Nehalem Bay State Park Camping

Nehalem Bay State Park is one of the best camping destinations on the Oregon Coast, offering a scenic coastal experience nestled between Nehalem Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Located just south of Manzanita, Oregon, the park provides year-round camping, stunning beach access, and a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, and crabbing. Whether you're looking for RV camping, tent camping, or yurt rentals, this guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable stay at Nehalem Bay State Park.

Nehalem Bay State Park Campground Overview

The Nehalem Bay State Park Campground is well-equipped with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable camping experience.

Campsite Options & Amenities

• 265 electrical campsites with water hookups (great for RV camping)

• 18 yurts, including 9 pet-friendly yurts

• Horse camp with 17 primitive sites

• Hiker/biker camp for cyclists and backpackers

• Airport camp with primitive fly-in campsites for private pilots

• Flush toilets and hot showers (campers only)

• RV dump station for waste disposal

• Playgrounds, amphitheater, picnic areas, and fire rings

🚐 RV Camping at Nehalem Bay State Park: Full hookups are not available, but each site provides electricity and water. An RV dump station is located on-site.

🏕️ Tent Camping at Nehalem Bay: Standard tent sites are available with nearby access to restrooms and showers.

🐾 Pet-Friendly Camping: Dogs are allowed at designated pet-friendly yurts and campsites. Pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet.

🚁 Fly-In Camping: The Nehalem Bay State Airport offers primitive fly-in camping next to a 2,400-foot airstrip, perfect for aviation enthusiasts.

Reservations & Walk-In Camping

📅 Reservations: Nehalem Bay State Park camping reservations can be made up to six months in advance online at the Oregon State Parks website or by calling 800-452-5687.

⏳ First-Come, First-Served Camping: Loops D, E, and F are first-come, first-served from November 1 - April 30. Arriving early in the morning increases your chances of getting a site.

🚗 Extra Vehicle Fees: The first vehicle is included in the campsite fee. Additional vehicles cost $7 per night.

📆 Camping Cancellation & Changes:

• Changes to reservations must be made at least three days in advance.

• A $8 transaction fee applies for reservation changes.

• If you cancel within three days of your arrival, you forfeit the first night’s fee.

Things to Do at Nehalem Bay State Park

Camping at Nehalem Bay means you’ll have access to some of the best outdoor activities on the Oregon Coast.

🌊 Beach Access – Enjoy a short walk from the campground to miles of sandy beaches.

🚣 Kayaking & Boating – Nehalem Bay offers calm waters ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Kayak Tillamook offers guided tours (503-866-4808).

🦀 Crabbing & Clamming – The Nehalem Bay boat ramp provides easy access for crabbers and clammers. Bring your gear and check tide conditions!

🐎 Horseback Riding on the Beach – Oregon Beach Rides offers beach horseback rides (971-237-6653). If you bring your own horse, the horse camp has corrals and primitive campsites.

🚴 Biking & Hiking – A 1.8-mile paved bike path runs through the park, offering stunning views of Nehalem Bay and local wildlife like elk and deer.

🦅 Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching – Nehalem Bay is a top birdwatching spot, home to bald eagles, great blue herons, and snowy plovers.

🔥 Campfire Programs & Junior Ranger Program – Seasonal ranger-led evening programs are great for families.

Park Rules & Important Information

🐶 Pet Policy – Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.

🚁 Drones Are Prohibited – To protect nesting shorebirds and ensure safety, drones are not allowed in the park.

🌲 Firewood Regulations – To prevent invasive insects, campers must buy firewood locally or use certified heat-treated wood.

🛶 Boat Docks – Seasonal boat docks are available mid-May through mid-October.

🏕️ Hammocks & Slacklines – Hammocks are allowed on a case-by-case basis if attached to sturdy trees using protective straps. Slacklines are prohibited.

🐕 Seasonal Beach Restrictions (March 15 - September 15) – Certain areas of the beach are off-limits to protect nesting western snowy plovers.

2024-2025 Construction & Temporary Closures

🚧 Nehalem Bay State Park will be closed for major renovations from November 1, 2024, to July 2025. Improvements include:

• New restroom and shower buildings

• Upgraded electrical and water systems

• Additional accessible campsites

• Repaved park entrance road

During this time, the campground, day-use areas, and trails will be closed, but the beach remains open for walk-in visitors.

Best Time to Go Camping at Nehalem Bay State Park

🌞 Summer (June - September): The best time for camping, kayaking, and beach activities. However, reservations fill up quickly.

🍂 Fall (September - October): Fewer crowds, great fishing, and pleasant weather make this the ideal time for a quiet getaway.

❄️ Winter (November - February): Storm watching and peaceful beach walks attract those seeking solitude. Some facilities may be closed.

🌷 Spring (March - May): A great time for wildlife viewing and hiking, with fewer people in the park.

Nearby Attractions

While camping at Nehalem Bay, explore nearby Oregon Coast state parks and towns:
🌲 Oswald West State Park – Stunning coastal hikes and Short Sands Beach.
🏖️ Manzanita – A charming beach town with shops and restaurants.
🐟 Tillamook – Famous for Tillamook Cheese Factory tours and scenic drives.
🏕️ Cape Lookout State Park – A great place for hiking and whale watching.

Plan Your Trip to Nehalem Bay State Park Today!

Nehalem Bay State Park offers some of the best camping on the Oregon Coast, with RV sites, tent camping, yurts, and even fly-in campsites. Whether you're planning a family camping trip, a romantic getaway, or an outdoor adventure, this beautiful coastal park has something for everyone.

📅 Book your Nehalem Bay State Park campsite today! Visit the Oregon State Parks reservation system or call 800-452-5687.

🚙 Need last-minute camping? Arrive early for first-come, first-served sites (November - April).

🏕️ Looking for other Oregon Coast campgrounds? Check out Cape Blanco State Park, Beverly Beach State Park, and Fort Stevens State Park.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable Oregon Coast camping experience! 🌊🔥🐚