RV camping near Depoe Bay, Oregon offers oceanfront access within a short drive to attractions along Oregon's central coast. Temperatures along this stretch of Highway 101 range from 45-65°F year-round with higher rainfall from November through March. Cell service remains stronger in coastal campgrounds near towns but can weaken in more forested settings with some RVers reporting 1-3 bar coverage in locations like Seal Rocks.
What to do
Beach access routes: Seal Rocks RV Cove provides direct beach access across Highway 101 via a dedicated path. "Can't book online so you're required to reserve the old fashion way via telephone. Pre-covid they had camping spaces too, but have not reopened them as of summer 21. Clean bathrooms and showers (closed since covid). And did I mention the beach is across the street?"
Fishing and crabbing: At Port of Newport RV Park & Marina, campers can fish directly from the piers. "Lots of fishermen and areas to take a boat out." The marina location makes it easy to arrange chartered fishing trips or try crabbing from the public fishing pier.
Brewery tours: Located adjacent to Rogue Brewery headquarters, Port of Newport RV Park offers walking-distance brewery tours. "Great views of the bridge and the bay. Rogue brewery and distillery is a short walk from the park." Many campers recommend combining an afternoon brewery visit with sunset views of Yaquina Bay Bridge.
What campers like
Oceanfront sites: Sea and Sand RV Park features multi-level ocean view sites. "Depoe Bay OR. First row on the ocean. Sunset spectacular. Staff all seem like they love it here as much as we do! Dedicated staff person available to help you park in challenging spots, if you need help."
Clean facilities: Multiple RV parks maintain exceptionally clean facilities. Sea and Sand RV Park maintains "cleanest bathrooms I've even seen at a campground." Similarly, Thousand Trails Whalers Rest receives praise for cleanliness: "The showers were immaculate as was the campground."
Concrete pads: Premier RV Resort in Lincoln City offers concrete pads that stay level even in wet weather. "The sites were very clean and level. The staff were warm and welcoming, and offered little amenities such as Bagels/donuts and coffee on Sunday mornings in a prize gift at every check-in."
What you should know
Site spacing challenges: Many coastal parks feature tight site arrangements. Premier RV Resort has excellent amenities but "The sites are extremely close together, although the people that camped around us were all friendly, respectful of the spatial issues and quiet."
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for summer. For Thousand Trails Whalers Rest, campers note: "Thousand Trails campground and well maintained. The campground is divided into a north and south side. We stayed on the south side with concrete pads that were nestled in between trees."
No-campfire policies: Several parks prohibit wood fires due to coastal wind conditions. Fogarty Creek RV Park prohibits campfires entirely, while Sea and Sand restricts fires to certain areas: "Park rules say the upper ocean site area could not have any wood fires and could only use propane fires with the exception of on the beach."
Tips for camping with families
Indoor pool access: Neskowin Creek RV Resort offers indoor swimming and family activities. "Its located within walking distance to the coast. Plenty of activities for the kids to play. Indoor swimming. They often do pot luck dinners."
Beach activities: Beaches near Depoe Bay are ideal for beachcombing at low tide. At Sea and Sand RV Park, "There was a path about half way down the park on the left side that went to the beach area access which we took and walked on the beach during low tide, but during high tide there is no beach access."
Wildlife viewing: Coyote Rock RV Resort offers wildlife watching opportunities for children. "It's right on the river and there are cute little otters that like to show off for the guests." Many children enjoy watching fishing boats return to marinas in the late afternoon.
Tips from RVers
Entry navigation: Several coastal parks have steep or tight entrances requiring careful driving. Premier RV Resort requires passing speed bumps: "Upon entry is a very nice view of the center of the park and a few speed bumps you have to really slow down for."
Parking logistics: Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort caters specifically to Class A motorhomes with concrete pads. "This RV park has a fantastic location oceanfront! The park itself has paved, concrete sites, each with a patch of grass. It is nearly all Class As and most sites look like they are lived at longer term."
Sewer connections: Some parks have unusual sewer connection requirements. At Sea and Sand RV Park, sewer connections "required a screw on sewer connection that in some sites were 25 plus feet from the rear of the site."
Weather considerations: Winter camping brings stormy conditions but fewer crowds. Verizon service works best with signal boosters: "We put up our WeBoost and got 2 to 3 bars but sometimes the 3G network wouldn't produce internet. Our best option for internet was when the CG's WiFi wasn't busy such as early morning."
