The Oregon coast around Manzanita offers RV camping opportunities within 8 miles of the Nehalem Bay entrance. Winter temperatures average 45°F with summer highs rarely exceeding 75°F. Morning fog frequently blankets coastal RV parks before burning off by midday, creating distinct camping microclimates between inland and beachfront locations.
What to do
Crabbing opportunities: At Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park, visitors can rent equipment to catch Dungeness crab from the marina docks. "Super low key campground has everything including a little store with reasonable prices and fresh seafood too. You can rent items to go crabbing or just eat some of their fresh clams, oysters and crab," noted one camper.
Beach exploration: Access Haystack Rock and tide pools from nearby campgrounds with a short walk. "Just east of Hwy 101 in Cannon Beach, this RV resort is an easy (really!) 10 minute walk to the beach, just north of Haystack Rock. A sidewalk underpass under 101 and a path through a small city park makes it a family-friendly, dog-friendly walk," described a visitor to Cannon Beach RV Resort.
Fishing access: Multiple RV parks provide direct water access for fishing opportunities. "The campground is split up into two sides. The north side and the south side... The Columbia River estuary is just 10 miles away. Which is the place of the world class Buoy #10 Salmon fishery, every August - October."
What campers like
Location convenience: RV parks near Manzanita provide easy access to coastal attractions. "Just east of Hwy 101 in Cannon Beach, this RV resort is an easy 10 minute walk to the beach. A longer walk (or easy bike ride) takes you into the heart of Cannon Beach with all the restaurants, ice cream shops, galleries, coffee shops and candy stores."
Waterfront views: Several parks offer direct water views. "We grabbed spot 4 on the end so I had neighbors across and next to me but only on one side. The site was right on the water so I really enjoyed watching the sun set over the bay," explained a visitor at Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina.
Indoor amenities: Some RV parks include indoor recreational facilities. "This resort is very nice. The power was rock solid. Great showers, internet, hookups, pool and campsites. Relatively quiet… not a KOA," wrote one camper about their experience at a coastal resort.
What you should know
Site crowding varies: RV parks range from spacious to compact. "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," advised a camper at Netarts Bay RV Park.
Payment options: Some smaller parks require cash. "Bring Cash. Cash only. First come first serve. Firewood is $5 a bundle but it is much more than you normally get for $5 at other campgrounds; it's a plastic tub that you just stuff with wood," explained a visitor to Tillamook Coast RV Park.
Seasonal crowds: Some parks fill quickly during summer months. "We stay here often. Easy to get to from our home on the west side of Portland. Central place to stay for access to Ecola State park to the North and Oswald State park and Beach to the south for hikes trail."
Tips for camping with families
Look for play areas: Some rv parks Manzanita, Oregon offer dedicated family spaces. "There's a pool and spa. There's also a lodge with a game room and laundry. Full hookups. Paved loop for kids and bikes. We visited during COVID so a lot of stuff was limited to reservation or closed."
Consider beach access routes: Safe beach access points matter for families. "A sidewalk underpass under 101 and a path through a small city park makes it a family-friendly, dog-friendly walk to the outstanding beach sunsets."
Check bathroom proximity: Bathroom locations vary between parks. "There's only one bathroom on the side of the campground where there's tent camping and it's about a 7 min walk from tent sites (though the bathroom was clean). Not ideal if you need to go in the middle of the night," noted a visitor at Paradise Cove RV Resort & Marina.
Tips from RVers
Wi-Fi reliability varies: Internet access differs significantly between parks. "The only reason it is not a 5 star is the lack of good Wi-fi. There is 'wi-fi' available, but you can only use it for email? Part of why we choose RV parks from time to time vs a state park is to have access to amenities such as water, power, sewage and wi-fi."
Check site spacing: Site proximity can impact experience. "Our only complaint was the lay out. Good angles for backing in. However, inner loops you have a neighbor front, back and sides. You can hear too much because they are fairly close. This place stays fairly full so reserve in advance to get an outer spot," advised a camper about Thousand Trails Seaside.
Consider wind exposure: Wind affects comfort at coastal RV parks near Manzanita. "$20 a night now. Windier than other locations, tents should choose sites near wind break/camp host," recommended a camper at Port of Tillamook Bay RV Park.
