Camping sites near Yachats, Oregon span the central coast's transition zone where the Siuslaw National Forest meets the Pacific. The area receives approximately 70 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush campgrounds with thick understory vegetation between sites. Morning fog frequently blankets campgrounds until mid-day, especially during summer months when inland valleys heat up.
What to do
Hike to ocean viewpoints: Cape Perpetua offers trails directly from the campground leading to geological formations. "Cape Perpetua was a wonderful experience. You are close to a trail that can take you to Thor's Well and some crazy rock formations. It is also a short drive to some of the best tide pools we have ever been to," shares one Cape Perpetua visitor.
Sand dune exploration: Access massive dunes from several campgrounds south of Yachats. "Special and unique landscape right in the center of Oregon Dunes. We love it here. Located close to the quant town of Florence. Lots of nearby hikes, beach access, and of course the dunes," notes a camper at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park.
Fossil hunting: Several beaches in the area contain abundant marine fossils in rock formations. "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," reports a visitor at Beverly Beach State Park.
What campers like
Private sites despite high occupancy: Many campgrounds offer vegetation buffers between campsites. "Forested campsites, some of them are pretty close together, but overall a pretty good spot. Easy beach access, lots of points of interest nearby including Cape Perpetua, Waldport, Siuslaw National Forest. Good facilities, clean restrooms, drinking water conveniently located throughout the campgrounds," writes a camper at Beachside State Recreation Site.
Direct beach access from camp: Several campgrounds feature dedicated trails to ocean beaches. "This is a nice, quiet campground in the forest near the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center. Has running water and flush toilets," notes a Cape Perpetua visitor describing the short walk to coastal features.
Off-season availability: Winter and shoulder-season camping offers solitude and unique coastal experiences. "After looking for campgrounds from which to see whales and reading the reviews here, we decided to visit Tillicum Beach Campground for our first adventure in our new-to-us travel trailer! Despite the wind and rain, we enjoyed a lovely peaceful time here," shares a visitor at Tillicum Beach Campground.
What you should know
Variable road noise: Highway 101 proximity affects some campsites more than others. "We heard good things about the campground and made a reservation. What we did not realize is that while the ocean facing sites are pretty cool the other sites are pretty awful. Instead of ocean waves all you hear is non stop road noise all day/night," cautions a Tillicum Beach Campground visitor.
Beach access challenges: Not all beaches are easily accessible for all visitors. "Camp hosts were amazing only one issue I found is 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," notes another Tillicum Beach camper.
Reservation patterns: Many sites go unused despite showing as reserved. "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. We got a spot on a Friday in summer this way," advises a camper from Tillicum Beach.
Tips for camping with families
Seek sites with natural play features: Some campgrounds offer natural areas for kids to explore. "Sutton is probably in our top 2 or 3 campgrounds. We get the group site which is the D loop, and it has a sand hill in that loop, so it is fantastic for the kids. Close to Florence for the activities," explains a visitor at Sutton Campground.
Educational programs: Many state parks run seasonal nature activities. "We stayed here for a church group camping event. Clean bathrooms, great sites. Lots of room for kids to run around. Close to the beach and a great local brewery," notes a Cape Perpetua camper.
Beach safety considerations: Coastal conditions can change rapidly and require supervision. "This campground is beautiful and well maintained. The camp hosts are an adorable older couple, super friendly. Lush area with lots of tree cover. Quick 5 minute trail walk to ocean. This camp gets very cold with all of the shade. Lots of families but very quiet," shares a visitor at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Many coastal campgrounds have limited large sites. "Clean and very pleasant. Great views, best for tent campers. Very tight fit for medium to larger rigs," notes a Tillicum Beach visitor regarding site limitations.
Full-hookup availability: Utility options vary significantly between campgrounds. "Stayed 4 nights. Clean bathrooms, good space between campsites. Nestled in the tall trees, it would be cool during a hot summer. Since I visited in November and it rained, the drops from the trees were loud on my trailer roof. 1/2 mile walk to the beach. Clean, safe, and quiet. Well maintained campgrounds, as are all Oregon parks," reports a Carl G. Washburne visitor.
Site reservation strategies: Booking patterns follow predictable seasonal flows. "Sites $34 for non-hookup sites, and if you can get one of the prime ocean view ones, it's well worth it. A lot of the other sites have somewhat of an ocean view as well, but there is a line of sites where you would pull in parallel to the site, and that come with a great ocean view. These are mostly reserved though," advises a Beachside State Recreation camper.
