Nehalem Bay State Park, OR

Nehalem Bay State Park, situated on a stunning 4-mile sand spit between Nehalem Bay and the Pacific Ocean, offers one of Oregon's most unique coastal camping experiences. Located just 90 minutes from Portland and 20 minutes south of Cannon Beach, this 890-acre park provides the perfect base for exploring the northern Oregon coast while enjoying modern amenities and breathtaking natural beauty.

RV Sites & Accommodations

Nehalem Bay State Park features 265 electrical campsites designed to accommodate RVs of various sizes, with most sites able to handle rigs up to 60 feet. The campground offers a mix of back-in and pull-through sites, making it accessible for big rigs and easier for first-time RVers. All sites include electrical hookups (30/50 amp available), and while there are no individual water or sewer hookups at each site, the park provides convenient water spigots throughout the campground and a well-maintained dump station. Sites are nestled among shore pine and spruce trees, offering a balance of shade and privacy. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months, and can be made up to 9 months in advance through Reserve America. The park also offers 17 yurts and 6 primitive fly-in campsites on the bay side for those seeking alternative accommodations.

Modern Amenities & Facilities

The park underwent a significant upgrade in 2025 with the addition of brand new shower and restroom facilities, providing campers with clean, modern bathrooms that rival the best coastal campgrounds. These facilities feature hot showers, flush toilets, and accessible options. The campground includes a convenient dump station for RVs, potable water fill stations, and firewood sales on-site. While there's no general store or restaurant within the park, the nearby town of Manzanita (just 3 miles north) offers excellent dining options, grocery stores, and beach town charm. The park is pet-friendly, welcoming dogs on leash throughout the campground and on designated beach areas. Cell service can be spotty, making this an ideal digital detox destination, though some carriers work better than others near the entrance.

Coastal Activities & Recreation

Nehalem Bay State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The park provides direct access to 4 miles of pristine Pacific Ocean beach, perfect for beachcombing, kite flying, and watching spectacular Oregon coast sunsets. Fishing is exceptional here—anglers can catch salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat trout in Nehalem Bay, while crabbing is popular from the boat launch or bay shore. The park features a paved bike path that winds through the campground and connects to the nearby towns, making it perfect for family bike rides. Horseback riding is permitted on the beach, and the park includes horse camping facilities. The Nehalem Bay Estuary offers excellent kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities, with calm waters ideal for beginners. Hikers can explore the beach trails or venture to nearby Neahkahnie Mountain for stunning coastal views. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting over 150 species, including great blue herons, osprey, and various shorebirds.

Natural Setting & Best Times to Visit

The park's unique geography—positioned on a sand spit between bay and ocean—creates a diverse ecosystem with coastal forest, dunes, wetlands, and beach environments. Wildlife sightings are common, including Roosevelt elk grazing in the meadows, harbor seals in the bay, and occasional gray whales visible from the beach during migration seasons (December-January and March-May). The shore pines and Sitka spruce provide natural windbreaks, though coastal winds can be strong. Summer (June-September) offers the most reliable weather with temperatures in the 60s-70s°F, though fog is common in the mornings. Spring and fall provide fewer crowds and excellent storm watching opportunities. Winter camping appeals to those seeking solitude and dramatic wave action, though be prepared for rain and wind. The park's proximity to Manzanita, Wheeler, and Nehalem means you're never far from coastal town amenities while still enjoying a natural setting.

Amenities

Amenity	Available
Electric Hookups	✓
Water Hookups	✗ (Central spigots available)
Sewer Hookups	✗
RV Dump Station	✓
Bathrooms	✓ (New 2025 facilities)
Showers	✓ (Hot water)
General Store	✗
Restaurant	✗
Laundry	✗
WiFi	✗
Pet Friendly	✓
Firewood Sales	✓
Bike Paths	✓

Google Reviews Summary

We analyzed recent Google Reviews to understand guest experiences:

Nehalem Bay State Park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with guests consistently praising the park's beautiful coastal setting, spacious campsites, and excellent beach access. The new 2025 bathroom facilities have been particularly well-received, with many reviewers noting the significant improvement in cleanliness and modern amenities. Visitors love the park's proximity to both ocean and bay, offering diverse recreational opportunities. Families appreciate the safe, flat terrain for biking and the calm bay waters for children. The campground hosts are frequently mentioned for their helpfulness and maintenance of the facilities.

Common positive themes include the stunning sunsets, abundance of wildlife, well-maintained grounds, and the peaceful atmosphere despite the park's size. Many reviewers mention returning year after year, making this a beloved Oregon coast destination. The bike path connecting to nearby towns is a favorite feature for families.

Some guests note that sites closer to the beach can be windier and that the lack of individual water hookups requires occasional trips to fill tanks. A few mention that the park can feel crowded during peak summer weekends, and cell service is limited. However, most reviewers consider these minor inconveniences given the park's overall quality and location.

This campground is best suited for families seeking beach adventures, anglers and crabbers, cyclists, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a full-service coastal camping experience with easy access to charming Oregon beach towns. It's ideal for both RV beginners and experienced campers who appreciate well-maintained facilities in a spectacular natural setting.

Happy Campers RV Recommendations

For visiting Nehalem Bay State Park, we have several excellent RV options that match this campground's capabilities and coastal setting:

Our 2022 Forest River Sunseeker 3250DS LE is perfect for larger families wanting to experience the Oregon coast together. Sleeping up to 10, this 32-foot Class C motorhome fits comfortably in the park's spacious sites and provides plenty of room for beach gear, fishing equipment, and bikes. The slide-outs create a comfortable living space for relaxing after beach days, and the full kitchen means you can prepare fresh-caught crab and fish right at camp.

For couples or small families seeking a more maneuverable option, our 2024 Entegra Ethos 20D offers luxury in a compact Class B format. This van-style RV is ideal for navigating the coastal roads to nearby attractions like Cannon Beach and Oswald West State Park, while still providing comfortable sleeping and cooking facilities. The smaller footprint means easier parking at beach access points and local restaurants in Manzanita.

Families with children will love our 2025 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB, which sleeps 8 and features a convenient bunk bed layout—perfect for kids who want their own space after busy beach days. This 31-foot Class C offers modern amenities and excellent storage for all your coastal adventure gear, from kites and boogie boards to crabbing pots and fishing rods.

All our RVs come fully equipped with everything you need for an amazing Oregon coast camping experience. Contact Happy Campers RV Rentals at +1 541-262-4479 to book your coastal adventure today!