Fort Stevens State Park Campground offers one of the largest camping areas in the Oregon state park system with over 400 sites near Seaside. The park sits on the northwestern tip of Oregon where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Many campgrounds in the Seaside region provide beach access with facilities open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop into the 40s at night.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Fort Stevens State Park Campground features military history with abandoned bunkers and the Peter Iredale shipwreck. "Visiting the Iredale shipwreck especially at sunset is beautiful. Also visiting the forts and cannons are fun. Bring mosquito repellent!" notes Gail S. at Fort Stevens State Park Campground.
Beach activities: Nehalem Bay State Park Campground offers beach access with opportunities for crabbing in nearby waters. A camper shares, "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."
Horseback riding: Several campgrounds near Seaside offer horseback riding on the beach. At Sea Ranch Resort, "During the summer they have various horse rides along the beach including night rides," according to a visitor. The camp sits within walking distance of Cannon Beach.
Tidepooling: Cape Disappointment State Park provides excellent tidepooling opportunities during low tides. "Don't forget low tide for tidepooling. Supplies are plentiful in Seaside which is 30 minutes away," recommends a camper who visited the park.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Cannon Beach RV Resort receives high marks for site layout. "Great facilities in a good location. Great showers, internet, hookups, pool and campsites. Relatively quiet… not a KOA," notes Mark B. The resort features full hookup sites and is walking distance to the beach.
Privacy among trees: Wright's for Camping offers sites with natural separation. A visitor explains, "Clean, beautifully forested and private. Large middle area for kids to run and play with nature (sticks, moss, pines, etc). Within walking distance to an awesome farmers market, the town of Cannon Beach, and haystack rock!"
Clean facilities: Circle Creek RV Park maintains clean bathrooms and showers. A camper reports, "Office people are very nice and courteous, facilities are clean. I haven't had any issues." The campground sits between Seaside and Cannon Beach on Highway 101.
Beach proximity: Most campers appreciate the quick beach access from Nehalem Bay State Park Campground. "We were at loop D. Just a few minutes walk to the beach. Great campsite," says Karen L. The park offers both tent and RV camping with shower facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: The best places to camp near Seaside, Oregon fill quickly during summer months. At Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA, a camper notes it's "A very busy campground with lots of things to keep you occupied and make the weekend go by way too quick."
Weather preparation: The Oregon coast can be windy and wet even in summer. "Cold and windy," reports Diana L. about Nehalem Bay State Park. "Campground just opened back up after redoing it - the bathrooms are very nice and the rv pads and electric is redone."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. A camper at Wright's for Camping advises, "Reserve early, as there are many repeat campers here who book the next year before they leave."
Insect awareness: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in coastal forests. "Oregon is well known for it's magnificent state parks, and this is no exception. The campground is huge, probably some 400+ spaces; well cared for & clean, with an abundance of hiking trails & historical sites to explore. Unfortunately in May, the mosquitos were out in full force in the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Wright's for Camping offers family-oriented camping with recreation areas. "This would not offer that kind of environment. This is better suited for families with young kids," explains Bethany M., noting the campground enforces quiet hours.
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds feature paved paths for kids to ride. At Nehalem Bay, one visitor mentions, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Children enjoy the local wildlife near the campsites. At Sea Ranch Resort, a camper notes, "The elk came right up to my site one evening as well." Several campgrounds report seasonal elk sightings.
Indoor options for rainy days: Cannon Beach RV Resort provides indoor recreation when weather turns. "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," reports a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Thousand Trails Seaside provides full services for RVs. "Our site had sewer, electricity, and water hook up. The sewer connection at the campsite was a nice plus. The site was level and easy to back in to," notes Jeff C.
Site sizing: Cape Disappointment State Park accommodates larger rigs while maintaining natural settings. "Still, many of the sites are deep and surrounded by trees, keeping the vibe natural and relatively private. Many hook-up options, electric only, electric and water, etc."
Coastal conditions: RVers should prepare for potentially wet conditions. "It was raining while we were here but it's a beautiful spot and if you've got an RV who cares about the rain! I really like the spots towards the back that back up to the trees and the Necanium River," shares a visitor to Circle Creek RV Park.
Beach access considerations: Look for campgrounds with convenient beach access paths. At Cannon Beach RV Resort, "A sidewalk underpass under 101 and a path through a small city park makes it a family-friendly, dog-friendly walk to the outstanding beach sunsets."
