The central Oregon coast features maritime weather patterns with typical summer fog and moderate temperatures that rarely exceed 75°F. Hiking trails connect many South Beach campgrounds to the beach across Highway 101, providing a safer route than crossing on foot. Cabin accommodations near South Beach range from rustic shelters to fully-equipped vacation rentals with unique features beyond standard amenities.
What to do
Beach exploration: At Beverly Beach State Park Campground, the beach access offers unique opportunities for fossil hunters. "Beverly Beach is also popular for agate hunting along the gravel bars, particularly after big storms that uncover new stones," notes Erik C. The beach contains "marine fossils of varying types and sizes and you can often find individual fossilized shells that can be collected."
Nature trails: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park Campground offers multiple hiking options directly from the campground. "A short trail leads to the Pacific. There are several other trails that you can take right from the campground," writes Wren M. For more ambitious hikers, there's a "fabulous 6 mile hike to Heceta Lighthouse" as Laura H. mentions.
Kayaking and boat access: Coyote Rock RV Resort & Marina provides water recreation options not found at other area campgrounds. "They have boat rentals, crabbing packages, and the best fishing around," reports Hailey. The location gives campers direct access to the Siletz River, where visitors might spot wildlife: "There are cute little otters that like to show off for the guests."
What campers like
Privacy level: At Beachside State Recreation Site, campsites offer more seclusion than many coastal parks. "Lots of trees, bushes between sites that make it feel more secluded," notes Darin D. Another camper, Brandon K., discovered that "Spot 62 had a secret access to the beach that looks to be one of two away from the general access."
Clean facilities: Thousand Trails Whalers Rest maintains high standards for their amenities. "The showers were immaculate as was the campground," according to Ella T., who stayed on the south side with "concrete pads that were nestled in between trees." This campground divides into north and south sections with different site configurations.
Campground atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the wooded setting at several parks. "This campground reminded me of a fairy tale. Once you drive inside it is very plush and green," writes Leigh-Anne H. about Beverly Beach State Park. Similarly, at Carl Washburne Memorial State Park, campers enjoy that it's "nestled in the tall trees, it would be cool during a hot summer," as D37 notes.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: While most campgrounds require advance bookings, Devil's Lake State Recreation Area Campground has seasonal considerations. "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," warns Blake F.
Weather considerations: Coastal weather affects camping comfort significantly. At Beachside State Recreation Site, "When it was windy on the beach, the campground was quiet and not very windy. Good tree coverage. Was kind of cool at the beginning of May," reports Michelle P. Similarly, campers at Carl Washburne should expect that "since I visited in November and it rained, the drops from the trees were loud on my trailer roof."
Campsite spacing: Site proximity varies widely between campgrounds. At Waldport KOA, "We tent camped and LOVED having bushes separate each tent site. Really enjoyed having privacy!" notes D Robert B. In contrast, at Thousand Trails Whalers Rest, some campers noted that "sites are tight but doable" and "many sites you will need to be skilled at leaving your trailer."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Waldport KOA provides family-oriented amenities beyond cabin lodging. "They offer cabins of different sizes... There is also a small convenient store on site as well as nice clean, hot showers, flush toilets and laundry machines. Very family friendly," explains Tj B. The campground includes bike rentals for exploring the surrounding area.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer structured activities for children. At Carl Washburne Memorial State Park, "they offer the Junior Ranger Program to occupy kiddos which is great!" according to Kelli B. Similarly, Beachside State Recreation Site provides "jr. ranger programs and interpretive sessions" that enhance the camping experience for younger visitors.
Beach accessibility: When traveling with kids, consider the distance to the beach. "Short walk to the beach from the camp site," mentions Leigh-Anne H. about Beverly Beach. For families seeking more recreation options, Thousand Trails Whalers Rest offers "a pool, mini golf, play ground and other fun games" which one reviewer noted was great for keeping children entertained.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Devil's Lake State Recreation Area provides good options for RVers. "Half of the sites have electric and water. The other half don't. It's a nice drive-through. There are RV sites, tent sites, yachts, and a shower house," notes Mandi R. The campground's location within Lincoln City makes it convenient for supply runs.
Site accessibility: Carl Washburne Memorial State Park offers quality RV accommodations but with limitations. The campground has "back in spaces, so a 40 foot RV would barely fit. This is an older but well maintained campground," according to D37. The park provides "30 and 50 amp electric, water and sewer at the site (Full hookups). Great dump station across the highway."
Winter considerations: For year-round camping cabins near South Beach, Oregon, Devil's Lake State Recreation Area remains open. As Eric H. reports from an October stay: "Campground was tidy, quiet, and fairly private from our neighbors... Not many people on the lake probably due to time of year, but weather was great."
