Oregon, a state celebrated for its majestic natural beauty and pristine coastline, is a haven for camping and outdoor enthusiasts. With hundreds of miles of stunning Pacific shoreline, Oregon offers countless opportunities to pitch a tent, build a campfire, and enjoy unforgettable nights under starry skies. From expansive sandy stretches to dramatic cliffs, each beach in Oregon has its unique charm, promising unforgettable camping experiences. If you’re seeking the best beach camping destinations in Oregon, join Discovery To Wonders as we explore a list of must-visit beaches below.
Why Oregon is an Ideal Beach Camping Destination
Oregon is not only renowned for its diverse landscapes but also for its camping-friendly policies, making it easy for visitors to experience overnight beach camping. Along the Oregon coast, you’ll find numerous campgrounds managed by state and federal parks, providing basic amenities like restrooms, freshwater showers, and picnic areas.
The allure of beach camping in Oregon lies in the perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. You can wake up to the soothing sound of ocean waves, witness breathtaking sunrises over the sea, and engage in activities such as hiking, surfing, fishing, or simply relax on the sand and breathe in the fresh air.
Furthermore, local cuisine adds to the appeal of camping in Oregon. You can savor fresh seafood at coastal restaurants or prepare simple grilled meals over charcoal right at your campsite.
Top Beaches for Overnight Camping in Oregon
Here’s a list of the best beaches for overnight camping in Oregon, each offering distinct beauty and experiences:
Cannon Beach State Park
Cannon Beach in the distance featuring the iconic Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach, with its iconic Haystack Rock, is one of Oregon’s most famous beaches and a fantastic coastal camping destination. While Cannon Beach itself doesn’t allow direct beach camping, Cannon Beach State Park, located nearby, offers a beautiful campground with ample amenities and direct beach access.
The campground at Cannon Beach State Park features tent and RV sites, restrooms, hot showers, and picnic areas. From here, you can easily walk to Cannon Beach and admire Haystack Rock, especially during sunrise or sunset. Cannon Beach is also famous for its rich tide pools, where you can explore small marine creatures at low tide.
Beyond camping and beach exploration, the area around Cannon Beach offers various activities such as hiking in the coastal forests, visiting the town of Cannon Beach with its art galleries and restaurants, or exploring nearby beaches like Ecola State Park and Tolovana Beach.
Nehalem Bay State Park
Peaceful Nehalem Bay beach with sand dunes and pine forests
Nehalem Bay State Park is a hidden gem on the Oregon coast, providing a unique beach camping experience in a pristine natural setting. The park is situated on a narrow spit of land between the Pacific Ocean and Nehalem Bay, encompassing a long sandy beach, sand dunes, and coastal pine forests.
The campground at Nehalem Bay State Park has over 260 campsites, including tent sites, RV sites, and yurts for rent. Amenities include restrooms, hot showers, a dump station, and picnic areas. A highlight of this campground is that many sites are nestled right by the dunes, just steps away from the beach.
At Nehalem Bay, you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as hiking on trails through the forest and dunes, biking on dedicated bike paths, kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay, and fishing or crabbing. Nehalem Bay beach is also an ideal spot for kite flying and watching stunning sunsets.
Cape Lookout State Park
Dramatic scenery from Cape Lookout headland overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Cape Lookout State Park is a must-visit destination for camping and hiking enthusiasts, offering breathtaking coastal scenery. The Cape Lookout headland juts out into the Pacific Ocean, providing panoramic views of the sea and the Oregon coastline.
The campground at Cape Lookout State Park is nestled in a coastal forest, a short walk from the beach. The campground features tent and RV sites, restrooms, hot showers, and picnic areas. From the campground, you can easily access the long sandy beach and the park’s popular hiking trails.
The 4.8-mile (7.7 km) Cape Lookout Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in Oregon, leading you to the tip of Cape Lookout, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, migrating whales (in spring and autumn), and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse in the distance. The beach at Cape Lookout is also suitable for activities like beachcombing, tide pool exploration, and fishing.
Tillamook Head
Aerial view of Tillamook Head beach with lush green forest and rocky shoreline
Tillamook Head is not just a beach but also a prominent historical and natural headland on the Oregon coast. It once served as a military fortress during World War II and is now a captivating destination for visitors seeking to explore Oregon’s history and natural beauty.
While there isn’t an official campground directly at Tillamook Head, the surrounding area, particularly nearby state parks, offers numerous camping options. Visitors often combine a hiking trip to explore Tillamook Head with camping at parks like Ecola State Park or Cannon Beach State Park.
The 6-mile (9.7 km) Tillamook Head Trail takes you through a lush temperate rainforest and along dramatic cliffs, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. From Tillamook Head, you can also admire Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock from a different perspective. The beach below Tillamook Head is a rugged rocky beach, ideal for exploring the coastal ecosystem and fishing.
Beverly Beach State Park
Wide Beverly Beach with sand dunes and forest in the background
Beverly Beach State Park is an excellent choice for families and groups looking for beach camping with plenty of amenities and recreational activities. The park is located right next to Beverly Beach, a long and wide sandy beach perfect for walking, kite flying, and beach sports.
The campground at Beverly Beach State Park is one of the largest on the Oregon coast, with over 280 campsites for tents and RVs, along with unique yurt rentals. Amenities include restrooms, hot showers, a dump station, a camp store, and a playground for children. The campground has direct beach access, making it easy to enjoy all beach activities.
Beverly Beach is famous for gray whale watching during spring and autumn migrations. Additionally, you can explore rich tide pools teeming with marine life at low tide, or stroll along the beach to find unique seashells and pebbles. Near Beverly Beach is the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, an attractive site with a historic lighthouse and seabird sanctuary.
Useful Tips for Your Oregon Beach Camping Trip
For a complete and memorable Oregon beach camping trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Book in Advance: Especially during summer and holidays, popular beach campgrounds fill up quickly. Book your spot online in advance through the Oregon State Parks website or Recreation.gov.
- Prepare Suitable Tent and Gear: Choose a tent with good wind resistance and bring extra sturdy tent stakes to secure your tent in the sand. Don’t forget to pack a warm sleeping bag, flashlight, camping stove, cooking utensils, and sufficient drinking water.
- Check the Weather Forecast: Weather on the Oregon coast can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before you go and prepare warm clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen.
- Beach Safety Awareness: Always keep an eye on children near the ocean, stay away from areas with strong waves and dangerous rocks. Learn about tides and avoid camping too close to the water’s edge at high tide.
- Follow “Leave No Trace” Principles: Maintain cleanliness, collect trash, and dispose of it properly. Do not build campfires directly on the sand; use a camping stove or designated fire pits.
Conclusion
Overnight camping on Oregon’s beautiful beaches is a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With this list of the best beaches shared by Discovery To Wonders, we hope you have more ideas for planning your Oregon beach camping adventure. Pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the pristine beauty of the Pacific coastline, enjoy peaceful nights under the stars, and create unforgettable memories in Oregon.