Campgrounds near Gearhart, Oregon provide year-round access to coastal experiences with temperatures averaging 45-65°F throughout the year. The area's location on the northern Oregon coast places it at the confluence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean, creating distinct tidal patterns that affect beachcombing and marine wildlife viewing. Winter camping remains viable but requires preparation for sustained winds that can exceed 30 mph during storm systems.
What to do
Explore military history sites: Fort Stevens State Park Campground offers extensive historical attractions beyond beach access. "This is a great campground with a lot of sites. Visiting the Iredale shipwreck especially at sunset is beautiful. Also visiting the forts and cannons are fun. Bring mosquito repellent!" notes Gail S.
Horseback riding on beaches: Nehalem Bay State Park Campground provides direct access to horseback experiences. "Great dune area. Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," shares Jamie B. The park offers guided horse rides during summer months with prices starting at $40 per person.
Crabbing expeditions: Local waters provide excellent crabbing opportunities with equipment rentals available nearby. "Nehalem Bay is beautiful, and it's just down the road from two jetties. My family and I went crabbing just a ways away from the state park, and it was a beautiful day and a lot of fun," says Aaron R. at Nehalem Bay State Park.
Visit nearby lighthouses: Cape Disappointment State Park Campground offers access to multiple lighthouse structures. "There are two lighthouses in the park, trails, jetty, and an interperative center. Once out of the park, Long Beach is a short drive," explains Christina F. The lighthouses maintain regular visiting hours from 10am-5pm during summer months.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wright's for Camping provides natural settings where wildlife frequently appears. "We also had some elk visit (they say the elk are their off-season guests)," mentions Maurice G. These elk herds are most commonly spotted during dawn and dusk hours.
Unique bathroom facilities: Many campers specifically mention bathroom quality as a distinguishing feature. "The bathrooms were very nice and the rv pads and electric is redone," notes Diana L. about recent renovations at Nehalem Bay State Park Campground.
Clean, well-maintained grounds: Sites typically receive consistent maintenance across campgrounds in the region. "The campground is huge and very popular with families, but because of how close it is to the beach and a pretty constant wind you really don't hear anybody around you," explains Kier S. about Cape Disappointment.
Indoor amenities during poor weather: Cannon Beach RV Resort offers weather protection options. "They have an indoor pool and hot tub," reports Mari H. These facilities provide alternatives during rainy or windy conditions typical of coastal weather patterns.
What you should know
Tent camping limitations: Not all facilities accept tent campers. "Tents are prohibited," notes Sergey P. about Circle Creek RV Park, while other facilities restrict tent options to specific areas.
Reservation timing requirements: Campgrounds in the region require advance planning. "Reserve early, as there are many repeat campers here who book the next year before they leave," advises Maurice G. about Wright's for Camping.
Military ID requirements: Camp Rilea Military Campground has specific access restrictions. "The only caviat is that you must have military ID to utilize the campground," explains Tonya D. Valid military, veteran, or government employee identification is required at check-in.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite natural settings. "The one (maybe only) downfall is that it is adjacent to Hwy 101, so there is occasional traffic (sometimes loud trucks) throughout the night," mentions Maurice G. about Wright's for Camping.
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Many campgrounds feature paved pathways ideal for children. "Paved roads great for bike riding. Very well maintained, some camp sites with full hook," Diane F. reports about Cape Disappointment State Park.
Kid-friendly historical attractions: Fort Stevens State Park Campground offers educational opportunities. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" explains Cadie H. The interpretive center includes interactive displays designed for younger visitors.
Nature play areas: Several campgrounds feature natural play spaces. "Large middle area for kids to run and play with nature (sticks, moss, pines, etc)," Andy B. notes about Wright's for Camping.
Organized activities: Some sites coordinate structured recreation. "Every time we come here, we know exactly what to expect. Always clean, hasn't been too crowded when we come and they allow most dogs," says Shariah T. about Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA.
Tips from RVers
Varied hookup configurations: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. "They also have a lodge with a game room and laundry. Full hookups. Paved loop for kids and bikes," notes C M. about Cannon Beach RV Resort.
Site selection considerations: Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA offers distinct site areas. "We stayed in a premium back in site but it looked that all sites had full hookups including sewer. Tons of family friendly activities," explains David M. RVers recommend requesting specific areas based on privacy needs.
Driving challenges: Some facilities present maneuvering difficulties. "That said. The trying to get out of the far back loop is a nightmare. Staff doesn't seem to get that they need a person to direct traffic on a busy weekend," warns Bryan G. about navigating Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA during peak periods.
Winter camping advantages: Off-season camping provides unique experiences with fewer crowds. "We came during offseason and camped at this State Park for 3 nights... it was super quiet and empty so we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves," shares a visitor about winter camping options.
