Cabin camping near Nehalem, Oregon sits at the junction of the Nehalem River and Nehalem Bay, creating a diverse ecosystem for wildlife viewing. The area receives approximately 90 inches of annual rainfall, with most precipitation occurring between November and March. During summer months, morning fog often burns off by midday, creating ideal conditions for beach activities and coastal exploration.
What to do
Crabbing at the jetty: Barview Jetty County Campground provides direct access to crabbing spots with minimal equipment required. "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," notes one visitor to Barview Jetty County Campground.
Horseback riding on beaches: Several coastal accommodations offer nearby equestrian adventures with guided tours. "Great dune area. Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," according to a visitor at Nehalem Bay State Park Campground.
Storm watching from cabins: Winter and spring months offer dramatic coastal weather viewing opportunities from protected accommodations. "Cabins are safe and stormproof for great storm watching in winter/spring months. Steps from tidal pools means great beach combing in dry weather!" reports a camper from Cape Lookout State Park.
What campers like
Tidepooling access: Low tide reveals marine ecosystems within walking distance of several cabin sites. "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," shares a visitor to Nehalem Bay State Park Campground.
Walking access to town: Some cabin rentals provide convenient proximity to coastal communities. "Walking distance to beach and shopping. Bathroom and showers," notes a camper at Sea Ranch Resort.
Beach proximity: Cabins with direct beach access rank highest among visitor satisfaction ratings. "Very nice setup with yurts right across the drive from rvs in loop a. Nice for meeting family or friends with no vehicle. There is a two mile bike/walking path through the woods and along the bay. The beach is only a five minute walk away," explains a camper at Nehalem Bay.
What you should know
Winter operations: Many coastal cabin facilities remain open year-round with reduced staffing. "We were at loop D. Just a few minutes walk to the beach. Great campsite," mentions a Nehalem Bay State Park visitor.
Reservation timing: Summer months require bookings 6-9 months in advance for cabin accommodations. "We didn't have a reservation for the campground the afternoon we decided to stop in July. To reserve a yurt typically requires a minimum of two nights. We were fortunate to get a yurt (number 7) for one night in July as a walk in. The ranger was shocked as they are usually sold out months in advance," reports a camper at Fort Stevens State Park Campground.
Noise considerations: Site selection impacts privacy and sound exposure in coastal settings. "The sites were close together but we didn't mind! The campground was full for July 4 weekend, yet not too loud and facilities weren't crowded," notes a visitor to Cape Lookout State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor facilities: Cabin rentals with weatherproof options provide family contingency plans during coastal storms. "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. Later we walked on the beach down to the park and had a bit of a hike," notes a visitor.
Activity programming: Some parks offer ranger-led programs suitable for children. "This is a great campground with a lot of sites. Visiting the Iredale shipwreck especially at sunset is beautiful. Also visiting the forts and cannons are fun. Bring mosquito repellent!" advises a camper at Fort Stevens State Park.
Bike-friendly loops: Several cabin campgrounds feature paved paths suitable for young cyclists. "Great campground. Close to the beach, nice amenities. Love being able to walk to the beach from the campsite. Good paved loop for kids to ride bikes," shares a visitor at Cape Lookout State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV cabins with ocean exposure face different weather challenges than protected sites. "RV sites are separated from the tent sites, which is nice. Most of the tent sites are fairly open, some of them have more privacy, but all of them are very green and incredibly close to the beach while still being somewhat protected from the wind coming off of the ocean," explains a Cape Lookout visitor.
Utility limitations: Many cabins feature limited electrical capacity despite advertising hookups. "Very cool campground. 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," notes a visitor to Cannon Beach RV Resort.
Seasonal road conditions: Winter access to some coastal cabin facilities requires careful driving planning. "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 SUV's. The sites are grassy and many have a view of the bay," reports a camper at Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park.
