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The Oregon coast near Nehalem features diverse camping options where ocean and forest environments converge. Nehalem Bay State Park Campground stands as the area's premier destination with 265 sites offering water and electric hookups, 18 yurts, and specialized horse camping areas. Just a short walk over sand dunes leads to expansive white sand beaches. Inland, Tillamook State Forest provides more secluded experiences at Nehalem Falls Campground, where tent sites sit alongside the river with swimming holes and natural scenery. Between these extremes, visitors find dispersed camping along the Nehalem River, RV parks like Jetty Fishery Marina, and nearby options in Cannon Beach and Rockaway Beach, all within 30 minutes of Nehalem.
Reservations prove essential during summer months when coastal campgrounds fill quickly, particularly on weekends. Nehalem Bay State Park requires bookings months in advance for prime summer dates, while forest campgrounds like Nehalem Falls operate first-come, first-served from May through mid-September. Weather patterns shift dramatically by season, with winter bringing heavy rainfall and wind, while summer offers mild temperatures and morning fog. As one camper noted, "We came during offseason (November) and camped at this State Park for 3 nights. It was super quiet and empty so we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves." Road conditions vary significantly, with some forest routes requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when unpaved roads become challenging.
Wildlife viewing opportunities rank highly in visitor experiences throughout the region. Deer frequently visit campsites at Nehalem Bay State Park, while coyotes can be heard in evenings. The bay itself hosts abundant marine life, including seals and various bird species. Many campers note the tradeoff between amenities and privacy, with one visitor observing that while Nehalem Bay sites are "rather small and close together," the beach access compensates for the density. Families particularly appreciate the bike paths, playgrounds, and beach activities available at state park facilities. The contrast between developed campgrounds and primitive sites creates options for different camping styles, from fully-equipped RV sites with hookups to walk-in tent sites along the Nehalem River where visitors can enjoy swimming holes and fishing opportunities.
"We definitely didn't try to interact with them, but they were comfortable to roam right around our site which was a really magical experience
- Nehalem Bay is such a beautiful area and the State Park"
"Mostly an RV park tucked into the Nehalem Bay peninsula, this does offer a couple dog friendly yurts and some very friendly camp hosts."
from $25 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Close to the tide pools in Barview, right on the beach, on the entrance to Tillamook Bay. Large clean bathrooms with several hot showers."
"Our campsite is spacious and relatively private with lots of trees and shrubbery around the perimeter. We're just a short walk from the beach access and it's a great section of beach."
from $38 - $56 / night
Check Availability"Really well maintained and just 10 minutes away from the beach in Cannon Beach, it is a lovely walk from the campground to town and to the beach."
"We stayed away from our coastal communities during the first year of the pandemic, but now we wanted to get back and support our home away from home."
"I would pick a site that isn’t next to the bathroom trail or you’ll have someone walking through your site every 5 minutes. Each site is Steps away from beach access."
"Steps to the beach? ✅ In the forest? ✅ Access to amazing hiking? ✅ Private? ✅ We love Cape Lookout for all the diverse scenery it has to offer."
from $25 - $154 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in site #1 Nice little walk down to the creek! Found some cool rocks and gems! Site 1 & 2 are right next to each other but there was no one in 2."
"Sites 4 and 5 looked the best to me…super quiet, very casual, no service, and plenty of access to trails and nearby creeks."
"So I told him I’d also write reviews of some other good campgrounds in the area, so look for-Beaver Eddy (recently closed for logging, though didn’t look like a permanent close + one roadside site was"
"This is Nehalem Falls Campground, site T3. It's one of six walk-in tent sites at this campground in the Tillamook National Forest. You park the car about 50 feet away and bring your gear in."
"You can’t beat the location! Walk to the beach, shops and restaurants in a few minutes. The sites are close but it’s the Oregon coast. Wifi is solid and I’m able to work."
"After a mildly congested drive out to Cannon Beach, we pulled off the 101 into town. Sure enough, we were late. I called and it was no issue."
from $50 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Some great spots tucked further back but even with being right next to the road it really wasn’t too loud and dies down significantly after dark."
"Most of the campsites are on the north end of the marina on a grassy area with trees where you can drive up to the site."
"Compared to many places this is still a five star campground, but I like others in Oregon better. This one can get quite crowded and tends to be a little more loud and rainy."
"Also there are many hiking paths, the beach and near by towns to explore like Astoria, OR."
from $17 - $162 / night
Check Availability"After a full day or visiting the Northwest coast of Oregon all day. We needed to find a place to stay around Nehalem."
"I arrived around 6pm and only a few of their 10 tent sites were occupied. I grabbed spot 4 on the end so I had neighbors across and next to me but only on one side."
