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Rob S.
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TravelerHarborview Inn and RV Park
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Spacious, clean and friendly staff
Camping near Bay City, OR
173 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Bay City, Oregon provides access to a variety of campground options along the northern Oregon coast. Tillamook Bay City RV Park offers tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations within easy reach of the beach, while Kilchis Park provides a quieter riverside setting about 12 miles east of Highway 101. The surrounding area includes established campgrounds at Cape Lookout State Park and Nehalem Bay State Park, both offering developed sites with amenities like showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Most campgrounds in this coastal region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also featuring cabins or yurts for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Coastal weather patterns significantly impact camping experiences near Bay City, with summer offering the most reliable conditions from June through September. Winter camping remains available at many year-round facilities but requires preparation for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures. Most developed campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Cape Lookout and Nehalem Bay State Parks provide excellent beach access but tend to be crowded during summer weekends. A visitor noted that Cape Lookout offers "steps away from a beautiful, expansive beach" and recommended booking early for summer campsites.
Campers consistently highlight the wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region's campgrounds. Nehalem Bay State Park receives particular praise for its natural setting, with one camper reporting, "A family of deer visited us every single morning/night during our stay." Barview Jetty County Campground, located between Rockaway Beach and Bay City, offers proximity to tide pools and beach access, with visitors mentioning elk sightings in the early mornings. While most campgrounds provide standard amenities like showers and toilets, site privacy varies considerably. Cape Lookout features more wooded sites with foliage between campsites, while other facilities have more open layouts with less separation between neighboring campers. The region's mixed-use campgrounds balance natural coastal settings with convenient access to nearby towns and attractions.
Best Campgrounds near Bay City (173)
1. Cape Lookout State Park Campground
"I would pick a site that isn’t next to the bathroom trail or you’ll have someone walking through your site every 5 minutes. Each site is Steps away from beach access."
"Steps to the beach? ✅ In the forest? ✅ Access to amazing hiking? ✅ Private? ✅ We love Cape Lookout for all the diverse scenery it has to offer."
from $32 - $154 / night
Check Availability2. Nehalem Bay State Park Campground
"We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience
- Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park"
"Mostly an RV park tucked into the Nehalem Bay peninsula, this does offer a couple dog friendly yurts and some very friendly camp hosts."
from $31 - $90 / night
Check Availability3. Barview Jetty County Campground
"Cool location near the ocean. Walking or biking to the jetty was fun. The jetty offers a unique landscape. The RV and camp sites are solid. Some really good ones, and others very basic and open."
"Close to the tide pools in Barview, right on the beach, on the entrance to Tillamook Bay. Large clean bathrooms with several hot showers."
from $38 - $56 / night
Check Availability4. Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina
"Fun spot on the Oregon coast. Very clean. Loved the spaces, cement pads for your outdoor living. Good Wi-Fi. Friendly staff."
"I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals. I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful."
5. Harborview Inn and RV Park
"In the cute little fishing town of Garibaldi, on the Oregon Coast, we found this gem of an RV park."
"Public boat ramp conveniently located next door. Short walking trail is a great place to get sunset photos. Rockaway Beach is a short drive away."
6. Kelly's Brighton Marina
"Some great spots tucked further back but even with being right next to the road it really wasn’t too loud and dies down significantly after dark."
"Most of the campsites are on the north end of the marina on a grassy area with trees where you can drive up to the site."
7. Tillamook Bay City RV Park
"The GC itself is very quiet, but there is a fair bit of road noise from US-101, which runs right next to the CG. There is a grassy dog area, along with a mowed path between their wall/fence and 101."
"Not a bad drive into Tillamook. A little further to some nice beaches and state park areas. Friendly staff. Decent amount of road noise."
8. Old Mill RV Resort
"The annual "Sunsets and Crabs" event by the Teardroppers of Oregon and Washington has been held here for a several years, and it is an amazing event."
"Other than that it’s a decent camp ground in a great spot on the Oregon coast and a dry camp spot was only $26. Hard to beat that!"
from $50 - $350 / night
Check Availability9. Twins Ranch LLC
"If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! Even during Covid! "
"Fishing is also really close by at Bayview Jetty.. All in all a good experience with my family"
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability10. Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park
"After a full day or visiting the Northwest coast of Oregon all day. We needed to find a place to stay around Nehalem."
"I arrived around 6pm and only a few of their 10 tent sites were occupied. I grabbed spot 4 on the end so I had neighbors across and next to me but only on one side."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 23 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 33 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 53 min from Corvallis, OR
- 2 hrs 7 min from Longview, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Bay City, OR
315 Photos of 173 Bay City Campgrounds
Heather
Twins Ranch LLC
Brian C.
Tillamook Bay City RV Park
Corinna B.
Old Mill RV Resort
Colleen T.
Harborview Inn and RV Park
Aria R.
Tillamook Coast RV Park
Samantha B.
Barview Jetty County Campground
Caley M.
Kilchis Park
Josh H.
Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina
C. W.
Misty River RV Park
Hunter K.
Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park
Stephanie Z.
