Located just 6 miles from the California border, Brookings sits at the mouth of the Chetco River where the river meets the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of just 129 feet. The region receives about 80 inches of rainfall annually, mostly between November and March, creating lush forests. Summer temperatures typically range between 60-75°F with regular coastal fog that can roll in suddenly during evening hours.
What to do
River swimming: 8 miles inland from Brookings at Alfred A. Loeb State Park Campground, the Chetco River offers clear, swimmable waters. "Chetco is the most gorgeous river I have ever been lucky enough to swim in... I swam for hours, walked into camp for a hot shower & dinner, stared up at the stars before bed," reports camper Lainey P.
Redwood exploration: 27 miles south in Crescent City leads to Jedidiah Smith Campground — Redwood National Park, where ancient trees tower overhead. A visitor noted, "Private Wilderness. Beautiful and secluded. We felt like we were a million miles away from everyone, even our camp neighbors! The giant redwoods provide a lot of privacy."
Beach access: 1 mile from downtown at Harris Beach State Park Campground, visitors can explore tide pools during low tide. "There are a couple great trails to the beach and during low tide, you can explore the tide pools. We saw hundreds of hermit crabs, anemone, starfish, sculpin, and more," according to Chanel C.
What campers like
Yurt camping: Brookings, Oregon area offers several options for camping in yurts, particularly at Alfred A. Loeb State Park. A recent visitor mentioned, "The cabins all face the river and are really nice and cozy. The sites are nice and clean and mostly all level, and the volunteers and rangers do a great job of keeping the park sparkling."
Tent platforms: 22 miles south in the redwoods at Redwood Meadows RV Resort provides an elevated camping experience. "We tent camped on a platform for two days... The platform is huge. The fire pit for tent site 5 is right next to where you park parallel to your site," explains Kristen F.
Seaside camping: Directly on beach options exist for more adventurous campers. At Oceanside RV Park in nearby Gold Beach, "You feel like you have your own place on the beach. You do have to walk your stuff there but it's totally worth it," according to Alicia F.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Coastal wind can be intense, especially in spring. "The only reason this got four stars instead of five is the incredible wind that comes off the ocean almost every day. Not unusual to have it 20 miles per hour gusting to 35 or 40," warns Robert R. about Oceanside RV Park.
Limited tent sites at some parks: While yurt camping near Brookings offers comfort, tent options may be restricted. At Florence Keller Regional Park, "Sites are very clean, fairly level and of varying sizes. We were able to find a spot we fit in with our 26ft RV. I suggest driving around first before picking a spot as some are better than others."
Seasonal popularity: Summer months see highest occupancy. "We went in February and all but the tent sites was packed," notes Paul H. about Harris Beach State Park, suggesting off-season visits may still require planning.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Harris Beach State Park provides dedicated play areas. "Great campsite for kids and family. There is a fantastic playground and the Rangers hold Junior Ranger activities twice a day," notes Chanel C.
Water safety considerations: For river camping with children, Alfred A. Loeb offers safe swimming options. "The fresh water river leading to the ocean is awesome and kids can swim across with no problem," explains Randall A.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for wildlife at dawn and dusk. "I heard barred owls at night," mentions Lainey P., highlighting the natural experiences available when camping near Brookings, Oregon in a yurt or tent.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At AtRivers Edge RV Resort, choose carefully based on proximity to amenities. "The side with the cabins, yurts and pull through sites is very clean and well managed. The other side of the park is a mix of long term campers, storage sheds, boat/rv storage and weekend campers," advises Christie H.
Hookup options: Many parks offer full utilities. "Electric and water hook ups. No sewer. Worth every penny. Close to the river without being in the middle of the day use business. Sites are spread out enough that you don't feel like you are on top of your neighbors," reports Scott H. about Alfred A. Loeb State Park.
Large rig considerations: Some parks have limitations for bigger rigs. "The roads would be tough to navigate in a large RV or with a long trailer," cautions Courtney D. about Jedidiah Smith Campground.
