Warrenton, Oregon camping options provide direct access to the Pacific Ocean coastline, with a maritime climate keeping temperatures mild year-round, typically 45-70°F. The Columbia River estuary creates unique camping conditions with rich wildlife viewing opportunities and frequent morning fog that typically burns off by midday. Most campgrounds in this area sit at near sea level, making for easy access but occasional flooding during winter storms.
What to do
Tidepooling at low tide: Fort Stevens State Park offers excellent tidepooling opportunities along its 9-mile shoreline. "The Clatsop county beaches have the best razor clam digging in Oregon. On every minus tide, in the winter and spring, you have some of the best razor clams this far south of Alaska," notes a camper from Thousand Trails Seaside.
Hiking and biking trails: Access to the Discovery Trail provides miles of beach and forest exploration. "There's a gate at the entrance, and the water makes a natural fence around the area where you can let the dogs off-leash," reports a visitor to Thousand Trails Seaside about their north side dog area that connects to local trails.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer prime elk and birdwatching opportunities. "We saw a huge blue herron and later a pair of bald eagles. Deer were grazing in the field right across the street from the camp entrance," shares a visitor to Sunset Lake Campground and RV Park.
Historic sites exploration: Fort Columbia State Park provides military history with original structures intact. "Very close to beautiful and interesting Fort Columbia State Park," notes a visitor to Columbia Shores RV Resort.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Most campgrounds provide beach access within walking distance. "The beach access is located very close. The beach is clean and lots of fun smaller cliffs to climb on," reports a visitor to Thousand Trails Long Beach.
Indoor amenities for rainy days: Many parks offer indoor pools and recreation centers. "Great amenities, including an indoor pool, playground and trails. Fort Stevens is right across the street and has a lot of great day activities as well," shares a camper from Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA.
Fishing access: The Columbia River estuary provides world-class salmon fishing. "This is a good private campground just off Hyway 101 near Long Beach WA, the placement of the campground give a short drive to Long Beach or Astoria, OR both locations are loads of fun," mentions a visitor at Wallicut River RV Resort & Campground.
Seasonal activities: Campers enjoy special events like the International Kite Festival. "The International Kite Festival was in town couple miles up so we walked the beach to it few days while staying. There's a great boardwalk too if you struggle with walking on beach," notes a Thousand Trails Long Beach visitor.
What you should know
Mosquitoes at beach access points: Insect repellent is essential, especially in summer months. "If you want to get to the beach, it is down a path with some of the worst mosquitoes we have ever seen," warns a visitor to Thousand Trails Long Beach.
Weather considerations: Even summer camping requires warm layers. "We come down here to get away from the heat, inland area. It's usually 20-30 degrees cooler than inland. So when the heat hits the valley, everyone runs to the coastline," explains a visitor at Thousand Trails Seaside.
Site spacing varies widely: Some campgrounds pack sites close together. "The sites were the closest we've been to at a Thousand Trails, with no trees for privacy. What made Seaside interesting was there wasn't much noise even though the sites were close to each other," reports a camper.
Elk herds in town: Wildlife sightings are common but require caution. "Elk greeted us and were eating all the flowers as we entered," shares a camper at Cannon Beach RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor pools for weather backup: Choose campgrounds with covered recreation. "The campground isn't cheap - but the other 2 in Cannon Beach are the same price and I think this one is cleaner and nicer. The sites are fairly spacious, full hookups if you need them, bathrooms are very clean with free showers," reports a visitor to Cannon Beach RV Resort.
Playground quality varies: Check recent reviews for playground conditions. "Having children, the playground and pool are a huge deal when you're camping at an RV resort. Well, the playground was rusted over and had pieces that were missing to it, the swings were broken as well," warns a visitor from Thousand Trails Seaside.
Beach safety awareness: Strong currents and sneaker waves require supervision. "The guys at the front area checking you in are awesome. That said, trying to get out of the far back loop is a nightmare. Staff doesn't seem to get that they need a person to direct traffic on a busy weekend," notes a visitor to Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA.
Speed limits in campgrounds: Traffic safety varies between parks. "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 a visitor to Thousand Trails Seaside.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Check site layout before booking RV sites near Warrenton, Oregon. "Odd numbers site have hook ups on the right, even have hook ups on the left (drivers side)," shares a visitor to Thousand Trails Long Beach.
Arrival timing: Early check-in maximizes site options. "The later you come the more likely you'll get the last space available," advises a visitor from Thousand Trails Long Beach about their RV camping experience.
Site reservations: Book well in advance for summer stays at popular parks. "This is a very busy KOA with lots of things to keep you occupied and make the weekend go by way to quick," notes a visitor to Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA.
Electric service: 30-amp service is standard but 50-amp is limited. "The north side is also the only side that has 50A power. The south side is all 30A," explains a Thousand Trails Seaside visitor about their RV camping facilities.
