Hammond sits at the mouth of the Columbia River where Oregon meets Washington, creating unique coastal camping conditions. The area maintains mild year-round temperatures, typically ranging from 40-70°F, with summer fog common in mornings. Most established campgrounds provide full hookups and beach access within a 10-minute drive from campsites.
What to do
Historical exploration: Visit Fort Stevens State Park Campground for military history dating to the Civil War. "Visiting the forts and cannons are fun. Bring mosquito repellent!" advises Gail S. The Peter Iredale shipwreck provides photography opportunities at sunset.
Lighthouse touring: Venture to Cape Disappointment State Park Campground across the Columbia River. "There are lots of places to explore, a decomposing whale on the beach (stay upwind!), a nice lighthouse (under construction when I visited) and very close to Long Beach," shares Kier S. The park features two lighthouses accessible via hiking trails.
Beachcombing: Try razor clamming during minus tides from October through mid-July. "Usually from the first of October, to July 15th, all minus tides will expose the clam beds enough to walk out and get a delicious meal," notes Tracy at Seaside RV Resort. The beaches north of Hammond offer some of the best razor clamming south of Alaska.
What campers like
Privacy despite crowds: Even at popular destinations like Cape Disappointment State Park, campers report unexpected seclusion. "The campground was packed but our site was still very private, small and cozy. Easy walk to the beach and great ocean views," shares D B.
Multi-use trails: Biking paths connect many campgrounds to beaches and towns. "Fort Stevens is right across the street and has a lot of great day activities as well. Very clean and spread out with different options for your camping experience including cabins," reports Alicia F. at Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "The showers and bathrooms are clean and plenty throughout. Lots of coastal land to explore and enjoy," notes Alicia F. about Fort Stevens State Park Campground.
What you should know
Weather variability: Coastal conditions change rapidly. "We came 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," explains Tracy at Seaside RV Resort.
Mosquitoes can be intense: Multiple reviews mention insect repellent as essential gear. "Oregon is well known for its magnificent state parks, and this is no exception...Unfortunately in May, the mosquitos were out in full force in the campground," warns Gary M. of Fort Stevens State Park.
Reservation timing: Summer bookings require months of advance planning. "We were fortunate to get a yurt (number 7) for one night in July as a walk in. The ranger was shocked as they are usually sold out months in advance," shares MomSolo about their Fort Stevens experience.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Fort Stevens offers structured programs for children. "So much for kids to do from exploring, riding bikes, fishing and going to the amphitheater for some stories," recommends Jenny M., who visited with her family.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Elk herds frequently visit campgrounds near Cannon Beach. "The Elk greeted us and were eating all the flowers as we entered," notes Brandon K. at Cannon Beach RV Resort, making wildlife spotting accessible even from camp.
Kid-friendly beach areas: Look for protected coves with gentler waves. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" shares Cadie H. about Fort Stevens State Park, noting the historical attractions captured their children's attention.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At The Lamp Camp, RVers recommend specific locations. "The RV sites are large, but just gravel. The tent sites are great, especially towards the ocean," advises Laura W. For optimal comfort, request sites away from high-traffic areas.
Hookup configurations: Be prepared for unusual utility placements. "The odd numbered spots all have the sewer on the wrong side requiring a very long sewer hose extension that the hardware store nearby does have," warns Derek & Alex W. about Long Beach RV and Camping Resort. Many RVers recommend carrying at least 25 feet of extra water and sewer hoses.
Navigational challenges: Large rigs face tight turns at some campgrounds. "The next thing to look for... EVEN NUMBERED SPOTS! The odd numbered spots all have the sewer on the wrong side," advises Derek & Alex W. about maneuverability at Thousand Trails Long Beach.
