Netarts Bay sits on the northern Oregon coast approximately 80 miles west of Portland, with most campgrounds positioned within 10 miles of the shoreline. The region receives about 90 inches of annual rainfall, with drier summer months typically offering temperatures between 60-75°F. Several campgrounds operate year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for frequent storms and temperatures that rarely drop below freezing.
What to do
Beach activities beyond surfing: Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers quick beach access for activities not mentioned in the promotional materials. "It was such a short walk to the beach and you could hear the waves when you're going to sleep! Look up the tides tho, since there's such a short beach to the water, during high tide the beach disappears," notes Trina C. about Cape Lookout State Park Campground.
Local fishing opportunities: Crabbing and fishing remain popular near several camping areas. "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," explains Aaron R. from his stay at Nehalem Bay State Park Campground.
Unique historical experiences: Twins Ranch offers unusual accommodation options for history enthusiasts. "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! My kids went on walks and collected berries, leaves, buds and lots of memories," reports Heather about her glamping experience at Twins Ranch.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the less crowded camping options near Netarts. "We've been visiting Cape Lookout for years with my family. This is by far the best campsite we've found on the coast. We usually don't visit during the summer and even when a portion of the site is closed (sand accumulates on 'A' loop) we haven't felt like it was over packed," explains Nathan R.
Wildlife viewing: The campgrounds feature more than just coastal views. "The campground has a long (40+ years) history of hosting a big hutch of rabbits roaming freely (more than 25 that I could see easily any time)," notes Patrick C. about his stay at Webb County Campground & Park.
Accessibility to amenities: Campers value the balance of nature with nearby conveniences. "You are located close to town and good grocery/coffee shops/bakeries. And the beach access is super close," shares Kristi R. about the glamping options at Nehalem Bay.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campsite spacing differs between campgrounds. "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," states Nathan R. about Cape Lookout State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Camping conditions change dramatically between seasons. "Right now in February it is very quiet," notes a camper named Smittie, contrasting with the observation that "I would imagine that this park is crowded all summer."
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi are inconsistent throughout the region. "Tmobile was nonexistent in the area and Wifi from the park was abysmal," reports Nathan K. about his stay at Pleasant Valley RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Families should consider campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "The campground has a playground, close to stores and heritage/tourist sites. My parents used to bring me here often, and now I bring mine!" shares Leslie C. about Cape Lookout State Park.
Educational opportunities: Some glamping near Netarts offers unique learning experiences. "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot!" recommends Heather from Twins Ranch LLC.
Cycling access: Several campgrounds provide safe spaces for children to ride. "Good paved loop for kids to ride bikes," mentions C.M. about the setup at Nehalem Bay State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RVers recommend specific loops or sections at certain campgrounds. "We prefer loop C. There is a man made burm that keeps some wind from coming into the campground," advises Dean about Cape Lookout State Park.
Hook-up limitations: Not all sites offer full service connections. "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," recommends Josh H. about his experience at Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina.
Shower facilities: Quality of shower facilities varies between campgrounds. "Free, very private showers! Soap in the bathrooms! Super nice and clean!" reports Kayla S. about Cape Lookout facilities.