Camping in the North Bend area provides access to a diverse coastal environment with average summer temperatures between 60-70°F. The region experiences significant marine fog during summer months when inland valleys heat up, creating a temperature inversion that draws cool ocean air over the coast. Terrain consists of forested campgrounds interspersed with lake access points and beach proximity, with most sites positioned within 1-3 miles of either dunes, ocean, or inland water bodies.
What to do
Beach exploration: 1-mile walk from campground. At Bullards Beach State Park Campground, the beach is accessible via a short trail. "Beach is wonderful, local eats nearby amazing. Gotta try Tony's crab shack!" notes Doreen G. The wide, flat beach provides excellent sunset viewing opportunities.
Fishing at Eel Lake: accessible directly from camp. William M. Tugman State Park Campground offers lake fishing just steps from your site. "Good fishing from the dock as well as from our kayaks and SUP boards," reports Eric N. The park provides convenient dock access for those without boats.
Crabbing: equipment provided on-site. Many campers take advantage of free crab traps at Sun Outdoors Coos Bay. "Staff went above and beyond to get us and our pups a place to stay during COVID19. They have full-hook up RV spaces, tent camping on the beach," shares Sara S. The campground includes a designated crab cleaning and cooking station for your catch.
What campers like
Weather patterns: cooler coastal air. The unique geography around Sunset Bay State Park Campground creates a microclimate. "If it's hot in the valley it'll be foggy on this shore but Coos Bay is just a 10 minute drive and it can still be sunny there!" advises Katie P. This temperature variation provides relief during summer heat waves.
Privacy hedges: natural site separation. Some campgrounds provide natural barriers between sites. "This campground is well-maintained and the campsites are fairly private, separated from each other by thick hedges," reports Sarah about Sunset Bay. This feature enhances the camping experience by creating individual spaces.
Wildlife viewing: birds and marine life. Campers regularly report abundant wildlife sightings. "Very green with lots of cheerful birds chirping in the morning. Its a short walk to the beach with even more fantastic views," shares Andrea M. about Sunset Bay. The proximity to varied habitats supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities.
What you should know
Campsite size variations: some areas tight for tents. Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. "This campground seems better for RVs and cans rather than tent camping. Nice facility with playground, bathrooms, lots of amenities," notes Natalie B. about Bastendorff Beach Park. Some tent sites may feel cramped compared to RV spaces.
Seasonal shower availability: check before arrival. Facility maintenance schedules can impact amenities. "The bathrooms were dirty and cold. They were also closed for a few months until the second day of our stay," reports Carlyne F. about Sunset Bay. Always confirm current shower status when making reservations.
Cell service limitations: prepare for disconnection. Coverage varies dramatically between campgrounds. "We had NO Verizon connection and limited Starlink connectivity — the beautiful tall trees obstruct the satellite visibility. Great place for a long stay if you don't need to reach the outside world," advises Sarah about Sunset Bay. Download maps and information before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: kid-friendly water access. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground offers a small lake with a walking trail. "Nice one mile trail around Lake Marie, perfect for my dog. The trail around tiny Lake Marie was well drained and not soggy," notes Alicia and Cory S. The lake provides safer water play than ocean beaches.
Bicycle-friendly loops: safe riding for children. Some campgrounds feature designated riding areas. "The campground has a nice small loop with a hill that the kids loved to ride their bikes around and zoom by our site," shares John H. about Umpqua Lighthouse. These traffic-limited areas allow children more independence.
Playground facilities: on-site entertainment. Several campgrounds provide play structures. "Nice facility with playground, bathrooms, lots of amenities. Views of the beach/ocean from the playground area," mentions Natalie B. regarding Bastendorff Beach Park. These features provide activity options during poor weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: bring blocks. RV sites often require adjustment for comfort. "Notice the asphalt spaces were not very level. Most RV/Campers had to use blocks to level out," advises Cindy U. about William M. Tugman State Park Campground. Pack leveling equipment even for designated RV sites.
Limited maneuvering space: older campgrounds. Some parks weren't designed for modern RVs. "This is an older park and wasn't designed for today's RVs. The driveways are narrow and so are the sites leaving little room for maneuvering and for the slide outs," explains Jeff M. about Sunset Bay. Measure your unit before booking specific sites.
Full hookup availability: varies by loop. Hookup options differ between campground sections. "Spots vary from all hookups to water/electric to no hookups. They also have tent camping and yurts," notes Jennifer C. about Bullards Beach. Research specific site amenities when glamping in North Bend, Oregon with larger rigs.
