Tent camping Gleneden Beach, Oregon provides access to diverse ecosystems within a 30-mile radius of the coast. The region maintains year-round average temperatures between 45-65°F with summer fog common through July, particularly at higher elevation sites like Marys Peak (4,097 feet). Winter camping requires preparation for rainfall averaging 70-90 inches annually in the coastal forest zones where most primitive camping opportunities are found.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Trask River County Park offers access to both river fishing and nearby coastal options. According to camper Branden T., "Quiet campground and you get to listen to the river flowing all the time!! Great swimming holes!!" The river areas provide opportunities for both relaxed fishing and cooling off during warmer months.
Hiking at Marys Peak: The trails around Marys Peak Campground feature botanical gardens and summit views extending to the ocean on clear days. Camper G. Allen H. notes, "It's a small place it only has seven sites. There are many trails and also botanical garden. On a clear day you can see snow cap mountains and the ocean in July." The area includes several moderate difficulty trails ranging from 0.5 to 3 miles.
Crabbing and clamming: Netarts Bay has equipment rentals and licenses available onsite for shellfish gathering. Taka reports, "Cozy, friendly an an amazing view of the Netarts Bay. Loved it so much that we went back next weekend. Bonus is RV park comes with nice cafe where you can indulge yourself with nice breakfast." The bay provides accessible crabbing for beginners with rentals starting at $25 per day.
What campers like
Secluded forest settings: Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek offers multiple private sites among dense coastal forest. Dylan B. writes, "Stayed here two nights at the spot right at the intersection of the two roads. Views of the forest were sweet, and it was a really nice and spacious spot... By far one of my favorite campsites I've been to, highly recommend." Sites are particularly valued for their quiet setting and spacing.
River access for swimming: Jones Creek Campground provides direct water access for cooling off. Katie C. explains, "We love staying in the campground! There are many river access points, the forestry center, walking trails and wildlife all within walking distance. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and many of them are pretty big."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The coastal forest camping areas offer chances to see elk, beaver, and coastal birds. Dena L. from Whalen Island notes, "Amazing place to stay and just comb the beach, camp and take in a few trails and wildlife. Camp host is very cordial and accommodating." Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing times at most locations.
What you should know
Site selection strategies: For the best tent camping near Gleneden Beach, timing matters at non-reservable sites. At Big Elk Campground, Michael explains, "No reservations. First-come, first-served. About a dozen campsites, plus a hiker-biker area. $10 for an individual campsite. $5 per hiker/biker. We stayed in the hiker-biker section." Arriving midweek or before noon on Fridays significantly improves site availability.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is limited throughout the camping areas near Gleneden Beach. Savannah S. reports about Trask River Campground, "You will have no service whatsoever up at the campground but that's what camping is for, to enjoy your time outdoors! You might as well get all of your needs in town before you head up."
Access road conditions: Forest roads require careful navigation for tent campers. Alicia W. notes about Forest Road 51, "Road is a bit overgrown in spots but if you go past the first 2 spots through the bushes last spot on the right is most private and spacious." Standard vehicles can access most sites during dry weather, though some forest approaches narrow considerably.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Look for gentle access points at river campgrounds. Stacie H. shares about Trask River Park, "We love going to Trask Park. It hasn't a nice river and it's safe for the kids to run around. Its out of town, yet close enough to go to the store. It's nice to disconnect from cell phones." The shallow entry areas are suitable for supervised children.
Playground facilities: Trask River County Park includes play equipment beyond natural features. Savannah mentions, "Nice swing set and grassy areas for kids or pets to run around. If you're lucky enough you will wake up to elk grazing in the grassy areas." The designated play areas provide contained activity space away from camp boundaries.
Family-sized sites: Jones Creek offers spacious tent camping areas for families needing multiple tents. Amy M. reports, "We just stayed 2 nights with our 5 & 3-yo's and had a lovely time. Sites are currently available with a blocked space between them, which was great for distancing." Many sites accommodate 2-3 tents plus a common area.
Tips from RVers
Waterfront accessibility: Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina offers waterfront camping with direct bay views. Josh H. advises, "Great RV park! Spots 1-27 are the tightest I have ever seen, so try to avoid them. 52-58 are right on the Bay, and pretty sizable." The waterfront sites provide easier access for equipment handling and viewing.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven ground at primitive sites. Todd R. notes about Marys Peak, "The sites are on a slop which makes it a little challenging but well worth it." Bringing leveling blocks is essential even for smaller RVs and campervans at forest sites.
Utility limitations: Most sites near Gleneden Beach have minimal or no hookups. Pilar F. from Netarts Bay shares, "Very clean RV site with views of the bay and inland views. I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals. I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful." The limited services are offset by natural settings and privacy at most locations.
