Rockaway Beach camping sites remain open year-round with winter temperatures averaging 45-55°F and summer highs rarely exceeding 75°F. The coastal region experiences frequent fog and rain, with annual precipitation of 80-90 inches. Many campgrounds sit within 2-5 miles of Highway 101, providing varied terrain from beachfront locations to forested settings with elevation changes of 20-100 feet.
What to do
Crabbing and fishing: $15 fee per crab ring at Jetty Fishery Marina & RV Park. "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," noted one visitor. The marina offers boat rentals with direct bay access for recreational crabbers.
Tidepooling at low tide: 10-minute walk from the RV parks to marine habitats. "Don't forget low tide for tidepooling. Supplies are plentiful in Seaside which is 30 minutes away," a camper at Cannon Beach RV Resort shared. Morning low tides (6-8am) typically expose the most marine life.
Winter elk viewing: December-February in town areas. "Fun fact: In the winter months you will likely see the local elk herd around town," according to a Cannon Beach RV Resort review. The herds frequently graze near campgrounds during early morning hours.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Netarts Bay RV Park & Marina maintains well-kept restrooms. "Very clean RV site with views of the bay and inland views. I enjoyed walking my dogs out to see the birds, crabbers, and seals," reported one camper. Most parks offer coin-operated showers, typically $0.50-$1.00 for 3-5 minutes.
Bay and marina views: Waterfront sites provide direct water access. At Harborview Inn and RV Park, "Short walking trail is a great place to get sunset photos. Rockaway Beach is a short drive away," according to a visitor. Premium waterfront sites typically cost $5-10 more than standard sites.
Off-season tranquility: Winter camping offers solitude with fewer visitors. "I was there in a low season month and it was extremely peaceful. Traffic along the adjacent road might be heavier in the summer months," noted a Netarts Bay RV Park visitor. November-March typically sees occupancy rates below 30%.
What you should know
Limited site privacy: Most parks feature tight spacing between sites. At Old Mill RV Resort, "Sites are really close. So many vehicles, boats and cars make it really crowded and hard to park. Roads are nothing but mud and pot holes," according to one reviewer. Premium end sites or corner locations offer marginally better spacing.
Weather considerations: Coastal fog and rain persist year-round. Prepare for overnight condensation on tents and equipment. "Check the weather in Seaside before you go - poured almost the entire time we were there!" advised a camper at Thousand Trails Seaside.
Additional fees for activities: Many parks charge extra for recreational amenities. "We rented a RV spot for 78$ a night which I'm OK with and then we wanted to go on the dock and crab and they charged us 15$ per crab ring that we own," noted a Jetty Fishery Marina visitor. Most parks require separate payment for laundry facilities, averaging $2 per wash and $2 per dry cycle.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor pool access: Available year-round at Cannon Beach RV Resort. "There's a pool and spa. There's also a lodge with a game room and laundry. Full hookups. Paved loop for kids and bikes," a visitor noted. The indoor facilities remain operational regardless of coastal weather conditions.
Playground options: Limited at most parks. A visitor at Thousand Trails Seaside observed, "The playground was really rusted over and had pieces that were missing to it, the swings were broken as well." When traveling with children, bring portable outdoor games and activities.
Beach accessibility: Walking distance from most parks. "Just east of Hwy 101 in Cannon Beach, this RV resort is an easy (really!) 10 minute walk to the beach, just north of Haystack Rock. A sidewalk underpass under 101 and a path through a small city park makes it a family-friendly, dog-friendly walk," reported a Cannon Beach RV Resort camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Prepare leveling equipment for uneven terrain. At Tillamook Bay City RV Park, "The gravel site was not level, and we had to use blocks," according to visitors. Most parks feature gravel pads with varying degrees of maintenance.
Check-in procedures: Systems vary between parks. "Reservations and check-in was done all online. No host was at campground but there is a phone number for contact," noted a camper at Tillamook Coast RV Park. Many rv campgrounds near Rockaway Beach, Oregon now utilize electronic check-in methods.
Wi-Fi limitations: Connection speeds vary substantially between Rockaway Beach camping areas. "The park WiFi was descent, with speeds up to 1.2 MB/s. We were able to get DISH coverage on all three western satellites at our site. There were 11 OTA channels to be had with our fixed omni antenna," reported a Tillamook Bay City RV Park visitor. For reliable internet, consider bringing your own hotspot solution.
