Cape Disappointment State Park and Fort Stevens State Park offer year-round camping options near Astoria, Oregon. The coastal area experiences mild temperatures with summer averages of 60-70°F, while winter temperatures typically range from 40-50°F with significant rainfall from November through March. Ocean currents and prevailing winds create cooler temperatures than inland locations, particularly during summer months when coastal fog can develop.
What to do
Shipwreck exploration: Visit the Peter Iredale shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park. "Visiting the Iredale shipwreck especially at sunset is beautiful. Also visiting the forts and cannons are fun. Bring mosquito repellent!" notes Gail S.
Historical sites: Explore military installations at Fort Stevens and nearby attractions. "This is a great campground with a lot of sites. Visiting the forts and cannons are fun," shares one camper. Another adds, "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!"
Tidepooling: Head to Cape Disappointment State Park during low tide to see marine life. "Once on the beach, there is a big sign with a giant A so you can find your way back should you go for a walk," explains Christina F. "There are two lighthouses in the park, trails, jetty, and an interpretative center."
Paddle sports: Bring kayaks to Skamokawa Vista Park for water activities on the Columbia River. "We brought our kayaks to float the neighboring tributary stream," mentions Angela S., who adds that the "campground is right on the Columbia river on the WA side."
What campers like
Columbia River views: At Skamokawa Vista Park, campers enjoy watching ships pass by. "Most sites have a view of the river. Fun to watch the large ships go by," says Maggie, while another camper notes it offers "spectacular Columbia River views."
Clean facilities: Thousand Trails Seaside receives praise for its maintenance. "Nicest bathrooms yet! We are enjoying a free year of Thousand Trails membership and this was another last min stay, it was packed!" reports kimberly W. Another camper adds, "The power was rock solid."
Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to view local wildlife. "We have seen deer every time we have camped here," mentions one Skamokawa Vista Park visitor. At Cape Disappointment, a reviewer notes, "This entire park is VERY pet friendly. Keep your furry friends on a leash and you can take them on any of the trails in the park."
Fishing opportunities: Lewis & Clark Golf & RV Park provides access to fishing spots. "Fort Stevens, Hammond, Oregon...large campground many places to park, friendly staff and a lake to fish at and the jetty as well. Never know what your gonna catch there multiple species of fish, crab, razor clamming," explains shane G.
What you should know
Weather preparation: The Oregon coast weather can change quickly. "I recommended being prepared for any type of weather rain or shine," advises Jenny M. about Fort Stevens State Park. "The camp was nice and located just a short drive to the beach. Check the weather in Seaside before you go- poured almost the entire time we were there!" warns Amy H.
Seasonal variations: Summer brings crowds to coastal campgrounds. "We got zero reception in the campground. I use Verizon," mentions Christina F. about Cape Disappointment. Another camper notes, "When the heat hits the valley, everyone runs to the coastline. So it can get crowded."
Mosquito warning: Several campgrounds report mosquito issues, particularly in wooded areas. "Unfortunately in May, the mosquitos were out in full force in the campground," warns Gary M. The presence of standing water in spring and early summer increases mosquito activity.
Cell service limitations: Reception varies widely between campgrounds in the area. "ATT reception is very limited," notes one camper about Cannon Beach. At Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed, a camper mentions, "Long steep gravel road to get here but good spot with great cell reception."
Tips for camping with families
Play areas: Some campgrounds offer dedicated kid-friendly amenities. "A very busy campground with lots of things to keep you occupied and make the weekend go by way to quick," shares Scott S. about Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA, which has "a large variety of camping options including an indoor pool, playground and trails."
Beach access: Consider proximity to beaches when booking with children. "We liked the campgrounds. For the size of the property there could have been more than one shower. I would've liked to have more trees around the tent spaces," shares Olivia L. about Skamokawa Vista Park, which features "two playground areas; one in the day-use area and one in the loop with sites 1-15."
Biking opportunities: Look for campgrounds with safe biking paths. "Oregon is well known for its magnificent state parks, and this is no exception," notes Gary M., adding that Fort Stevens has "an abundance of hiking trails & historical sites to explore."
Site selection: Book sites away from busy roads with young children. "While my loop was farthest from the beach, you could still hear the ocean which is lovely and relaxing. It's not a far walk to the beach and my toddler did it easily," mentions Christina F.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites at Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA have different amenities. "Very professionally run large KOA. We stayed in October and it was nice and quiet at night," reports David M. "We stayed in a premium back in site but it looked that all sites had full hookups including sewer."
Site privacy: Select sites based on space and neighbors. "The sites were the closest we've been to at a Thousand Trails, with no trees for privacy," notes Jeff C. about Seaside RV Resort. "What made the Seaside interesting was there wasn't much noise even though the sites were close to each other."
Driving conditions: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. "Trying to get out of the far back loop is a nightmare," warns one KOA visitor. For Road to Snag Lake, a camper advises, "The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun."
Winterization precautions: For off-season camping, be prepared for wet conditions. "We stayed in January, the rates where within $2 of the state park but with high speed internet," notes Tim T., who found the Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA staff "beyond helpful and accommodating."
