Cabins near Gearhart provide access to Oregon's north coast, where average summer temperatures range between 60-70°F. The coastal location experiences frequent fog and rain throughout the year, with annual precipitation averaging 75 inches. Camping cabins in this area typically sit within 5 miles of the Pacific Ocean, providing convenient beach access regardless of weather conditions.
What to do
Explore historical sites: At Fort Stevens State Park Campground, visitors can tour military installations and coastal defenses. "There is sooo much to do in this area! It's rich with history and we could have easily spent another week touring around. The Martime Museum is up the road," notes Jill T. The park also offers shipwreck viewing opportunities, as one camper explains: "Visiting the Iredale shipwreck especially at sunset is beautiful. Also visiting the forts and cannons are fun."
Beach activities: Cape Disappointment State Park Campground offers multiple sandy beaches for relaxation and exploration. "Walk to the beach to find treasures and sit to relax and just watch the waves. Very peaceful, and my teens loved it!" reports Kimberly T. The park provides easy beach access with "great ocean views," according to another visitor.
Horseback riding: Multiple campgrounds offer equestrian experiences on coastal beaches. At Nehalem Bay State Park Campground, visitors can arrange beach rides through local stables. "Great dune area. Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," shares Jamie B., highlighting one of the unique coastal activities available.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Campers appreciate natural screening between cabins and campsites at many locations. At Cannon Beach RV Resort, "nice sites with lots of tall trees" provide shade and privacy. Another visitor notes, "The sites are fairly spacious, full hookups if you need them, bathrooms are very clean with free showers."
Proximity to attractions: The convenience of staying close to coastal towns and attractions ranks highly among cabin campers. "You're close to Astoria, Gearhart, Cannon Beach and Portland is only an hour and a half away," writes one visitor about Fort Stevens. Another camper at Sea Ranch Resort notes, "Great campground about a mile from Cannon Beach. There are cabins, RV sites, and tent spaces... a great campground in the city of Cannon Beach."
Outdoor recreation options: The variety of outdoor activities available directly from campgrounds enhances the cabin camping experience. At Nehalem Bay, one visitor explains: "there is a two mile bike/walking path through the woods and along the bay. The beach is only a five minute walk away." Campers consistently mention appreciating trails, bike paths, and water access.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance planning. At Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA, cabins often book months ahead. "We stayed in October and it was nice and quiet at night. We stayed in a premium back in site but it looked that all sites had full hookups including sewer. Tons of family friendly activities. On the pricey side but it was a nice experience," shares David M.
Weather considerations: Coastal weather patterns affect cabin camping year-round. "We camp year around!!! It's very beautiful no matter what time you go," notes one Cape Disappointment visitor. Another camper recommends: "I recommended being prepared for any type of weather rain or shine."
Facility variations: Cabins range significantly in amenities and comfort levels between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Seaside, a visitor explains: "Our site had sewer, electricity, and water hook up. The sewer connection at the campsite was a nice plus." Meanwhile, Sea Ranch Resort offers simpler accommodations: "The cabins are basic but comfortable for the night. It had a full bed and bunk bed, table, chair and heater."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Fort Stevens offers numerous structured activities for young campers. "So much for kids to do from exploring, riding bikes, fishing and going to the amphitheater for some stories," reports Jenny M. Another visitor adds, "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!"
Beach safety awareness: Parents should monitor coastal conditions when planning beach outings. At Cape Disappointment, one visitor notes, "Keep in mind that the beach is VERY windy and my mutt was fine walking downwind, but when we turned around she was very unhappy being very low to the ground with sand blowing in her face."
Playground options: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. The Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA includes "an indoor pool, playground and trails. Fort Stevens is right across the street and has a lot of great day activities as well," according to Alicia F.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend specific areas within campgrounds for cabin guests. At Thousand Trails Seaside, "inner loops you have a neighbor front, back and sides. You can hear too much because they are fairly close. This place stays fairly full so reserve in advance to get an outer spot."
Utility considerations: Cabin campers should verify what utilities are included with their reservation. At Cape Disappointment, a visitor notes, "The sites are really flat and clean with bathroom & showers located nearby." Another camper adds that "Some camp sites with full hook-up. Yurts and cabins also available."
Off-season advantages: Several campgrounds offer better availability and quieter experiences during non-summer months. "We stayed in October and it was nice and quiet at night," mentions one visitor to Cannon Beach RV Resort, while another notes that "right now in February it is very quiet" at Nehalem Bay.
