Campsites near Rockaway Beach, Oregon provide diverse overnight options within the Tillamook State Forest's dense coastal woodland. Located 20-30 minutes inland from the Pacific shoreline, these forest campgrounds offer protection from coastal winds and often maintain warmer temperatures than beachside camping. Several campgrounds in the area remain accessible during winter months when many coastal parks close due to storm conditions.
What to do
Creek exploration: 45 minutes from beach: At Cook Creek, visitors can access secluded swimming holes and fishing spots. "We scored the most beautiful spot last week, designated spot #5. It is very private and there is a short walk (2-3min) down to your very own private part of the river. There was a very clear beautiful pool of water in the center and rapids/rocks on both sides for exploring," notes one camper.
Horseback riding: 10-minute walk to beach: Nehalem Bay State Park Campground offers equestrian activities directly on the sand. "Great dune area. Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," reports one visitor. Another adds, "There is a two mile bike/walking path through the woods and along the bay. The beach is only a five minute walk away."
Crabbing: On-site equipment rentals available: Marine harvesting remains popular at waterfront camping areas. "Talking to people I found that many of them keep coming back here and travel many miles to do so," explains a visitor to Jetty Fishery Marina. "I showed up just looking for a site to put my tent up on my journey. I got here and found out you can fish for crabs, they cook for you here, the people are extremely friendly and helpful."
What campers like
Close beach access with forest protection: Several campgrounds offer quick beach access with tree protection against coastal winds. A camper at Cape Lookout State Park Campground reports, "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!"
Historical features: Railroad remnants visible: Forest campgrounds contain cultural artifacts from logging operations. A visitor to Tillamook State Forest Nehalem Falls Campground shares, "Views of an old railroad/camp and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in as well as picnic. Wonderful little spot with a delightful trail adventure."
Privacy levels: Wide range of options: Campsite privacy varies significantly across the region. A camper notes, "Cook Creek designated dispersal camping is a great idea - no loud neighbors within at least a couple wooded blocks between each site. You get large, open circles of bare ground at Cook Creek, each with a fire ring."
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Access limitations: Winter rains can restrict campground access. "You can walk around them, though presumably the road is flooded out, making the other sites unreachable," explains a Cook Creek visitor. Another notes, "There are boulders blocking the road after site 5."
Overflow options: Last-minute availability: When main campgrounds fill, secondary options often remain. A visitor to Old Mill RV Resort says, "Camp ground is nice enough. Had last minute availability when my initial first come first saved camp spot fell through. A dry camp spot was only $26. Hard to beat that!"
Weather patterns: Microclimates exist: Inland campgrounds often avoid coastal fog. "Right now in February it is very quiet," reports a Nehalem Bay State Park visitor, highlighting the different experience of off-season camping. Other visitors note that inland campgrounds stay significantly warmer than beachside areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and protected bike paths: Family-friendly campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. "Playground, close to stores and heritage/tourist sites. My parents used to bring me here often, and now I bring mine!" shares a Cape Lookout visitor. Another adds, "Good paved loop for kids and bikes."
Educational marine activities: Seasonal programs: Barview Jetty County Campground provides access to marine exploration. "I spent many a year at this campground, letting the kids (who am i kidding, me) run up and down the big sand dune and play on the tree at the top! Bbqs, fires, music, ice cream down the street and fishing off the jetty."
Clean facilities: Shower options vary: Bathroom and shower quality differs significantly. "Free, very private showers! Soap in the bathrooms! Super nice and clean!" reports a Cape Lookout camper. However, others note pay-per-use models at other campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Limited at forest sites: RV services vary widely by location. A visitor to Harborview Inn and RV Park shares, "The pull trough sites are a bit narrow, but are adequate. The views and room around us was incredible until they filled up as you can imagine. Access roads around the sites are a bit tight, so moving slow is the best practice."
WiFi quality: Better on weekdays: Internet access fluctuates with occupancy. "We decided to stay for the whole week since the WiFi has been decent (2-5Mb) with no real latency or packet loss," reports a Cannon Beach RV Resort visitor. Others note better connections during weekday stays when campgrounds aren't at capacity.
Winter camping: Year-round options limited: Several RV parks remain open during winter, but services may be restricted. "In November 2020 the road into the park was rough and full of many pot holes but had lots of drive space," reports an Old Mill RV visitor, highlighting the maintenance challenges during off-season camping.
