7 Oregon Coast Campgrounds Perfect for Whale Watching and Coastal Adventures

If you’re looking to combine the beauty of camping with the thrill of whale watching, the Oregon Coast offers some great spots to explore. The coastline stretches out with plenty of campgrounds that put you close to the ocean and the migrating gray whales that pass by each year.

Finding a campground where you can easily spot whales adds a special touch to your trip and makes the experience unforgettable. Whether you like tent camping or prefer an RV, there are options along the coast that give you the best chance to enjoy both nature and wildlife.

Beverly Beach State Park

If you’re looking for a spot where the forest meets the ocean, Beverly Beach State Park has you covered. You’ll find a large campground tucked along Spencer Creek, with tent sites, yurts, and spaces for RVs. Just a short walk takes you to miles of pebbly beach, perfect for spotting whales and exploring tidepools.

The park sits between Cape Foulweather and Yaquina Head, which makes it a great base for ocean views and wildlife watching. From here, you can catch glimpses of whales as they pass by or visit nearby attractions like the Oregon Coast Aquarium. After a day of exploring, enjoy the quiet campground shaded by tall trees and nurse logs.

There’s a playground for the kids, a welcoming day-use picnic area, and a Welcome Center where you can grab firewood or souvenirs. If you want a little extra comfort, you might book one of the 21 yurts. Parking permits are now required, so make sure to get one before you go.

Rating: 4.7 (2505 reviews)
Location: 198 NE 123rd St, Newport, OR 97365
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

If you’re looking for a spot that combines quiet camping with chances to catch whales offshore, Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is a solid option. You can camp near Lake Marie, a calm freshwater lake perfect for non-motorized boating like kayaking or paddleboarding.

The park offers a mix of tent sites, RV spots, cozy cabins, and yurts—some with lake views and extra perks like mini-fridges and private bathrooms. There’s also a small beach area where you can relax by the water.

Though the park isn’t right on the ocean, it’s close to the Umpqua River Lighthouse, just a half mile away. The lighthouse flashes a red and white light and is open for tours during the warmer months. Nearby, you’ll find towering sand dunes within Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, great if you want to explore beyond the park.

Rating: 4.7 (2358 reviews)
Location: Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Reedsport, OR
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Tillicum Beach Campground

If you’re looking to camp right by the coast, Tillicum Beach Campground is a solid choice. It’s nestled within the Siuslaw National Forest and offers a mix of tent and RV sites. You’ll find basic amenities like water and toilets to keep things comfortable during your stay.

The campground’s location makes it a great spot for whale watching. From the beach, you can catch glimpses of whales passing by, especially during migration seasons. The surrounding forest adds to the peaceful vibe, perfect for relaxing after a day outdoors.

There’s easy access to nearby hiking trails and the beach, so you can explore as much as you want. Whether you’re here to spot wildlife or just soak up ocean views, it’s a quiet, scenic place to pitch your tent or park your RV.

Rating: 4.6 (607 reviews)
Location: 8199 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498
Contact: (541) 547-3679
Website: Visit Website

Cape Lookout State Park Campground

Cape Lookout sits on a sandy spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean, making it a great spot for beachcombing and hiking. You can explore the 5-mile Cape Trail, which winds through Sitka spruce and hemlock, revealing ocean views along the way. On clear days, the views stretch far north and south, all from mostly flat terrain.

If you’re up for more walking, the Oregon Coast Trail segments run nearby, offering extra miles through forest above the shore. For something shorter and family-friendly, try the Nature Trail close to the registration area—easy and pleasant.

The campground offers plenty of options: tent sites, RV hookups, yurts, and deluxe cabins. You’ll find hot showers, toilets, firewood, and even an RV dump station. Dogs are welcome but have to be leashed on the beach near the campground, although they can roam leash-free north of it.

There’s EV charging at the day-use area, and the park is making upgrades through 2026 to improve facilities and protect the dunes. Keep in mind, campsites don’t have direct ocean views, and beach access includes walking over a stone revetment.

Rating: 4.7 (979 reviews)
Location: Tillamook, OR 97141
Contact: (503) 842-4981
Website: Visit Website

Beachside State Recreation Site

If you’re looking for a campsite just steps from the beach, Beachside State Recreation Site is an easy pick. The campground is right along a broad, sandy beach where you can fly kites or watch whales as they pass by. It’s a peaceful spot, especially if you enjoy catching sunsets or storm watching from your tent or yurt.

The campground is small but well-equipped with both tent sites and yurts, some of which allow pets. There are toilets, hot showers, and even firewood for sale, making your stay comfortable while keeping it simple. You’ll find 32 electrical campsites and 42 tent spots, so you have plenty of options whether you’re driving in or biking through.

You can book your stay seasonally, between mid-March and the end of October, with reservations required. It’s a great midpoint stop if you’re exploring the coast. Nearby, you can check out tide pools, lighthouses, fishing spots, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. There’s a lot to do if you want a mix of beach time and local attractions on your trip.

Rating: 4.6 (578 reviews)
Location: Beachside State Recreation Site, Waldport, OR
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

South Beach State Park

South Beach State Park is right by the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, stretching along the Oregon coast. You’ll find broad sandy beaches perfect for long walks or spotting whales off the shore. Trails for walking, biking, and even horseback riding make this park a versatile spot to explore.

The park has a campground with plenty of options — from tent sites to yurts and RV hookups. You can also check out the disc golf course, playground, and horse-shoe pits nearby. If you need something, swing by the Hospitality Center for maps or gear, or to borrow discs and horse-shoes for free.

Beyond the beach, you can explore the nearby Beaver Creek Natural Area. It offers miles of trails through marshes and forests with ocean views on clear days. Fishing, crabbing, surfing, and beachcombing are other popular activities here.

Starting October 2025, you’ll need a parking permit to park here, so be sure to get one before you go.

Rating: 4.6 (2952 reviews)
Location: 5580 SW Coast Hwy, Newport, OR 97366
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Harris Beach State Park

If you’re looking for a spot where you can combine camping with whale watching, Harris Beach State Park is a solid choice. It’s right on Oregon’s south coast, so you get beautiful views of ocean rock formations and plenty of places to explore along the sandy shore.

From the day-use area, you can picnic while watching sea stacks and Bird Island, a protected spot where puffins and other seabirds breed. Wildlife viewing here is rich — look out for gray whales passing by, seals, sea lions, and diverse marine life.

The campground has a mix of full-hookup sites, tent spots, and yurts, some pet-friendly and reservable up to six months ahead. Facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, and an RV dump station to make your stay more comfortable as you enjoy the coast.

Don’t forget, starting October 2025, you’ll need a parking permit to park here. It’s a small step to help keep the park maintained as you take in the rugged coastline and wildlife.

Rating: 4.8 (3726 reviews)
Location: U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

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