Devil's Lake State Recreation Area and nearby campgrounds provide year-round glamping options near Otis, Oregon. Situated between the coastal mountains and Pacific Ocean at around 100 feet elevation, this area experiences cool winters and mild summers with frequent fog and rain. Most campgrounds remain open throughout winter months, though flooding can affect some sites during the rainy season.
What to do
Fossil hunting at Beverly Beach: Just 13 miles south of Otis, Beverly Beach State Park offers unique fossil-hunting opportunities along its shoreline. "Literally everywhere on this beach. Nearly every rock and cliff face is littered with marine fossils of varying types and sizes and you can often find individual fossilized shells that can be collected," notes Erik C. The beach is also popular for agate hunting after storms.
Hiking at Cape Lookout: The Cape Lookout peninsula trail provides stunning ocean vistas about 35 miles northwest of Otis. Cape Lookout State Park visitor Kayla S. shares, "Do the Cape Lookout peninsula hike! Gorgeous views without great effort. Lots of tree roots that will tire your feet but not a strenous hike overall: ~5 miles roundtrip." The trail is accessible year-round but can become muddy during rainy periods.
Sandboarding at Cape Kiwanda: The dunes at Cape Kiwanda offer natural slopes for sandboarding enthusiasts. Ryan E. from Thousand Trails Pacific City recommends, "The ocean is a 5 minute walk from the site and you can rent sandboards to ride down the dunes of Cape Kiwanda (it's a serious workout!). Not to be missed."
What campers like
Wild bunnies at Webb County Campground: The resident rabbit population delights visitors at Webb County Campground in Pacific City. Audrey M. recounts, "If you like bunnies, I highly recommend staying here. They roam around the campsite and I counted 47 during our two night stay there." The campground charges an additional fee for dogs.
Beach proximity and access: Many campgrounds provide convenient beach access for morning walks or sunset viewing. At Devil's Lake State Recreation Area, Blake F. notes, "This is a great campground during the summer months. The ground is typically dry and you are in close proximity to the beach. If you reserve the right campsite, you'll also be just a stones throw from devils lake."
Hot showers and clean facilities: Oregon state parks maintain high standards for bathroom facilities. Jessica R. at Devil's Lake shares, "The bathrooms are really nice. The campsites are sizable and allow for some privacy. The staff and campsite host are friendly and helpful." Similarly, at Webb County, Audrey M. reports, "Showers and bathrooms were clean and well maintained; camp hosts are very attentive to their campground."
What you should know
Winter flooding concerns: Some coastal campgrounds experience seasonal flooding. Blake F. warns about Devil's Lake: "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."
Highway noise at some locations: Despite wooded settings, some campgrounds experience traffic noise. Annie C. observes about Devil's Lake: "It is kinda loud as you are really close to the highway and on the edge of a busy town, but if you can get a tent site in the tent only area (towards the back with lots of trees) or a hookup site along the back, it's not too bad."
Mosquito preparation: South Beach State Park and other coastal locations can have significant mosquito activity. As Brian C. advises about South Beach State Park, "Mosquitos were bad this year so bring bug spray. Also make sure you book a head because it always is booked from June to October."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season visits for fewer crowds: While summer offers warmer temperatures, consider shoulder seasons for a quieter experience. At South Beach State Park, Kellie T. notes, "We have stayed at Oregon Coast campgrounds for many years. This was our first time in a travel trailer. Our site had water and electricity. There is a dump on site. Our site seemed roomy, but there is a lot of traffic with the over 200 sites."
Playground and activity access: Lincoln City KOA provides family-friendly amenities between beach trips. Shawn M. describes, "The tent sites are surrounded on the outside by dense woods, and because the campground is about 5 miles off the highway, it was blissfully quiet and serene. The flush toilets, running water and hot showers were welcome."
Educational opportunities: Look for parks with nature programs or visitor centers. Kristen W. from Beverly Beach shares, "Short walk to the beach and nature trails. Nice educational programs for kids. Firewood conveniently available."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant leveling equipment. Josh H. cautions about Pacific City RV Resort: "Every spot we saw was so un-level that my trailer couldn't compensate enough to have a comfortable sleep." Always bring extra leveling blocks or stabilizers.
Winter utility access: Most parks maintain water and electric hookups year-round, but some limitations may apply. At Coyote Rock RV Resort, Christie U. notes, "We had an okay time at this site. It's very open, but not unpleasant. They have full hook-ups, cable tv and boat rentals. The cell service wasn't great."
Loop selection for privacy: At Devil's Lake, Annie C. recommends, "If you can get a tent site in the tent only area (towards the back with lots of trees) or a hookup site along the back, it's not too bad." Similarly, Judy T. notes, "The sites aren't that private although native Rhododendrons and others often divide the sites."
