Tahkenitch: With easy access off Hwy 101, traditional campgrounds provide lake access for boaters and dune access for hikers only.
Cape Arago State Park
A cacophony of sea lions greets visitors at the viewpoint of Cape Arago State Park. With views of Coquille Point and Simpson Reef and Shell Island, youll definitely want your camera handy for this park. Divided into north and south sections, each piece has its own beauty to offer. The northern end emphasizes the breathtaking views, while the southern end highlights hiking and private coves. With picnic tables and a day-use area between the two sections, you can even find a protected spot for whale watching here.
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Cape Blanco State Park
Cape Blanco State Park is located in extreme Western Oregon. If youre desiring a campground with open spaces and few people, this one is a great choice! It has over eight miles of hiking trails to keep you busy and fit. Lets not forget the picturesque ocean views from those endless hiking trails!
One thing I especially love about this spacious campground is the view of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse. Combine all of those goodies with a crackling campfire and you have me sold!
This campground is great for tent and RV camping. However, there are no reservations so be sure to get there first! Its a first come, first served rental ordeal with 52 electrical sites overall.
Pricing:
Find More Info Here: Website
The 20 Best State Parks In Oregon
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
I know this goes without saying, but the state parks in Oregon are amazing. You can travel to any corner of the state from the coast to the Cascades, arid desert to fertile valley and find expansive trail networks, well-groomed campgrounds and sprawling day-use areas.
Earlier this year we asked you, our readers, to nominate your favorite Oregon state parks. After spending the year travelling to the top 15 and writing a profile on each, the time has come to rank the parks on their merits.
With this list, I’m trying to determine Oregon’s best state parks, not just the most popular. A good state park should elicit excitement in the hearts of Oregonians, but it should also serve the public well. I only considered the 53 places the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department considers “state parks” , and looked at facilities, trails, access and natural beauty.
Odds are, youll disagree with something on this list, as you should. We Oregonians hold our public lands in high regard, and everybody has their special spots in nature. My goal isnt to demean any park each one is special, truly but to highlight the best of the best.
So after months of traveling and much deliberation, these are the 20 best state parks in Oregon.
HONORABLE MENTION
Flickr/daveynin
20. Viento
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
19. South Beach
Courtesy of Oregon State Parks
18. Valley of the Rogue
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
17. Cottonwood Canyon
Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
16. Harris Beach
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South Beach State Park Campground
Trail from the South Beach State Park campground to the beach. Photo by Tyson Gillard.
South Beach State Park offers more yurts than any other Oregon State Park, with 27 total. With 227 sites with electrical and water hookups, 60 tent sites, three group sites, and hiker/biker camping available, South Beach has room for every time of camper. Located south of Newport, there are an abundance of activities nearby. From kayaking at Beaver Creek State Natural Area or crabbing in Yaquina Bay, you won’t lack for things to do. This park is managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation. Reservations can be made through Reserve America.
Wakonda Beach at Beachside State Recreation Site Campground. Photo by Tyson Gillard.
The name says it all here. Beachside State Recreation Site is just a few feet away from the beach and crashing waves. While the majority of sites here lack electric and water hookups, there are 30 RV sites, 42 tent/car sites, four walk-in sites, and two yurts that make this a moderately sized location. Sitting between Waldport and Yachats, you have multiple state parks and recreation sites to explore nearby in addition to lighthouses. The proximity to sand means this campground is quite popular, however. Reservations are recommended here and can be made through Reserve America.
Note: Managed by Oregon State Parks, Beachside State Recreation Site Campground is typically open from mid-March through the end of October. Call 800.452.5687 for seasonal date details.
Nehalem Bay State Park
Nehalem Bay State Park is located just a few miles south of Manzanita. This beautiful camping site is actually on a large sand dune that extends four miles! It is the barrier between the Pacific Ocean and Nehalem Bay. This offers a unique experience that the whole family is sure to love!
The campground is equipped for RV, tent and yurt campers. In fact, the park has 18 yurts available for rent, and the entire park has 260 electrical camping sites.
Theres no better place to soak in the sea air than on an isolated sand dune.
Pricing:
Everything else: $31 a night
Find More Info Here: Website
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Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Most of Oregons coast is beautifully rugged and rocky, but this 40-mile section of beach between the Coos and Siuslaw rivers is home to the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Here, windswept dunes tower up to 150 metres above sea level, making for excellent hiking, whale watching, horse riding and off-road driving. Camping is available in a number of established campsites, as well as in primitive sites along the Siltcoos river. More sites can be found in Jessie M Honeyman state park to the north and Umpqua Lighthouse state park to the south reservations recommended.
Oregon Dunes does a great job of keeping the quieter foot-traffic-only areas separate from the motorised off-highway vehicle areas. If youre into the off-highway vibe, the largest off-road area stretches between Spinreel campground and Horsfall Road. Dune buggy rentals are available from several outfitters in North Bend.
Top tip: The Umpqua dunes are the highest dunes in the park and the area is closed to motorised traffic, making this section ideal for whale watching. Each year, more than 18,000 grey whales migrate past the Oregon coast on their journey between Baja California and Alaska, moving south in December and January and north, with their calves, between March and June.
Cozy Oceanfront Oregon Coast Yurt With Private Hot Tub
With ocean views and a private hot tub, whats not to love? This cool yurt on the Oregon Coast is pretty big, covering 525 square feet, and offers a huge range of modern luxuries for a comfortable stay.
Situated on the edge of a bay, the exterior is just as nice as the interior, with a BBQ and fire pit and stunning bay views. There is a queen-sized bed under a clear dome so you can watch the stars at night, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom with fluffy robes, and, of course, a hot tub.
There is a lot to do in the local area if you can drag yourself away from the tub, including taking a hike to see the famous Octopus Tree or taking the Cape Meares Loop and admiring the mighty lighthouse.
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