Waldport campgrounds offer convenient coastal access along Highway 101 where the Alsea River meets the Pacific. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 35-55°F, with summer reaching 60-75°F and frequent fog regardless of season. Most campgrounds in this area sit between sea level and 200 feet elevation, with several providing direct access to both river and ocean environments.
What to do
Beach fossil hunting: 3 miles north of Waldport at Beverly Beach State Park Campground, where the shoreline reveals marine fossils. "FOSSILS! Literally everywhere on this beach. Nearly every rock and cliff face is littered with marine fossils of varying types and sizes and you can often find individual fossilized shells that can be collected," notes Erik C.
Hiking under forest canopy: 20 minutes south at Cape Perpetua where several trails connect to geological formations. "From the Visitor Center, there are several different trails to various geological formations such as Thor's Well, Devil's Churn, and Spouting Horn. It really shows the best of the Oregon coast," writes Gabrielle S.
Blackberry picking: Seasonal activity along nature trails at many campgrounds. Emily L. from Waldport KOA mentions, "My daughter & I had fun picking blackberries on the nature trail down to the beach area!! Just a short walk to a bridge spanning the river/bay, just beautiful!!"
What campers like
Private sites with vegetation barriers: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Waldport feature natural site separation. At Beachside State Recreation Site, "Very pretty sites with trees separating each spot. If you can get a site near the beach that's ideal," reports Brittany B.
Multiple beach access points: Several campgrounds offer various ways to reach the shore. Brandon K. discovered at Beachside State Recreation Site, "Spot 62 had a secret access to the beach that looks to be one of two away from the general access."
Clean facilities: Standard across most Waldport camping areas. At Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park Campground, "Clean bathrooms, good space between campsites. Nestled in the tall trees, it would be cool during a hot summer," according to Jeff K.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round. Kelly H. shares about Tillicum Beach Campground, "Despite the wind and rain, we enjoyed a lovely peaceful time here... I'd recommend this small quiet spot, even in the winter!"
What you should know
Road noise varies by site location: Highway 101 proximity affects some campgrounds. At Beachside State Recreation Site, Brittany B. advises, "A lot of the sites are right near the road which can be a bit loud."
Weather preparation essential: Coastal conditions change rapidly. D37 from Carl G. Washburne noted, "Since I visited in November and it rained, the drops from the trees were loud on my trailer roof."
Reservations recommended for summer months: Many campgrounds fill quickly. Cassie C. from Tillicum Beach shares a useful tip, "People reserve and don't show up. Or they reserve a spot, show up and like the first come first serve spot better so nab that without canceling their reservation since cell reception is bad. So if the sign says campground is full, still ask around."
Limited cell coverage: Service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Forest Road 51 near Beaver Creek, Dylan B. reports, "No service on the drive up but had a couple bars at my campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: Available at state parks during summer months. Kelli B. notes at Carl G. Washburne, "There is no playground at this campground, however they offer the Junior Ranger Program to occupy kiddos which is great!"
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences. One camper at Beverly Beach mentions, "Nice educational programs for kids. Firewood conveniently available."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings common at several locations. Debbie I. observed at Beverly Beach, "We seen stellar jays and a woodpecker," while another camper at Beaver Creek noted seeing "about 5 beavers close to the road."
Beach safety awareness: Tides and surf conditions require monitoring. Heather L. cautions about Tillicum Beach, "It can be hard to make it down to the beach if you are not in great shape. Big rocks to climb over and down to make it to the beach definitely not ADA accessible."
Tips from RVers
Site selection based on rig size: Many campgrounds have limitations. Kristin D. from Tillicum Beach advises, "We camped in space 32 and did not like the set up for our 30ft 5th wheel. The table, fire pit, and outdoor space is on opposite side of door and awning, and there is not enough space on door/awning side for any chairs or hanging out."
Access road challenges: Some dispersed camping areas have difficult approaches. At Forest Road 51, Leo Y. warns, "Narrow and unpaved road. Very narrow, My trailer could barely fit through and there was only a three-way intersection inside to make a U-turn, otherwise my trailer wouldn't be able to get out!"
EV charging available: Some campgrounds accommodate electric vehicles. Karin B. at Carl G. Washburne shares, "I'm camping in an EV and was glad to find this spot with 50 amp hookup, which was more power than I needed to fully charge my car while I slept."