ScoutJessica was extremely responsive, warm, and very accommodating :). The Sublime site is spacious, beautiful, and private. We planned for 2 nights and extended to 3rd because we were having such a great time. Our 25’ class C RV was a little tough to get up the site due to tight steep turns. Exiting the site was much easier.
TravelerLot of older people living here, but very friendly, no safety issues! Full hook ups! The other reviews are talking about the grass area at Seafarer’s Park, 1/4 mile up directly at the river. The Marina RV Park is before that.
GuideSite was OK for a one night stay. When we arrived we immediately noticed trash in the site. As this campground is next to dunes there is a ton of noise. Our neighbors were revving their dirt bikes (not even riding them) past midnight. No hookups. Close to the water.
GuideWe stayed in the RV area. As stated in other reviews, the spaces are pretty much on top of each other, with little privacy. It would be nice if they cut a few spaces out and added some trees or bushes between the spaces. Bathrooms are hit and miss, like most campground bathrooms. Nice playground for kids, easy access to the beach.
RangerPaved roads a little narrow so more challenging to back-in 90-degree sites vs. 45-degree angled sites. Good restrooms with flush toilets and h/c water sinks. Hot showers included as part of camping fee. Two dump stations at entrance use honor system to pay $10 via cell-phone app. Nice beach walks over sand dunes to long flat beach. Expect wind on beach. Some sites a little close together but ok overall. Expect lots of families with kids in summer and on weekends. Overall a good stay.
RangerThe road wasn't to bad getting there. There were a few spots in the campsite. River feet away, berry patches close. No cell coverage.
ScoutAfter days on the road it was nice to have peace and quiet. Got to sleep. Bed very comfortable clean and warm! Definitely a 10/10 Weather was perfect!! Staff very accommodating! Tiffany was very helpful!
RangerModern clean bathrooms and laundry. Friendly host and nice neighbors. Reservations made in the phone and then check-in with the host
RangerFirst wknd in October and the coast still busy. This place had walking spaces on a Friday night; a lifesaver.
Nehalem camping areas sit at the convergence of the Coast Range mountains and Pacific Ocean, with elevations ranging from sea level to 300 feet in nearby areas. Weather conditions shift dramatically throughout the year, with summer fog typically burning off by midday and winter bringing consistent rainfall averaging 70-90 inches annually. Most campgrounds in the Nehalem vicinity operate in a coastal rainforest environment featuring Sitka spruce, western hemlock and shore pine.
Crabbing at Kelly's Brighton Marina: Located near Rockaway Beach, this small marina offers crabbing equipment rentals and fresh seafood. "We spent a week Kelly's over the 4th of July holiday weekend and week. Lots of campers in and out, but Kelly brought in plenty of clean port-a-potties and kept them that way all weekend... the girls working the crab pit were always happy to serve up some great seafood," notes one visitor to Kelly's Brighton Marina.
Horseback riding on beach: Several outfitters near Nehalem offer guided horseback rides along the shoreline. "Great location - Go crabbing at Kelly's and then horseback riding on the beach!" recommends a visitor to Nehalem Bay State Park Campground.
Explore Cape Lookout Peninsula: A moderate hiking trail offers coastal views without extreme elevation gain. "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 a camper at Cape Lookout State Park.
Tidepooling: Low tide reveals marine ecosystems filled with anemones, starfish and small crabs. "Bird migration spring through early summer is a highlight. Haystack rock is picturesque and volunteers can point out highlights. Don't forget low tide for tidepooling," suggests a visitor to Cannon Beach.
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural vegetation separating campsites. "We love how much privacy is usually found between sites. For the most part, trees and bushes are substantial enough to make your site feel like you have your own sanctuary," explains a visitor to Cape Lookout State Park Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Most developed campgrounds maintain clean facilities. "Free, very private showers! Soap in the bathrooms! Super nice and clean!" writes another Cape Lookout visitor.
Swimming holes: River camping options feature natural swimming areas. "We camped in tents over the weekend at the end of April, and we loved it there! It was such a short walk to the beach and you could hear the waves when you're going to sleep!" shares a Cape Lookout camper.
Fall camping experience: Shoulder season camping offers less crowded conditions. "RV spots are nice and level but not much privacy between spaces. Very nice setup with yurts right across the drive from RVs in loop A. Nice for meeting family or friends with no vehicle," notes a visitor to Nehalem Bay State Park.
Early reservations essential: Reserve 6-9 months ahead for summer weekends at popular coastal campgrounds. "Looking forward to going back in the off season in hopes of it not being as heavily used by assholes. There was also a quite a bit of traffic on the road but that was to be expected in such a popular location," reports a visitor to Cook Creek.