Kelly's Brighton Marina
Benjamin W.
Cape Lookout State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Bay City, OR
1317 Reviews of 173 Bay City Campgrounds
- SSteve H.Traveler
Sandbeach
Nice (but)
Noisy during the day until 10pm, if the wind is blowing south then expect the smell of exhaust. No police or Ranger presence while we were there. Fine for a couple of nights. Oh, the sites were large.
Dahlia
GuideSouth Lake
Nice site!
We only stayed here one night, but had a wonderful experience! The main campsite by the lake only has a few sites, and some are right next to each other, so there might not be too much privacy. However, the area feels very safe and it is nicely maintained. Tables and fire pits are present in some sites and there is a bathroom close to the entrance. No trash cans from what I saw. The "lake" is more of a pond. Do not swim in it, it looks pretty foggy. There is plenty of room for cars and tents, and while we did not bring a trailer I think one could have made it down the road fine. Some areas are narrow though, so be careful. Otherwise, the road is gravely, but not too rough. Campfires are allowed in the designated pits, but not otherwise, and grills were also not allowed when we went. Propane stoves are okay! There weren't too many mosquitoes, but these other insects were rampant! I'm not sure what they were, but they are super attracted to cooking food. Every time we would cook something on the stove they would swarm and dive into the food, being boiled alive. So just be aware of that! 😆 There are some trails to explore in the area, and cell service was pretty good!
Aimee H.GuideDispersed Camping Near Pioneer-Indian Trail in Siuslaw National Forest
Only a lucky few
It seems there are 2 main sites - the one in the comments below where you follow the logging road, and the one at the top or the logging roads. Someone was occupying the lower site (I walked down to check it out) so I set up camp up top. Far enough away from the road that it was peaceful but passed by enough cars that I noticed. I drove up the road to see if there were any more options and turned around at the area that said no camping for next 3 miles.
- mmitzi M.Guide
Fort Stevens State Park Campground
Ft Stevens is Awesome
Clean, wonderful showers, well maintained and close to the beach! They offer bikes to rent. It’s very busy so part of your entertainment is watching people come and go. It can be noisy with kids and people, but mostly joyful noise! It’s a big difference from quiet campgrounds but something for everyone.
- EErica D.
ScoutCoyote Rock RV Resort & Marina
Zero people skills. Lovely location
This is long, but worth it: The location is great. Right on the water, quiet and cool, spacious sites. 5mph speed limit. Got it. We drove over the speed limit. Completely our fault and we own that. We were looking for our reserved site and not paying attention to the speedometer. Our error.(Keep in mind that we are pulling a travel trailer in a campground so I can’t imagine we were going over 8, but that does not matter one bit). We found our site(that we prepaid and were told to just pull in to) and were about to back in when, suddenly, Mr. Big Wheels came zooming straight for us. My husband rolls down the window(me, expecting him to say something along the lines of oh, our campsite is full and you need to check in first…), and dude quietly yells out‘There is a strict(pause…) 5mph speed limit…Posted all over(long pause, eyes fixed on my husband). My husband says nothing. Mr. Big Wheels just stares. My husband just stares. I then lean over and whisper‘okay.’ He pauses some more, then pedals away(okay so maybe he was in a four-wheeler) and we proceed to set up camp. Time passes. Lady walks up to site and‘jokingly’ says:‘Most people stop by the office when they get here!’ Then she goes on to tell him about the rules and policies and the strict 5mph speed limit(knowingly smiling as she says this part)… Hubby just listens and simply says oh okay, the guy I talked to this morning gave me the site number and said to just pull in. She immediately stops and says oh, he’s new. I’ll have a talk with him tomorrow. Poor guy. Anyway, come stay here, enjoy the beauty and peace, and ignore the rude management, childish behavior, and unwelcoming vibe. Or not. They do not care one single bit about guests anyway. Alternative interaction:“Hi, welcome to our campground. Is this your site, as we are full right now. It is, great. Once you get settled, could you come to the office and we’ll check you in. Also, we do have a strict 5mph speed limit here so just make sure you are keeping it under 5. Thank you.”
- Lex G.Traveler
Cannon Beach RV Resort
Solid resort!
Campsites are a great size, the layout is perfect for privacy if you want it, very well maintained, store has stuff you’d actually need and not just snacks, playground is nice!
- KKimberly W.Guide
Scenic Overlook Dispersed Camp near Foley Creek
Towing? Not for the Faint of Heart!
I had to stop 2/3 of the way up the narrow, steep, exposed and twisty road. To check my nerves and let the engine cool. The Chevy Silverado is towing a 19-foot (single axle) airstream and needed a break. Fortunately a group of OHV riders came by and gave me courage: “If you’ve made it this far, you’re fine.” I did scout in the end and found a perfect spot to spend the week. I didn’t see numbers. This area is remote, no numbers needed. Just find the spot that appeals! You can’t go wrong.
I took Foss Road to Cook Creek Road and then turned up Anderson Ridge Road.
Side note: the Anderson Ridge area that is referred to as an alternate takes just as much gumption to get to, so may as well go all the way.
