Camping near Oceanside, Oregon centers around coastal campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of this small beach community. Located on the northern Oregon coast where the Pacific Ocean meets ancient forest, Oceanside sits at sea level with a moderate marine climate featuring summer temperatures averaging 65-70°F and winter lows rarely below freezing. Winter campers should prepare for significant rainfall between November and March, with 70-80 inches of annual precipitation.
What to do
Crabbing at Jetty Fishery: Rent equipment at Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park where campers can catch and cook seafood onsite. "You can rent items to go crabbing or just eat some of their fresh clams, oysters and crab. We did a bit both! Staff is friendly and hard working," notes one visitor.
Hike the Cape Lookout Peninsula: The 5-mile roundtrip trail offers views without excessive 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," shares a Cape Lookout State Park Campground visitor.
Kayaking Nehalem Bay: Perfect for wildlife observation in protected waters. "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," reports an experienced Nehalem Bay State Park Campground camper.
What campers like
Wild rabbits at campgrounds: Several coastal campgrounds host resident rabbits. "We love this campground! I could spend a month on the beach all day every day and not be done with it! Playground, close to stores and heritage/tourist sites," writes a Cape Lookout visitor.
Short walks to beaches: Many campgrounds feature direct beach access. "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!" notes another Cape Lookout camper.
Coastal town amenities: Pacific City offers businesses within walking distance of camping areas. "It's a 4 minute walk to the beach, perfect if you're staying in the area for surfing... While you're in the area, I would suggest hiking the sand dunes, surfing, or checking out the coffee shop/Pelican Pub nearby(all within a 5 minute walk!)" explains a Webb County Campground visitor.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Site separation differs significantly 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 (we might be introverts)," notes a Cape Lookout reviewer.
Beach access limitations: Tides affect beach availability in certain areas. "Look up the tides though, since there's such a short beach to the water, during high tide the beach disappears. But we used that time to go on a nice hike part of the way to cape lookout overlook instead," advises a camper.
Cell service challenges: Connectivity varies by location and carrier. "There is a two mile bike/walking path through the woods and along the bay. The beach is only a five minute walk away. I would imagine that this park is crowded all summer but right now in February it is very quiet," shares a Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Consider covered wagon stays: Children enjoy themed accommodations at Twins Ranch. "This is a unique experience to have the opportunity to spend a night in a rustic covered wagon! Especially fun for families with kids. The camp hosts were responsive throughout the stay and keep the property very tidy," shares a Twins Ranch LLC camper.
Look for campground amenities: Features for rainy days make a difference. "They have a large jacuzzi and an indoor pool! They are doing some maintenance this year but thankfully it hasn't been a bother for us," notes a visitor at Thousand Trails Pacific City.
Reserve meeting spaces for groups: Some campgrounds offer indoor facilities. "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! It was so nice for a big group like ours," explains a Cape Lookout camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Some RV parks have notable differences between spots. "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. Other than that, the sites were well maintained, staff was friendly, and the other campers were extremely friendly," advises a Jetty Fishery visitor.
Consider loops for privacy: Some campgrounds have preferred sections. "We personally prefer the A and B loops which are closest to the beach and feel like they have the most privacy. On that point, we love how much privacy is usually found between sites," shares a Thousand Trails Pacific City visitor.
Winter camping advantages: Off-season visits offer quieter experiences with yurt camping options. "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," reports a Nehalem Bay camper.
