Camping sites near Tolovana Park, Oregon range from primitive tent areas to full-service RV facilities. The north Oregon coast experiences average summer temperatures of 65-70°F and winter lows around 45°F with precipitation averaging 80 inches annually, concentrated between November and March. Most campgrounds in this area sit below 100 feet elevation, protected from direct coastal winds by surrounding forests.
What to do
Beach exploration after dark: At Nehalem Bay State Park Campground, take advantage of guided evening beach walks. "Great dune area. Always horses riding on the beach too. Super neat experience," notes Jamie B., who particularly recommends the night rides available during summer months.
Historical discoveries: Fort Stevens State Park Campground offers military history alongside natural attractions. "We brought the kids and expected to listen to their complaints the whole time, but they were intrigued by everything!" says Cadie H. The park features concrete gun batteries, an old military jail, and interpretive displays about coastal defense systems.
Tidepooling: Barview Jetty County Campground provides access to tidepools about half a mile from campsites. "Tidepools are about .5 mi away, close enough to walk," reports Kelly P. For best viewing, check tide tables and plan visits during low tide, typically 1-2 hours on either side of the lowest point.
Crabbing and fishing: Multiple campgrounds offer access to crabbing opportunities. "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," shares Aaron R., who recommends bringing crab pots or renting them locally for $15-25 per day.
What campers like
Indoor amenities during coastal storms: Cannon Beach RV Resort offers refuge from unpredictable weather. "There's a pool and spa. There's also a lodge with a game room and laundry," notes C M., mentioning these features provide alternatives when rain prevents outdoor activities.
Walking distance to towns: Several campgrounds provide easy town access without driving. "Only a mile from Cannon Beach. There are cabins, RV sites, and tent spaces," explains Ashley B. about Sea Ranch Resort, noting it's approximately a 15-minute walk to restaurants and shops.
Wildlife viewing: Wright's for Camping offers close encounters with coastal wildlife. "Lot's of small animals were around, chipmunks, bunny rabbits and various birds," reports Eric P. Local elk herds frequently visit campgrounds during winter months, with multiple reviewers mentioning dawn and dusk sightings.
Cell service quality: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds despite their proximity. "ATT reception is very limited" at Cannon Beach RV Resort according to Misty Z., while Circle Creek reports stronger signals. Cell coverage typically improves at higher elevation campsites and deteriorates in forested areas.
What you should know
Off-season bargains: Winter camping offers significant cost savings. "We got in about an hour before sunset and decided to just unhook the truck and head straight to the beach without unpacking," notes Tyler F. about a spontaneous Cannon Beach visit, highlighting how off-season availability makes last-minute trips possible.
Campsite privacy variations: Wright's for Camping provides wooded sites but limited separation. "The campground is pretty close to everything in Cannon Beach, including your neighboring campers," cautions Angela W. Sites backing against forest edges typically offer more privacy than interior spots.
Weather preparedness: Thousand Trails Seaside experiences significant rainfall. "We come down here to get away from the heat, inland, area. It's usually 20-30 degrees cooler, than inland," explains Tracy, highlighting the temperature differential that surprises unprepared campers.
Flooding concerns: Several campgrounds experience seasonal standing water. "It was raining the day we arrived, and we noticed a lot of the sites had standing water," reports MickandKarla W. about Thousand Trails Seaside. Request elevated sites during rainy seasons to minimize water issues.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for kids: Barview Jetty County Campground features unique terrain features for children. "There is a large climbable dune just inside the park that is great for exploring and seems to be popular with kids," notes Kelly P. Sites in loops V and W provide closest access to these dunes.
Budget-friendly alternatives: Wright's for Camping offers lower-cost options. "I paid around $40 a night, but was there for the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Competition, which I highly recommend going to," shares Ashley B., mentioning this cost-effective alternative to pricier resorts.
Activity planning: Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA provides programmed recreation. "Your average koa. Pools, games, pancakes, so on," explains Carson C., noting that structured activities keep children engaged during inclement weather.
Safety considerations: Parents should monitor traffic at larger campgrounds. "You have to be careful with your kids. People don't drive the speed limit. It's 5mph. They drive like they are in the raceway," warns Tracy about Thousand Trails Seaside, suggesting selecting sites away from main thoroughfares.
Tips from RVers
Site angles: Circle Creek RV Park & Campground provides good access for larger rigs. "Large RV campground just south of town. Very quiet. Friendly staff," reports Sara S., adding that the grass sites are notably level and suitable for larger motorhomes.
Quiet hours enforcement: Campgrounds vary in noise policy enforcement. "They are strict about quiet hours and you must wear headphones listening to music," notes Bethany M. about Wright's for Camping, contrasting with more lenient policies at other locations.
Laundry availability: Multiple campgrounds provide washing facilities. "Great proximity to town. Clean bathrooms and showers. Laundry on site," says Sara S. about Circle Creek, where machines typically cost $2 per wash and $2 per dry cycle.
Road conditions: Interior campground roads present challenges for larger RVs. "Good angles for backing in. However, inner loops you have a neighbor front, back and sides," notes Misty Z. about Cannon Beach RV Resort, recommending requesting outer loop sites for easier maneuvering.
