Rockaway Beach sits at an elevation of 20 feet above sea level on Oregon's northern coast, with average summer temperatures of 70°F and winter temperatures around 45°F. The area receives approximately 90 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush coastal forests surrounding camping areas. Most campgrounds maintain year-round accessibility with occasional winter closures due to weather conditions.
What to do
Beach exploration: Campers at Nehalem Bay State Park Campground can access miles of shoreline within walking distance from their sites. "Great dune area. Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," notes Jamie B. The park's coastal setting allows for beachcombing and wildlife viewing during lower tides.
Crabbing and fishing: Multiple areas allow for catching your own seafood near camping sites. "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," shares Aaron R. Many visitors plan camping trips around crabbing seasons, with summer and fall offering optimal conditions.
Hiking trails: Tillamook State Forest Nehalem Falls Campground provides access to forested trails with varying difficulty levels. "The entire hike is a pretty easy and birding opportunities are many. Views of an old railroad/camp and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in as well as picnic," explains Deacon J. Most trails remain accessible year-round but can become muddy during rainy seasons.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers at Cape Lookout State Park Campground. "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," shares Nathan R. This park maintains natural vegetation between many sites, though summer bookings require reservations months in advance.
Easy beach access: The proximity to shorelines ranks high among visitor preferences. "We were at loop D. Just a few minutes walk to the beach. Great campsite," mentions Karen L. about Nehalem Bay State Park. Most coastal campgrounds provide direct walking paths to beaches, eliminating the need for vehicle transportation during your stay.
Convenient facilities: Clean, accessible bathrooms and showers matter to campers seeking glamping experiences in Rockaway Beach, Oregon. "Free, very private showers! Soap in the bathrooms! Super nice and clean!" reports Kayla S. at Cape Lookout State Park. Many facilities offer hot water and electrical outlets, though some charge nominal fees for shower usage.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect coastal camping experiences throughout the year. "We were fortunate enough to land a spot right by the water and it was amazing! The park is clean and very well maintained," notes Julie F. at Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina, though adding "we would probably come down more frequently and for longer stays if we had wi-fi as we both work remotely." Fall and spring visitors should prepare for unpredictable weather conditions.
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer. "We didn't have a reservation for the campground the afternoon we decided to stop in July. To reserve a yurt typically requires a minimum of two nights. We were fortunate to get a yurt (number 7) for one night in July as a walk in. The ranger was shocked as they are usually sold out months in advance," reports MomSolo about Fort Stevens State Park. Bookings often open 6-9 months in advance for prime sites.
Site spacing and privacy: Campsite layouts vary significantly between properties. "Campsites are fairly close together but we didn't mind! The campground was full for July 4 weekend, yet not too loud and facilities weren't crowded," shares Kayla S. about Wright's for Camping. Research site maps before booking to understand proximity to neighbors and bathrooms.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds cater specifically to family needs. "Good paved loop for kids to ride bikes. All stores are back in but there's a decent bit of room between stores, especially compared to some PNW coast campgrounds," mentions C M. about Nehalem Bay State Park. Several facilities maintain playgrounds, open fields, and bike-friendly paths for younger campers.
Educational opportunities: Fort Stevens State Park Campground offers historical sites alongside camping. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" reports Cadie H. The park's military history provides learning opportunities beyond traditional outdoor recreation.
Unique accommodations: Alternative shelter options appeal to families seeking glamping near Rockaway Beach. "If you have a kid who loves history, the Oregon Trail, Little House on the Prairie, and dressing in character, this is your spot! Even during Covid! While the bathroom and shower set up are much to be desired, the covered wagons make up for it in every way!" explains Heather about Twins Ranch LLC. These specialized accommodations often cost $45-75 per night and require advance booking.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Experienced RV campers recommend researching site specifics before booking. "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," advises Josh H. about Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina. Many parks publish site dimensions and features online for pre-booking research.
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary between campgrounds and individual sites. "RV spots are separated from the tent sites, which is nice. Most of the tent sites are fairly open, some of them have more privacy, but all of them are very green and incredibly close to the beach while still being somewhat protected from the wind coming off of the ocean," shares Denny B. about Cape Lookout State Park. Full hookups typically cost $10-20 more than standard sites.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites provide dump stations. "No sewer hook up, so you had to use a dump station. Not a huge inconvenience," notes C M. about Nehalem Bay State Park. Many campgrounds publish specific dump station hours and locations on their websites or at check-in.
