8 Oregon Coast State Parks Perfect for Hiking and Camping to Explore This Fall

If you’re looking to combine hiking and camping along the coast, Oregon has some great state parks that fit the bill. The coast features rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests, making it a solid spot to explore nature without straying too far from your campsite.

Oregon Coast State Parks offer a variety of trails and campgrounds that let you experience the best of both worlds—outdoor adventure by day and cozy camping by night. Whether you want easy walks or more challenging hikes, there’s something here for your pace and style.

Beverly Beach State Park

If you enjoy camping near the ocean, Beverly Beach State Park offers plenty of options. You’ll find a large campground nestled in a forest just steps from a sandy beach that stretches between Yaquina Head and Otter Rock.

There are spots for tents, RVs, and even yurts if you want a unique stay. The campsites sit alongside a creek, surrounded by tall, wind-shaped trees that add to the peaceful setting.

When you’re not hiking or exploring tide pools, check out the day-use picnic area or the playground nearby. The park also has a Welcome Center where you can buy firewood and a few souvenirs. Just note that starting October 1, 2025, there’s a new parking fee you’ll need a permit for.

The campground offers flush toilets, showers, and an RV dump station. You can bring an extra vehicle, but only one per campsite. There are also group camping areas if you’re heading out with friends.

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

Cape Lookout State Park

If you enjoy hiking and camping, Cape Lookout State Park offers a variety of trails and places to set up camp. The main Cape Trail is about 5 miles round-trip and takes you through forested areas with ocean views. On clear days, you can spot landmarks like Cape Foulweather and Tillamook Head from the tip of the cape.

There are additional trails, including parts of the Oregon Coast Trail, that extend north and south. You can also walk along miles of beach on the Netarts Spit just north of the campground. For a shorter, easier option, the Nature Trail near the registration booth is great for families or a quick stroll.

Camping options range from full-hookup RV sites to tent spots, yurts, and deluxe cabins. Some campsites don’t have ocean views, but the park is right on the water. Dogs are allowed on leash on the beach and off leash in certain areas north of the campground.

The campgrounds have flush toilets, hot showers, and firewood available during the season. Electric vehicle chargers are also available near the day-use area.

Rating: 4.7 (2568 reviews)
Location: 13000 Whiskey Creek Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Oswald West State Park

If you’re looking to hike near the Oregon Coast, Oswald West State Park is a solid pick. It stretches over 2,400 acres of dense forest and coastline. You’ll find miles of trails that lead to stunning ocean views and rugged cliffs.

Short Sand Beach, also called “Shorty’s,” is a favorite spot. It’s just a short walk through the woods from the parking lot. You cross a creek on a small bridge before reaching a nice picnic area and the sandy beach.

The park is home to part of the long Oregon Coast Trail, running 13 miles through the forest and along the shore. You can explore thick coastal rainforest with tall western red cedar, hemlock, and Sitka spruce trees. It’s a peaceful place to hike and enjoy nature.

Keep in mind, camping isn’t allowed here. Also, starting October 1, 2025, you need a parking permit to visit. You can buy it online before you go.

Rating: 4.8 (2355 reviews)
Location: Oswald West State Park, Arch Cape, OR
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Sunset Bay State Park

Sunset Bay State Park is a great spot if you like both hiking and camping. The beach here is sandy and protected by tall sea cliffs, making it scenic and peaceful. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating right by the bay.

The campground is close to the beach and offers various options like tent sites, RV hookups, and yurts. Some yurts even welcome pets. If you want to explore, there are trails that connect to nearby Shore Acres and Cape Arago parks, with coastal forests and ocean views along the way.

For a bit more fun, you can head to the public golf course next door or visit the nearby fishing village of Charleston. Here, you can try crabbing, clamming, or just enjoy fresh seafood. Be aware that starting October 1, 2025, you’ll need a parking permit to park at Sunset Bay.

Rating: 4.7 (3087 reviews)
Location: Coos Bay, OR 97420
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Harris Beach State Park

If you’re looking to explore a beautiful coastal area, Harris Beach State Park is a great spot. You’ll find a beach sprinkled with unique rock formations that make for interesting walks and photo ops.

The park is also a solid place for bird watching. There are trails that lead you through scenic views and a campground where you can stay overnight, including yurt rentals if you want a simple camping set-up with a bit of comfort.

Whether you want to hike, relax by the water, or spend the night under the stars, it offers a quiet escape with natural beauty close by. The surroundings are peaceful and perfect for stretching your legs or settling in for a longer visit.

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

South Beach State Park

When you visit South Beach State Park, you’ll find miles of sandy beach perfect for walking, surfing, or just relaxing. The park stretches along the coast just south of Newport, giving you plenty of space to explore both the ocean and nearby marshes.

There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking, including the paved Jetty Trail, which is great if you want a smooth route to jog or bike. If you like horseback riding, there’s an equestrian trail that lets you ride right onto the beach, with a special trailhead where you can park and get started.

Camping here is easy with many options including tent sites, yurts, and spots with electrical hookups. Near the campground, you can find disc golf, playgrounds, and horseshoe pits for fun downtime activities. The Hospitality Center has maps, souvenirs, and even free discs and horseshoes to borrow.

If you want to check out more nature, Beaver Creek Natural Area is just a short drive south with marsh and forest trails. Plus, the park is near some local attractions like the Yaquina Bay and Yaquina Head lighthouses, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

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

Bullards Beach State Park

When you visit Bullards Beach State Park, you’ll find yourself near the mouth of the Coquille River, just north of Bandon. The campground is set among shore pines, giving you some shelter from strong ocean winds while you relax or explore. The park offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from hiking and biking to fishing and crabbing in the river.

If you’re into horseback riding, you’ll appreciate the horse camp with corrals and access to miles of trails and beach. You can also walk or bike a mostly paved path that leads from the campground to the beach. Along the way, take in views of the Coquille River and nearby wildlife refuge.

Camping here is available year-round with options including full-hookup sites, yurts, and a primitive horse camp. There’s also a separate area for hikers and bikers. The historic Coquille River Lighthouse sits at the end of the beach road and is open in the spring and summer months to explore its history, though the tower itself is closed.

Rating: 4.7 (1,587 reviews)
Location: Bullards Beach State Park, Bandon, OR
Contact: (800) 551-6949
Website: Visit Website

Fort Stevens State Park

If you like history and outdoor fun, Fort Stevens State Park is a solid pick. You can explore a historic military site that was active from the Civil War through World War II. The park includes an earthen fort, concrete gun batteries, and a military museum with year-round displays.

There’s plenty to do beyond the history. You’ll find hiking and biking trails stretching about 15 miles, plus a freshwater lake where you can swim, picnic, and even kayak during the summer with guided tours. The park also has a disc golf course and lots of spots for wildlife watching.

Camping here is a breeze, with a range of options from yurts to deluxe cabins, full hookups, and primitive sites. Most campsites come with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. Just remember to book your site in advance since reservations are required.

Starting October 2025, you’ll need a parking permit for all day-use areas. The park is making upgrades to its facilities, so some parts like the South Loops campgrounds may be closed for a bit. It’s a spot that blends nature, history, and plenty of activities.

Rating: 4.7 (7243 reviews)
Location: 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121
Contact: (503) 861-3170
Website: Visit Website

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