Cape Blanco State Park offers camping opportunities 28 miles southwest of Myrtle Point, Oregon on a coastal headland. The area features dense Sitka spruce forests with sites nestled among trees for protection from strong coastal winds. Many campgrounds near Myrtle Point remain open year-round, though inland locations tend to have milder weather conditions than exposed coastal sites.
What to do
Beach exploration: 0.75-mile hike from Bullards Beach State Park to the shoreline. "We decided to stay here because you can hike from the campground through the dunes and to the beach. It was a beautiful .75 mile hike to a gorgeous beach," noted one visitor who appreciated the scenic trail.
Lighthouse tours: 3 miles from Bullards Beach campground. "Lighthouse is about 3 miles from campground. Town of Bandon is right over the bridge about 3 miles. Restaurants and stores. Coos Bay 45 min north," explains a camper who visited multiple attractions in the area.
Swimming in natural water: Easily accessible from LaVerne County Park where visitors can enjoy the North Fork Coquille River. "We just had to escape the crazy busy Oregon Coast so we drove inland to this county park along the North Fork of the Coquille River. Our campsite was between two waterfalls including Laverne Falls. We had a view of the smaller one from our creek side site," shares a camper who found refuge from coastal crowds.
Tide pool exploration: Low tide access at beaches near Sun Outdoors Coos Bay. "At low tide you can walk out to the tide pools where you can see various marine life including starfish," notes a visitor who appreciated the marine wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: at Sunset Bay State Park provide natural separation between campers. "Nice, large campground across from the beach. We were way in the back of the campground and the beach was still a short walk away. Campground was full but still felt private and peaceful," mentions one visitor who enjoyed the balance of privacy despite the park's popularity.
Clean, free shower facilities: available at many campgrounds in the area. "Great campground with beautiful beach within walking distance. Clean bathrooms and showers! Will definitely return," reports a Bullards Beach visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Farm animal interactions: for unique glamping in Myrtle Point region at Dew Valley Ranch Nature Retreat. "You were greeted upon your arrival and told all about all of the amenities. Do you have a chance to interact with the horse, pig, and two goats," explains a visitor who enjoyed the animals during their stay.
Ocean proximity: allows campers to fall asleep to the sound of waves. "So beautiful and peaceful hearing the ocean as you fall asleep as well as being surrounded by beautiful trees," comments a visitor to Oceanside Beachfront RV Resort.
What you should know
Weather patterns: can vary dramatically between coastal and inland locations near Myrtle Point. "Because there's so much cold water around, it cools the air close to the ground, colder than the air above it in the heat of summer. This temperature difference creates a lot of instability and clouds/fog. So, while only a few miles away in the Oregon Dunes or south towards Bandon it's sunny and 80's in August but around Sunset Bay it's cloudy, misting and 68," explains one experienced camper.
Cell service limitations: affect different carriers. At Cape Blanco State Park one camper noted, "Verizon via iPhone 12: 1.18 mbps down and 0.18 mbps up with 55 ms ping. With the weBoost booster: 3.28 mbps down and 0.12 mbps up with 51 ms ping. T-Mobile: no signal at all."
Campsite privacy levels: vary significantly between parks. "Small sites with plant buffers" at Bullards Beach contrast with Sun Outdoors Coos Bay where "what we sacrificed in privacy (many people walking by, right across from beach access), was made up by both the view and the easy access to the beach."
Dump station availability: can be limited at some locations. At Cape Blanco State Park, "The dump station is closed because it's broken and they've been trying to secure funding to replace it. You will need to plan on using the dump station at the state park north or south of this park."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: available at Bastendorff Beach Park for family entertainment. "Large campground right off the beach. Nice facility with playground, bathrooms, lots of amenities. Views of the beach/ocean from the playground area," notes a visitor who found it suitable for families.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: abound in the region's parks. "The campground itself was quiet and populated with wild turkeys. We were there off season, so we had no problem finding a site day of," shares a camper at Bullards Beach State Park who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Separate camping loops: at Bullards Beach provide options for different family needs. "A loop is the best loop of A-B-C loops for privacy," suggests one experienced visitor who has learned the best spots for quieter family camping.
Glamping near Myrtle Point: in cabins and yurts offers weatherproof family accommodations. "Stayed 5 nights site A-40 a very nice spot for our 26ft Class C motor home... This place is quiet with lots walking," reports a visitor who enjoyed the easy access to outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: can be encountered at some parks. At Bandon-Port Orford KOA, "Some RV sites are very uneven and sloped making it hard to be level," warns a visitor who experienced difficulties getting properly situated.
Hookup placement: affects setup convenience at various campgrounds. "The RV sites have connections in center of site which is difficult for hoses and cords," notes a camper at Bandon-Port Orford KOA who found this arrangement challenging.
Site selection for privacy: can make or break an RV camping experience. "Very private spots with lots of trees and greenery. They have bathrooms and showers if needed. Close to beach and nice to walk around campgrounds with 3 camping areas. Dogs allowed. Very friendly camp hosts. One even gives treats to dogs. Spots vary from all hookups to water/electric to no hookups," explains a Bullards Beach visitor.
Weather preparation: essential for coastal RV camping. "It is very windy here, but the plants surrounding the sites keep out most of the coastal wind and also provide plenty of privacy from other sites. Be prepared for cold weather and misty air," advises a Cape Blanco camper.