- KK. K.Guide
Cape Lookout State Park Campground
Nice, Upgrades on the Way!
This campground is pretty much right on the beach so depending on your site expect sand, but also you’ll hear the waves at night. Peaceful, not super private but very convenient for beach walks, etc. They are closing for renovations in the next day or two. I saw a sweet mama bear and two cubs on the way in.
Guide to Bay City
Camping near Bay City, Oregon offers visitors access to diverse landscapes from coastal shores to wooded river settings. Located on the northern Oregon coast, the area experiences average annual rainfall of 90 inches, with most precipitation occurring between November and February. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-45°F while summer brings milder 60-70°F temperatures, making campground selection important for year-round comfort.
What to do
Crabbing access: 100 feet from site: At Harborview Inn and RV Park, campers can try their hand at catching Dungeness crab with minimal travel required. "Great location for a walk around and from the RV Park with the marina and harbor areas providing great views," notes Patrick J. Several local businesses rent crab rings and nearby docks provide ideal locations.
Pedal cart railroad adventures: Located near Twins Ranch LLC, Rail Riders offers unique pedal-powered carts that travel on old railroad tracks. "You can rent a cart that you pedal for a 2 hour tour on the old railroad tracks... a little Spendy at $30 per person," explains Debbie. Reservations recommended during summer months.
River access for fishing: Kilchis Park provides direct access to river fishing within walking distance of campsites. "Lots of fishermen there when we stayed so there is good fishing near by," reports Christi C. The river runs alongside the campground, making it easy for anglers to spend early mornings or evenings on the water.
What campers like
Wagon camping experiences: Twins Ranch offers covered wagon accommodations for a historical overnight experience. "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot," shares Heather. The wagons include two futon mattresses and sleep up to four people for approximately $45 per night.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Harborview Inn and RV Park offers excellent wildlife observation, particularly marine life. "We enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals," writes Pilar F. Early mornings provide the best viewing opportunities when harbor activity is quieter.
Natural play areas: Kilchis Park features extensive play options for children of various ages. "We had kids from 1-10 and they all stayed busy over a 4 day stay. The playground is very nice for all ages," states Christi C. The park also includes a large field for games and easy river access for exploration.
What you should know
Shower facilities vary widely: Pay showers are common at several facilities. At Barview Jetty County Campground, "Showers are available, there are three private unisex showers at each restroom complex, but they are pay-showers. The rates are reasonable starting at $0.50 for 4 minutes and each additional quarter adds 2 minutes."
Seasonal crowd patterns: August brings peak crowds to coastal campgrounds. "We spent a week at Kelly's over the 4th of July holiday weekend and week. Lots of campers in and out, but Kelly brought in plenty of clean port-a-potties and kept them that way all weekend," reports Kristina G. Weekday camping generally provides more space and quieter environments.
Weather impacts: Coastal wind affects the camping experience significantly. One camper at Nehalem Bay State Park Campground suggested: "We had a place along the wedge and it appeared to be less windy. That's totally anecdotal, though." Mid-summer provides most consistent weather patterns.
Tips for camping with families
Seek campgrounds with large, multi-tent sites: Many Bay City area campgrounds accommodate multiple tents on one site. "Site big enough for 2 good sized tents and the hosts were very nice," mentions Cha C. about Kilchis Park. This arrangement works well for families bringing separate tents for parents and children.
Consider coastal dune exploration: Cape Lookout State Park Campground provides excellent dune exploration opportunities near camping areas. "We usually don't visit during the summer and even when a portion of the site is closed (sand accumulates on 'A' loop) we haven't felt like it was over packed," notes Nathan R. These natural play areas keep children engaged without additional equipment.
Find multi-generational camping spots: Several campgrounds support extended family gatherings. "Generations of memories" is how Melissa N. describes Barview Jetty County Campground. "Our family would do family campouts year after year. Now my cousins and our kids and grandkids repeat the tradition with excitement."
Tips from RVers
Consider site configuration: RV spaces vary significantly between parks. At Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina, "Spots 1-27 are the tightest I have ever seen, so try to avoid them. 52-58 are right on the Bay, and pretty sizable," advises Josh H. Research specific site measurements before booking.
Plan for limited WiFi connectivity: Internet access remains inconsistent throughout the area. Julie F. notes about Netarts Bay RV Park: "There is 'wi-fi' available, but you can only use it for email? Part of why we choose RV parks from time to time vs a state park or dispersement camping is to have access to amenities such as water, power, sewage and wi-fi."
Check road conditions for larger rigs: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. At Kilchis Park, "The road is narrow, be carefull if pulling a large trailer or RV," warns Tom N. Most parks near Highway 101 provide easier access than those requiring travel on county roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bay City, OR?
What camping is available near Bay City, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bay City, OR offers a wide range of camping options, with 173 campgrounds and RV parks near Bay City, OR and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bay City, OR?
Which is the most popular campground near Bay City, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bay City, OR is Cape Lookout State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 115 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bay City, OR?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bay City, OR?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Bay City, OR.
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