Camping near Manzanita, Oregon takes place in the northern coastal forest ecosystem where average annual rainfall exceeds 90 inches and summer temperatures rarely climb above 75°F. Campsites in this area span from sea level to about 700 feet elevation in the surrounding coastal mountains, creating varied camping environments with different wind exposure and forest density. September through mid-October offers reduced crowds while maintaining relatively dry conditions.
What to Do
Beach exploration at low tide: Visit Nehalem Bay State Park Campground for optimal tidepooling access. "Love this camp ground just the perfect little spot to have a base camp and explore the Oregon coast! Spots are nice pretty private as far as distance but there could be more trees between. It's the beach!" shared Bryce G.
Crabbing and fishing: Kelly's Brighton Marina provides equipment and cooking services. "Nehalem Bay is beautiful, and it's just down the road from two jetties. My family and I went crabbing just a ways away from the state park, and it was a beautiful day and a lot of fun," reports Aaron R. from Nehalem Bay State Park.
Horseback riding: Available seasonally on beaches near Sea Ranch Resort. "During the summer they have various horse rides along the beach including night rides," explains one visitor. Rides typically cost $60-100 per person depending on duration.
Hiking coastal trails: Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers forest-to-ocean hiking options. "Do the Cape Lookout peninsula hike! Gorgeous views without great effort. Lots of tree roots that will tire your feet but not a strenuous hike overall: ~5 miles roundtrip," advises Kayla S.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: At Tillamook State Forest Nehalem Falls Campground, campers appreciate the secluded spots. "For how large it is it is a fairly quiet campground and most sites have the standard amount of privacy," notes one reviewer. Walk-in tent sites provide additional separation from neighbors.
Water access from campsites: Cook Creek offers direct stream access from designated sites. "We scored the most beautiful spot last week, designated spot #5. It is very private and there is a short walk (2-3min) down to your very own private part of the river," reports Cameren M.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Elk sightings occur regularly at campgrounds near town. "The Elk greeted us and were eating all the flowers as we entered," shares Brandon K. about Cannon Beach RV Resort. Multiple sites report deer observations during early morning and evening hours.
Coastal storm watching: Winter camping offers dramatic weather viewing. "Cabins are safe and stormproof for great storm watching in winter/spring months. Steps from tidal pools means great beach combing in dry weather!" says Vicki T. about Cape Lookout State Park.
What You Should Know
Site reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly May-September. "The secret's out. 80% full on the last Friday (9/14) of the season," reports Bjorn S. about Nehalem Falls Campground. Make reservations 6-9 months ahead for summer weekend stays.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies dramatically between coastal and forest sites. "ATT reception is very limited," notes Misty Z. about Cannon Beach RV Resort. Forest campgrounds often have no service outside emergency satellites.
Campsite density considerations: Some campgrounds have close site spacing. "The campground is beautiful, but there is very minimal privacy from neighbors. It was incredibly loud," reports Lauren B. about Barview Jetty County Campground.
Weather preparedness: Coastal fog can appear suddenly, bringing temperature drops of 15-20°F. "I recommended being prepared for any type of weather rain or shine," advises Jenny M. about Fort Stevens State Park Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly campground loops: Barview Jetty County Campground offers family-oriented areas. "I spent many a year at this campground, letting the kids (who am I kidding, me) run up and down the big sand dune and play on the tree at the top! BBQs, fires, music, ice cream down the street and fishing off the jetty," shares Richelle H.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include built-in play areas. "Playground, close to stores and heritage/tourist sites," notes Leslie C. about Cape Lookout State Park. Look for campgrounds with paved loops for bike riding.
Meeting hall rental: For larger family gatherings, consider reservable indoor spaces. "We also rented the meeting hall in C loop, and we were really impressed with the space! It had tables, chairs, a gas stove, kitchen sink, small fridge, microwave, outlets, and lots of counter space!" reports Trina C. about Cape Lookout State Park.
Avoiding crowds with children: Book midweek when possible or visit in shoulder seasons. "We obviously didn't experience this campground when it's crowded, but I can imagine how packed it would feel," observed one camper about site density.
Tips from RVers
Best RV campground features: Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park offers full hookups with water views. "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," notes Jaime K. Sites include fire pits and picnic tables.
RV size limitations: Some campgrounds cannot accommodate larger units. "Campsites are good size with some privacy. I was able to fit my 13ft pull behind with a canopy, a 2nd canopy and a 3 person tent as well as two SUVs," explains Elizabeth R. about Jetty Fishery.
Hookup options: Power reliability varies between campgrounds. "The power was rock solid. There is free WiFi that works great early in the day but slows to a crawl at night," reports Misty Z. about one coastal campground. Most state parks offer 30-amp service while private campgrounds may have 50-amp options.
Winter RV camping: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services. "We visited during COVID so a lot of stuff was limited to reservation or closed. It was still nice. Great proximity to town," shares C.M. about Cannon Beach RV Resort.
