While a quick day trip to the beach is always a hit with kids, why not make a weekend of it? When it comes to Oregon beach camping hot spots, the coast is where it’s at. And as far as we’re concerned camping next to the ocean is not only possible with kids, it’s epic. So pack the EV and get ready to make your way to Oregon’s sandy shores to experience some of the best Oregon beach camping sites around. We’re talking gorgeous views, hikes, freshwater lakes and sand dunes, at the ready. Here’s where to pitch your tent or park your RV this summer.
Fort Stevens
Located near Astoria, this Oregon beach camping site is one of the best family-friendly spots around. The campsite is chock full of activities for history lovers, nature buffs or recreation-seekers, not to mention being right near the beach. You can tour a real military installation and hear it’s history, swim in the ocean or nearby freshwater lakes, check out an actual shipwreck or ride nine miles of paved trails (and hike six other miles). If you ask us, you’ll need to stay all week to get to everything at this beach campsite. Options for camping include hookup sites, campsites, cabins and yurts, and pricing varies according to site type and location.
Insider tip: This is a popular spot for families, so book as far in advance as you can to snag a spot.
Drive time: About 2 hours from Portland
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov
Nehalem Bay State Park
Just outside of Tillamook, this Oregon beach camping spot is located on a four-mile sand spit between the Pacific Ocean and Nehalem Bay. And it’s a campers dream with a whopping 265 tent sites, situated in a grove of shore pine. Stroll over the dunes to the beach for a day of playing in the surf or hunting for agates, shells and (sometimes) glass floats. Or plan a day crabbing, clamming or kayaking on the calm waters of the bay. Because of nearby Neahkanie Mountain (and the way the winds blow), Nehalem Bay and Manzanita get 35-40 more days of sunshine compared to other parts of the coast. Bring it on!
Insider tip: This is another beach campsite that requires booking in advance.
Drive time: Just under 2 hours from Portland
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov
Cape Lookout State Park
With over 170 tent sites, 38 full hook-ups and deluxe yurt and cabin rentals, this location is a dream beach camping option. Sprawled between the sandy dunes and dense forest, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here. The beach is easily walkable from all sites, making a whole day on the sand as easy as it is fun. For families that want more of a challenge, tackle the nearby Cape Lookout hike that takes you to a spit of land that’s one of the best places for whale watching in the state. The five-mile round trip hike is easy enough to be considered family-friendly, but please be aware that there are some steep ledges. If you’ve got tots or just-walkers, you can also find shorter nature walks here too.
Drive time: Just under 2 hours from Portland
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov
Devil’s Lake Campground
This scenic beach campsite is located in the middle of Lincoln City, at the mouth of the D River making it the perfect base camp to explore Lincoln City’s offerings and beaches. Along with easy access to the town’s amenities, it’s the perfect spot to find summertime fun. Kayaking on the lake is one of the most popular activities here, with the chance to view wildlife like herons, loons or elk. And don’t worry—the beach is a mere 10 minute walk away, so your kids can still get sand in all the wrong places.
Insider tip: If you’re looking for an alternative to this popular beach campsite, try pitching your tent at South Beach State Park. It’s got great beach access and the kids will love taking a kayak trip up the Beaver Creek estuary.
Drive time: About 2 hours from Portland
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov
Beverly Beach State Park
One of the state’s biggest and most beautiful campgrounds, this beach campsite is nestled in a forest between some of the most dramatic sights on the Oregon Coast including Yaquina Head and Otter Rock/Devil’s Punchbowl. The campground is full service, and has a visitor center where you can buy firewood and souvenirs and all the amenities. There’s even a sweet playground for the kids. Sites are tucked back in the shelter of the coastal forest. A short walk along Spencer Creek takes you under Highway 101 and directly onto five miles of beautiful beach. If you’re still in need of more to do, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is nearby, too!
Good to know: If a yurt is in your family’s game plan, be sure to reserve one in advance.
Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Portland
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
This epic coastal camping spot is located near the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Small and charming, families can check out the lighthouse and and take in the gorgeous views. When you’ve gotten your fill of lighthouse adventures, head to nearby Lake Marie and enjoy fishing, swimming and boating. This is a camp any way you can site—choose tent, RV, yurt or cabin.
Drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes from Portland
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov
Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
The second largest campground on the coast with 350 sites, this beach campsite is a must for dune hunters and lake riders. The site is tucked in the dunes three miles south of Florence and two miles from the ocean. Make sure to bring your sandboards for some wild rides, or launch your canoe onto the freshwater lakes to explore. This place gets busy in the summer and trekking across the dunes to the beach is discouraged, but with plenty of trails to hike and lakes to swim in, you’ll never be bored.
Insider tip: If you’ve got your heart set on the Pacific, try the quieter Carl G Washburne State Park for spacious sites in old-growth forest. Trails lead to the beach, nature viewpoints and Heceta Head lighthouse. You must reserve all of these sights.
Drive time: Just over 3 hours from Portland
Online: oregonstateparks.org
Eel Creek Campground
Located within a non-motorized section of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, this quiet campground has secluded sites and a peaceful vibe. Explore the nearby trails and scenic dunes as you and the kids hike to the beach, or head out to nearby Eel Lake or Umpqua Lighthouse State Park for some added fun.
Drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes from Portland
Online: fs.usda.gov
Champoeg Park
Spending your days and nights playing and sleeping alongside the Willamette River is dreamy, and Champoeg Park makes the perfect base camp for your outdoor adventures. This beach campsite was the site of Oregon’s first provisional government formed in 1843. It features a visitor center, Newell House and the Pioneer Mothers Log Cabin museum so you and the kids can explore the Oregon pioneer life when you need a break from the beach. There’s even a four-mile bike trail your young bikers will love. The campsite features showers and flush toilets.
Drive time: About 30 minutes from Portland
Online: oregonstateparks.org
Wright’s Campground
Located near the famous Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, Wright’s is a family-owned, family-oriented campground that’s a bit of a local hot spot. Afterall, who wouldn’t want to camp out where The Goonies was filmed? This campground only allows tents and has 22 camping sites. It offers a comfortable outdoor experience as they provide showers, water and a laundry site so the kids can get as dirty as they like. In short, it’s got everything a family could dream of at a beach campsite spot.
Drive time: About 90 minutes from Portland
Online: wrightsforcamping.com
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