Camping near Seal Rock, Oregon centers around forested inland areas and coastal accessibility while managing Oregon's variable weather. The region sits at the convergence of the Coast Range and Pacific Ocean, creating diverse camping environments within a 7-mile radius of the shoreline. Winter camping remains viable with proper equipment, as temperatures rarely drop below freezing even during the rainiest months.
What to do
Fossil hunting at Beverly Beach: Cross under the highway bridge at Beverly Beach State Park Campground to discover marine fossils embedded in rock formations. "Nearly every rock and cliff face is littered with marine fossils of varying types and sizes and you can often find individual fossilized shells that can be collected," notes Erik C.
Tide pooling near Cape Perpetua: Head south from Seal Rock to explore tide pools during low tide. "Cape Perpetua was a wonderful experience. You are close to a trail that can take you to Thor's Well and some crazy rock formations. It is also a short drive to some of the best tide pools we have ever been to," shares Deanna F.
Junior Ranger programs: Several state parks offer educational activities for children. "They sell wood on site and also offer jr. ranger programs and interpretive sessions as well," reports Tj B. about Beachside State Recreation Site, which provides structured outdoor learning opportunities.
Crabbing at Newport Marina: Try catching your dinner at the marina. "Lots of fishermen and areas to take a boat out," Brian P. mentions about Port of Newport RV Park & Marina. The nearby pier allows fishing without a boat, and the marina location puts you within walking distance of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between camping areas. "Very private sites with trees separating each tent site. Really enjoyed having privacy!" D Robert B. says about Waldport KOA, while at South Beach State Park Campground, campers find "shady sites on the outer edges of the loops" according to Patrick M.
Blackberry picking: Seasonal berries grow wild throughout the coastal region. "My daughter & I had fun picking blackberries on the nature trail down to the beach area!!" notes Emily L. about her stay at Waldport KOA, highlighting an often-overlooked food-gathering opportunity.
Whale watching opportunities: The elevated position of some campsites provides chances to spot migrating whales. "After looking for campgrounds from which to see whales and reading the reviews here, we decided to visit Tillicum Beach Campground," shares Kelly H., who adds that "despite the wind and rain, we enjoyed a lovely peaceful time here."
Paved walking paths: Accessible trails connect campsites to beaches and amenities. South Beach State Park offers a "great walk path (paved) and easy access to the beach," according to Brian P., making mobility easier for campers of all ages and abilities.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation needed: Several campgrounds report significant mosquito activity, especially in summer. "No complaints about the facilities, just a warning that the misquitos are really bad!" cautions Sonja O. about South Beach State Park, while April H. similarly warns, "We camped here in May. It had little privacy and a lot of mosquitoes."
Beach access often requires crossing Highway 101: Many campgrounds sit on the east side of the highway. At Seal Rocks RV Cove, "you can access a nice beach area directly across the road, by a path then crossing busy 101," explains Christine. Plan for safe highway crossing, especially with children or pets.
Limited cell service in forested areas: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Thousand Trails Whalers Rest, one camper reports getting "good Starlink reception with download speed around 200 Mbps," but traditional cellular service remains spotty, especially in more remote areas like Forest Road 51.
Reservations essential during summer: Most established campgrounds fill completely during peak season. "Make sure you book ahead because it always is booked from June to October," advises Brian C. about South Beach State Park, reflecting a common situation throughout the area.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational programs: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. Cape Perpetua provides "nice educational programs for kids," according to Kristen W., helping to engage younger campers with the local environment.
Consider campground layout for safety: Sites near roads require extra vigilance with children. Beachside State Recreation Site has tent sites "in the back, while the RV sites were closest to the beach," notes Brett B., adding that "the tent sites are closest to 101" which might affect noise levels and safety considerations for families.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Thousand Trails Whalers Rest, Neil B. appreciates that there are "many good areas for kids to play and the staff really does a great job planning activities for the whole family."
Weather preparedness: Coast conditions change rapidly, affecting planned activities. "We spent the rainiest five days I've ever camped....but still had a great time," shares David & Sue C. about Thousand Trails Whalers Rest, demonstrating that proper gear can salvage family camping even in challenging weather.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Many RV sites have specific limitations. At Waldport KOA, one RVer notes, "We had an ocean view, but our site is all gravel so that's not very desirable either." For larger rigs, a camper at Whalers Rest warns about sites where "you will need to be skilled at leaving your trailer. Also be very skilled at backing in as they can be at less then ideal angles."
Road access to dispersed camping: Forest Service roads offer free camping options but present challenges. At Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek, an RVer cautions, "Narrow and unpaved road. Very narrow, My trailer could barely fit through and there was only a three-way intersection inside to make a U-turn, otherwise my trailer wouldn't be able to get out!"
Concrete pad availability: During rainy seasons, hardened surfaces become valuable. At Thousand Trails Whalers Rest, Ella T. appreciated that "We stayed on the south side with concrete pads that were nestled in between trees. We were here during significant rainfall and appreciated not being in mud."
Overflow parking options: When campgrounds fill, some offer alternative arrangements. At Thousand Trails Whalers Rest, one camper reports, "They allowed us to stay in overflow even though all the sites were reserved. They still charged us full price but we were just happy to land somewhere for the night and get hot showers!"
