Welcome to Partytown.
Devil's Lake State Park Rec Area Campground (it's a mouthful) is right on the edge of town. That is convenient if you're trying to access things in town. It really sucks if you're trying to actual "camp". This is a party spot for local ruffians, and an RV parking lot for people who want to get away without losing any sort of amenities whatsoever.
The Hiker/Biker area is just a little patch of grass on a hill just inside the entrance to the left. The hill makes it hard to find any flat ground for a tent, and you are adjacent to a road to the north and a single family home to the east. The coast highway is a block to your west. Basically, it is a lawn.
There is lake access but the lake is more of a pond. Ocean access is across the highway about 15 minute walk. You can also just walk into town for a beer if you want. Being so close to town makes it an easy place for people to go and get rowdy too.
The camp hosts here have given up on enforcing any sort of rules in the park. There were people openly doing drugs. The site across from the host had a keg and set up speakers blasting some terrible classic rock. On a trip the the bathroom I saw the camp host looking out the window at the loudest site in camp, and then just pull his shade in the RV down. And not even joking, at one point a group (college age?) woke me up with shouting as they cheered on their friend who was getting laid in the tent. Another group was doing night skateboarding through the park in loops.
However, if you're just passing through you'll have everything you need to get through the night here including a hot shower, bike tools, and charging station.
I gave this place two stars because the amenities are there. If based on my experience alone it would be zero, but I am sure there are days when it is fine.
Amenities:
- free hot showers
- storage boxes with USB charging stations for phones and lights
- Picnic Tables
- bike racks
- bike repair station
- flush toilets
- Wetlands nature trail
- lending library
Oregon Hiker/Biker Camps are $7-8 (this one is $8)
Pro-Tip: If you're heading south stop at Big Mountain Coffee Roastery. It is decent, a little kitschy, and has AC/Wifi. Plus it is a very small, local business to support.