Bathroom availability varies: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. "I showed up just looking for a site to put my tent up on my journey. I got here and found out you can fish for crabs, they cook for you here, the people are extremely friendly and helpful, you could rent a boat, families are welcome," shares a camper at Jetty Fishery.
Road conditions: Forest roads require higher clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall. "A few miles a long gravel road leads you to a handful of large sites. These had fire pits and pull throughs. No cell service. Kind of creepy late at night until you begin to see the sites," writes a Cook Creek camper.
Cell coverage limited: Most forest campgrounds have minimal service. "ATT reception is very limited. Our only complaint was the lay out. Good angles for backing in. However, inner loops you have a neighbor front, back and sides," explains a visitor to Cannon Beach RV Resort.
Best bike-friendly campgrounds: Several campgrounds offer paved loops ideal for young cyclists. "Good paved loop for kids to ride bikes. All stores are back in but there's a decent bit of room between stores, especially compared to some PNW coast campgrounds," notes a visitor to Nehalem Bay State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early morning walks for best wildlife sightings. "Barviews Jetty Campground, is one of the best camping spots. The campground has a combination of tent sites and rv sites. Additionally there are cabins available. Located very close to the beach, super close. There is also FANTASTIC fishing! Pet Friendly!" shares a camper at Barview Jetty County Campground.
Family-friendly learning activities: Many coastal areas offer educational programs. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" explains a visitor to Fort Stevens State Park.
Meeting hall access: Some campgrounds offer indoor spaces for family gatherings. "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!" shares a Cape Lookout camper.
Hook-up availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "We've lived in oregon forever but never visited this park. RV spots are nice and level but not much privacy between spaces. Very nice setup with yurts right across the drive from RVs in loop a. Nice for meeting family or friends with no vehicle," shares an RVer at Nehalem Bay State Park.
Site selection strategy: Choose outer loop sites for more privacy. "We usually prefer the A and B loops which are closest to the beach and feel like they have the most privacy," advises a visitor to Cape Lookout State Park.
Winter camping considerations: Year-round campgrounds offer different experiences by season. "We came during offseason (November) and camped at this State Park for 3 nights. It was super quiet and empty so we felt like we had the entire park to ourselves," shares a camper at Nehalem Bay State Park.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds lack dump stations. "No sewer hook up, so you had to use a dump station. Not a huge inconvenience. Overall certainly a place I'd return to. We had a place along the wedge and it appeared to be less windy. That's totally anecdotal, though," mentions an RVer staying near Nehalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Nehalem Bay campground?
The Nehalem Bay State Park Campground offers a variety of amenities including clean restrooms with hot showers, flush toilets, and potable water. The campground features paved roads and sites with picnic tables and fire rings. There are both tent sites and RV sites with electrical and water hookups. For those seeking alternative accommodations, the park offers cozy yurts, some of which are dog-friendly. Additional amenities include a dump station, trash service, and friendly camp hosts. The location provides easy access to the beach via trails over the dunes and is within walking distance to Manzanita for shops and restaurants. At Fort Stevens State Park Campground, campers can find similar amenities but with different natural surroundings.
What camping options are available near Nehalem, Oregon?
The Nehalem area offers diverse camping experiences. Beyond the popular state park, Tillamook Forest Dispersed on the Nehalem River provides free, primitive camping along Lower Nehalem Road, accessible from Highway 26. These sites offer a more secluded experience with river access. For a scenic lake setting, Hebo Lake Campground is praised for its peaceful atmosphere and fishing opportunities. The area also features Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park for those wanting marina amenities, and county-operated Barview Jetty County Campground closer to Tillamook. Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal, with more availability during summer months, though Nehalem Bay State Park remains partially open year-round.
What are the best campsites at Nehalem Bay State Park?
At Nehalem Bay State Park Campground, B loop sites are particularly desirable for their spaciousness and proximity to amenities. Sites on the outer edges of loops offer more privacy and better views. During the off-season (November), the campground is quieter and feels more secluded, with visiting deer being a common sight. Many campers prefer spots closer to the dunes for easier beach access. The park also offers special horse camping sites for those traveling with equines. For RV camping, the roads inside the park are wide and smooth, though be aware that the entrance road can be rough. Reserve well in advance for summer visits, as this popular park fills quickly.
How do I access the Nehalem Bay State Park campground map?
You can access the Nehalem Bay State Park campground map through multiple channels. The official Oregon State Parks website provides downloadable PDF maps showing all campsite loops (A through H), yurt locations, and facilities. When making reservations through the Oregon State Parks reservation system, interactive maps are available to help select specific sites. Upon arrival, physical maps are distributed at the entrance booth and are posted on information boards throughout the campground. For those seeking alternative camping experiences, Tillamook State Forest Nehalem Falls Campground also provides maps at their information kiosk, showing the more intimate layout of this smaller campground.
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