RV campgrounds near Gearhart, Oregon sit along the northern Oregon coast where coastal forest meets sandy beaches. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-55°F with frequent rain, while summer brings 60-70°F days with morning fog that often clears by afternoon. Gearhart's location, just 15 miles south of the Columbia River, provides campers access to both ocean beaches and sheltered bay areas for diverse coastal activities.
What to do
Beach exploration and crabbing: At Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park, campers can rent crab traps and boats for bay activities. "You can buy or rent a crab trap, buy bait, pay money to use the dock and try your hand at crabbing. The do not sell shellfish licenses here, so you need to come with one in hand," notes a reviewer.
Bike riding on coastal trails: Several campgrounds provide access to regional bike paths. "The location is perfect, with an easy walk to the beach, making it ideal for those who love the ocean," writes a camper about Thousand Trails Long Beach.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer opportunities to spot local animals. "We saw a huge blue herron and later a pair of bald eagles. Deer were grazing in the field right across the street from the camp entrance," shares a visitor at Sunset Lake Campground.
Historical exploration: From Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA, campers can explore regional history. "The state park across the road had some nice bike paths and beaches. Might camp there next time just to try something different," notes one reviewer, referencing nearby Fort Stevens State Park with its historical military installations.
What campers like
Proximity to beaches: Most campers appreciate the short walks to beaches from area campgrounds. "This campground was just rebought and is being renovated. New owners are very wonderful and pleasant people," writes a camper about Neawanna River RV Park, noting its convenient location.
Fresh seafood access: Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park receives praise for seafood options. "RV park has view of bay and mountains. You can rent items to go crabbing or just eat some of their fresh clams, oysters and crab. We did a bit both! Staff is friendly and hard working," notes one reviewer.
Indoor amenities during rainy days: Many campgrounds feature indoor facilities for poor weather. "The camp was nice and located just a short drive to the beach. Check the weather in Seaside before you go- poured almost the entire time we were there!" advises a camper at Thousand Trails Seaside.
Cleanliness of facilities: Reviewers frequently comment on bathroom quality. "We are enjoying a free year of Thousand Trails membership and this was another last min stay, it was packed! But it's the middle of summer, and we were able to find a spot in overflow same day. They called us personally, and were fantastic. Great amenities, and the CLEANEST bathroom I've seen yet this week camping," shares a camper.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Summer months require advance planning for most coastal campgrounds. A Cannon Beach RV Resort camper notes: "Expensive ($80-90/night) but great facilities in a good location. Great showers, internet, hookups, pool and campsites. Relatively quiet… not a KOA."
Weather variability: Coastal fog and rain can occur even in summer. "We come down here to get away from the heat, inland, area. It's usually 20-30 degrees cooler, than inland. So when the heat hits the valley, everyone runs to the coastline."
Site spacing considerations: Parks vary significantly in site spacing. "The sites were the closest we've been to at a Thousand Trails, with no trees for privacy. What made the Seaside interesting was there wasn't much noise even though the sites were close to each other."
Electrical hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer different amp service options. "The north side is also the only side that has 50A power. The south side is all 30A," explains a Thousand Trails Seaside reviewer about their electricity distribution.
Tips for camping with families
Check playground conditions: Some campgrounds need facility updates. "Having children, the playground and pool are a huge deal when you're camping at an RV resort. Well, the playground was rusted over and had pieces that were missing to it, the swings were broken as well," notes a Thousand Trails Seaside visitor.
Look for family-friendly activities: Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA offers numerous child-appropriate options. "A very busy campground with lots of things to keep you occupied and make the weekend go by way to quick," says one reviewer.
Consider swimming options: Indoor pools extend swimming season in cooler months. "Super nice bathrooms and laundry facility. Pretty well situated. Only downside is the highway noise," comments a visitor about RV Park At The Bridge.
Explore tide pool timing: Schedule beach visits around low tides for tide pool exploration. "The Clatsop county beaches, have the best razor clam digging, in Oregon. On every minus tide, in the winter and spring, you have some of the best razor clams, this far south of Alaska."
Tips from RVers
Site angle considerations: Thousand Trails Long Beach requires particular attention to site layout. "The spaces are very tight at 90 degree angles to the road. This requires backing skill level 10! The north side and middle give little room for it, and the south side has an area that at least gives some wiggle room."
Hookup locations: Check which side utilities are positioned. "Odd numbers site have hook ups on the right, even have hook ups on the left (drivers side)," advises a reviewer about site orientation.
Overflow parking options: During peak season, overflow areas can provide last-minute availability. "We are enjoying a free year of Thousand Trails membership and this was another last min stay, it was packed! But it's the middle of summer, and we were able to find a spot in overflow same day."
Leveling needs: Many coastal sites require leveling equipment. "The gravel site was not level, and we had to use blocks. The sites were very close together," notes a camper about site conditions at Thousand Trails Seaside.
