Best Campgrounds near Manzanita, OR
Nehalem Bay State Park Campground serves as the primary camping destination near Manzanita, Oregon, situated along the northern Oregon coast. The campground features 265 sites with electrical and water hookups, 18 yurts, and dedicated areas for walk-in camping and horse camping. Additional options include Barview Jetty County Campground near Rockaway Beach and Cape Lookout State Park Campground approximately 20 miles south. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, cabins, and glamping opportunities in yurts. Most campgrounds in this coastal region provide direct beach access via short trails over sand dunes.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all established campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. "We loved this campground so much that we extended our stay and were there for 10 days. Really well maintained and just 10 minutes away from the beach in Cannon Beach," noted one visitor about nearby Cannon Beach RV Resort. The Oregon coast experiences mild temperatures year-round but frequent rain and strong winds, especially during fall and winter. Many campgrounds remain open throughout the year, though services may be limited during off-season. Cell coverage varies throughout the region, with better connectivity in established campgrounds near towns. The proximity to Manzanita provides convenient access to supplies, restaurants, and other amenities within a short drive or bike ride from most camping areas.
Campers consistently highlight beach access as a primary benefit of camping in this area. The campgrounds provide easy walking distance to expansive beaches ideal for beachcombing, kite flying, and sunset viewing. Several visitors mentioned wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer sightings at Nehalem Bay State Park. While the established campgrounds offer excellent amenities including hot showers and clean restrooms, many reviewers note that sites tend to be close together with limited privacy. A camper wrote, "The campground is beautiful, but the sites are rather small and close together. We obviously didn't experience this campground when it's crowded, but I can imagine how packed it would feel." For those seeking more seclusion, primitive campground options like Cook Creek provide free camping with fewer amenities but more privacy. The region's campground options balance coastal access with forest settings, offering diverse camping experiences within a compact geographic area.
