Bandon's forested campgrounds typically receive 55-65 inches of rainfall annually, with the heaviest precipitation occurring between November and March. The region's maritime climate features summer fog that often burns off by midday, creating ideal temperatures between 60-70°F during peak camping months. Winter camping remains viable with proper preparation, as temperatures rarely drop below freezing even during the coldest months.
What to do
Beach exploration: Bullards Beach State Park offers access to miles of undeveloped coastline where campers can discover driftwood, shells and wildlife. "The beach is about 1 mile walk from campground. Lighthouse is about 3 miles from campground," notes Rachel G. who appreciates the convenient coastal access.
Lighthouse tours: Visit historic lighthouses that showcase the maritime history of the Oregon coast. "The lighthouse is the oldest on the Oregon coast and you can get a tour of it," explains Tim W. about Cape Blanco State Park Campground, which maintains Oregon's oldest operating lighthouse.
Crabbing excursions: Borrow equipment directly from your campground to catch fresh seafood. "They have crab nets you can borrow and a crab cleaning and cooking station to use," reports a camper at Sun Outdoors Coos Bay, where guests can turn their catch into dinner using dedicated facilities.
Tide pool exploration: Witness diverse marine ecosystems during low tide along rocky shorelines. "At low tide you can walk out to the tide pools where you can see various marine life including starfish," shares Chris D., who visited Sun Outdoors Coos Bay with family.
What campers like
Private sites with natural buffers: Many campgrounds feature vegetation that creates secluded camping spaces. "The sites have full hookups, fire pits, tables, and very long paved drives... the plants surrounding the sites keep out most of the coastal wind and also provide plenty of privacy from other sites," explains Haley C. about Cape Blanco State Park Campground.
Walking distance to beaches: Numerous campgrounds provide direct beach access without requiring vehicle transportation. "Great campground with beautiful beach within walking distance. Clean bathrooms and showers!" notes Kandi R. about Bullards Beach State Park Campground.
Clean, modern facilities: Campers consistently mention the quality of amenities at Bandon area campgrounds. "The bathrooms were super clean, and the showers were as well. Would definitely stay here again," shares Grace A. after staying at Bullards Beach State Park Campground.
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking comfort beyond traditional tent camping, several properties offer sturdy structures. "Mix of full and partial hookups, tent sites, horse camp, and yurts. Very clean campground and well maintained," reports Rachel G. about the glamping in Bandon's Bullards Beach State Park Campground.
What you should know
Weather patterns: Coastal fog and wind can affect camping conditions year-round. "If it's hot in the valley it'll be foggy on this shore but Coos Bay is just a 10 minute drive and it can still be sunny there!" advises Katie P. about Sunset Bay State Park Campground, highlighting the variable microclimates.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. "We had NO Verizon connection and limited Starlink connectivity — the beautiful tall trees obstruct the satellite visibility. Great place for a long stay if you don't need to reach the outside world," warns Sarah about Sunset Bay State Park Campground.
Seasonal operations: Not all campgrounds remain open year-round, with some closing during winter months. "Season: January 1 to November 1" applies to Bandon-Port Orford KOA, requiring advance planning for late fall and winter visits.
Wildlife encounters: Local fauna may visit campgrounds, requiring proper food storage. "Very nice bathrooms! Big and aggressive raccoons," reports one visitor about their experience at a local glamping site, underlining the importance of securing food items.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Some locations feature recreational facilities designed specifically for children. "There are modern flush toilets and vault toilets. Our campsite was between two waterfalls including Laverne Falls. We had a view of the smaller one from our creek side site," explains Judy T. about LaVerne County Park.
Consider education programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities for younger campers. "They offer breakfast for $8 Sat and Sunday. Camp store also sells ice cream. Laundry and showers are clean and the common area has a pool table and Jukebox," notes Jonathan P. about the family-friendly atmosphere at Bandon-Port Orford KOA.
Seek swimming areas: Protected water access points offer safer recreation for children. "This campground has everything and more! My only regret is making this the first campground in my family's camping experience, the bar was set way high! There is a botanical garden, tide pools, swimming beaches," shares Elly A. about Sunset Bay State Park Campground.
Check noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain quiet hours while others may experience traffic noise. "It was quiet and clean with access to the beach," reports Ashley D. about her experience at Bullards Beach State Park Campground, highlighting its family-friendly atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Site layout considerations: Pay attention to the location of hookups when selecting a site. "The RV sites have connections in center of site which is difficult for hoses and cords," notes Jeff M. about his stay at Bandon-Port Orford KOA, pointing out a practical challenge for vehicle positioning.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "Some RV sites are very uneven and sloped making it hard to be level," warns Jeff M. after his experience at Bandon-Port Orford KOA.
Dump station availability: Not all parks maintain operational dump stations, requiring advance planning. "Dump station is under construction and not open for use right now," cautions Haley C. about Cape Blanco State Park Campground, highlighting the need to check current facility status.
Size restrictions: Older parks may not accommodate larger modern RVs. "This is an older park and wasn't designed for today's RVs. The driveways are narrow and so are the sites leaving little room for maneuvering and for the slide outs," advises Jeff M. after staying at Sunset Bay State Park Campground.
