Situated along the central Oregon coast, Florence features campgrounds set within diverse landscapes of coastal forests, dunes, and riverfront areas. The region sits at low elevation (around 50 feet above sea level) with a marine climate that brings mild temperatures year-round, though frequent rainfall occurs from November through April. Many campgrounds near Florence maintain some level of wind protection thanks to coastal forest buffers while still offering beach access.
What to do
Dune boarding adventures: Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park offers direct access to the Oregon Dunes where visitors can rent equipment for sand boarding. "Great campground. Pretty busy so not much privacy so if you're looking for seclusion this isn't it. Really close access to the sand dunes and we rented sand boards for $10 a day and had a blast sand boarding," reports a camper.
Kayaking on calm waters: The waterways near Florence provide gentle paddling opportunities accessible from several campgrounds. A visitor at Waxmyrtle Campground notes, "Excellent place for gentle river kayaking or a nice hike. Love the quiet, peaceful surroundings. Have stayed here several times tent camping."
Lighthouse hiking: Take a 6-mile hike from Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park to Heceta Lighthouse. One visitor shared their experience: "Fabulous 6 mile hike to Heceta Lighthouse. A day spent at the Sea Lion Caves just up the coast. Oh and the mighty pacific in all its glory at the park beach access kept us busy."
Downtown exploration: Florence's historic district is walkable from select campgrounds, offering shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. "This place is perfect for exploring Florence. Old Town is just a two-minute walk, with lots of restaurants, shops, and galleries. There is also a Safeway just a 15-minute walk away," notes a camper at Port of Siuslaw.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural barriers at Sutton Campground, where one reviewer described their spot: "We stayed at site A-16 in mid-May and absolutely loved it. Super pretty spot, tucked right next to a little creek. It felt private without being too far off the path — ideal if you want a bit of peace but still feel like part of the campground."
Facilities maintenance: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds consistently earn praise. "Beautiful campground, standard USFS vibe of beautiful trees, paved roads, nice bathrooms, and some nice hiking trails. Dogs are allowed on the trails but not the beach here," notes one Sutton Campground visitor.
Protection from coastal winds: Lagoon Campground provides natural shelter that campers appreciate. "We stayed in June. Lucked out with the weather! The dunes blocked most of the wind which was nice. Campground has plenty of options for your camping needs," commented a visitor who stayed at site 34.
Variety of accommodation options: Beyond standard tent and RV sites, some campgrounds offer alternative lodging. At Jessie M. Honeyman, one camper described their experience: "I had such a nice time at this campground. We went in the off season (in the winter) so the campground didn't have many people staying... us in a yurt. The yurt comes with a bunk bed (top a twin and bottom maybe a full size), pull out couch, small table with 2 chairs and a heater."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. A Sutton Campground visitor advised: "We get the group site which is the D loop, and it has a sand hill in that loop, so it is fantastic for the kids. Close to Florence for the activities."
Off-road vehicle noise: Campgrounds near the dunes may experience ATV sounds. "The only drawback is that you're within earshot of the OHV camp and all the engine sounds that come with that. It's certainly not overpowering, but it's not just the sound of nature here," notes a Waxmyrtle Campground reviewer.
Beach access varies: Walking distance to beaches differs significantly between campgrounds. "The beach is too far of a walk from here to be convenient, something like 2 miles," explained a Sutton Campground visitor regarding beach proximity.
Winter facilities: Some campgrounds reduce services in off-season months. "Stayed in mid-July. Nice access to beach and nearby trails and Florence. Bathrooms were clean with sink and toilet," notes a Waxmyrtle visitor, implying these amenities might not be available year-round.
Fog horns: Harbor Vista campers should be prepared for navigation sounds. "The fog horn runs on the jetty constantly during fog season, sounding a tone every 35 seconds. I got used to it but I can see it making the right person go bananas and maybe not be able to stay here," warned one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Certain campgrounds include family-specific amenities. "My kiddo & I consider this a favorite since it's got some great views, and swingset (priorities, you know!)," shared a Harbor Vista Campground camper.
Consider group sites: Large family gatherings work well in designated group areas. "30+ family members camp here every year around 4th of July. Always great fun and great atmosphere. Hosts are wonderful and the grounds/restrooms/showers are all well kept," noted a Jessie M. Honeyman visitor.
Check trail difficulty levels: Family-friendly hiking options vary by location. "There are several kid friendly trails and large open fields to play in, the bathrooms are kept clean by camp host and there is shallow creek access. Also beach access," recommended a Sutton Campground visitor.
Plan for weather contingencies: Oregon's coast can bring unexpected conditions. "The tree cover was perfect. Even when it rained a little, we still got to enjoy a campfire without getting soaked. It really felt cozy and protected under the trees," reported a Sutton Campground camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park offers good accommodations for certain RV types. "Stayed 4 nights. Clean bathrooms, good space between campsites. Nestled in the tall trees, it would be cool during a hot summer. Since I visited in November and it rained, the drops from the trees were loud on my trailer roof."
Power considerations: Solar-dependent RVs should note tree coverage at many sites. "The tree cover here is very thick, so solar didn't work and starlink probably wouldn't either," advised a Sutton Campground visitor.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer onsite dumping facilities. "Full hookups, showers, bathrooms in a gravel lot by the water," summarized a Port of Siuslaw visitor, highlighting amenities important to RVers.
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds have size limitations. "Back in spaces, so a 40 foot RV would barely fit. This is an older but well maintained campground," noted a Carl G. Washburne visitor about size constraints.
