Neskowin's camping options extend beyond town limits to nearby forest areas and state parks along the central Oregon coast. The region sits at approximately 13 feet above sea level, with a marine climate featuring year-round precipitation averaging 100 inches annually. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 55-70°F, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop to the mid-40s with frequent rain.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Visit Cape Kiwanda, where camping at Thousand Trails Pacific City puts you near excellent beachcombing. "We walked to the beach for a fantastic sunset! Didn't have the kids in this trip but they would have loved the play areas and bunnies!" notes Esther D.
Hiking coastal trails: The forests and headlands offer multiple trail options from camping spots near Neskowin, Oregon. Beverly Beach State Park Campground connects to nature paths. "Short walk to a great beach. Walk in the forest. Reasonable rates," reports Cameron L.
Fishing and crabbing: The coastal waters provide excellent seafood opportunities. When staying at Webb County Campground, one visitor mentioned, "There is a fish cleaning station" and you'll be just "across the street from the beach and launch for the dory fleet."
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers a perfect combination of coastal forest and beach access. "You can walk to the beach and see sunsets and hang gliders coming off the mountain. Lots of hiking. Whiskey creek fish hatchery is nearby and kids will love feeding the lunkers in the pond," advises Dean.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds feature small animals that campers enjoy watching. The Lincoln City KOA offers unexpected wildlife encounters. "In the morning, I scared up a marten by the large oak tree in my campsite, and it was such a pleasure to see this shy fellow up close!" reports Shawn M.
Modern facilities: Camping areas near Neskowin maintain clean facilities. At Webb County Campground, "Bathrooms are clean and showers are decent. Nice helpful camp host," according to Kirsten G. This sentiment echoes across most established campgrounds in the region.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Winter camping requires careful site selection. At Devil's Lake State Recreation Area Campground, Blake F. cautions, "If you plan on booking a trip in the late Fall/winter, be sure to call ahead of your trip. I've been here in the fall when more than half the campsites were flooded or filled with standing water."
Cell service limitations: Some campgrounds have poor connectivity. At Pacific City, Dana O. notes, "No cell service, so be prepared." This affects several wooded camping locations in the area.
Reservation requirements: Most coastal campgrounds fill quickly during summer. For Webb County Campground, Ted T. advises, "If you can get a reservation, it isn't cheap. The basic price is over $30 for a tent, and you're supposed to pay for extra tents."
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season. Some parks only allow propane fires in certain areas. Sea and Sand RV Park specifies that "the upper ocean site area could not have any wood fires and could only use propane fires with the exception of on the beach."
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming options: Neskowin Creek RV Resort offers safer water recreation. "Indoor swimming. They often do pot luck dinners," mentions Jeff P., making it popular for families wanting controlled water activities.
Playground access: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. At Thousand Trails Pacific City, one camper noted, "Kids really enjoyed camping here. Kept clean, and stocked with games and things to do in clubhouse."
Educational programs: Beverly Beach State Park offers "nice educational programs for kids" according to Kristen W., making it valuable for families wanting to combine recreation with learning.
Wildlife encounters: The rabbit populations at several campgrounds fascinate children. At Webb County Campground, "I counted 47 during our two night stay there," reported Audrey M., creating memorable animal experiences without venturing into wilderness.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many coastal campgrounds have uneven spots. One RVer at Pacific City reported, "Every spot we saw was so un-level that my trailer couldn't compensate enough to have a comfortable stay."
Limited hookup availability: Plan to arrive early for full services. At Cape Kiwanda RV Resort and Marketplace, Jennifer H. notes, "The RV resort itself is small and have narrow sites. But the store is fantastic, being across from Pelican and a short stroll to the beach."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer this service. Robert D. noted at Sea and Sand RV Park that some sites required "a screw on sewer connection that in some sites were 25 plus feet from the rear of the site," requiring additional equipment.
Winter RV camping: Prepare for coastal storms if camping off-season. Multiple RVers recommend bringing extra stabilization equipment and monitoring weather forecasts, as winter winds can exceed 50mph along exposed portions of the coast.