In-depth guide · CampingSpirit
From the mouth of the Columbia at Astoria to the California border at Brookings: a good 570 kilometres of public beach, basalt headlands and state park campgrounds where you wake to the sound of the sea.
The spirit of the route
Oregon has declared its coast public property by law, and you feel it on every kilometre: Highway 101 leads to beaches that belong to no one but everyone, and the state parks lie strung along it like pearls. In the morning mist hangs in the spruce forests, and the sliding door opens onto dune grass and damp air that smells of salt and resin. At Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock stands in the tidal light, at Florence sand dunes rise more than 60 metres high to the edge of the forest, and at Cape Perpetua the surf crashes into narrow rock clefts. Further south the coast grows quieter: Bandon with its sea stacks, Cape Blanco as Oregon’s westernmost lighthouse, and finally the Arch Rocks and Natural Bridges near Brookings. The climate is moody, with storm waves pounding the cliffs in winter and coastal fog often hanging about in summer. The route rewards short stages, flexible plans and campsites booked early.
Stage-by-stage plan
1Stage 1: Astoria to Tillamook (approx. 130 km)
- The drive
- From the Astoria-Megler Bridge the road runs south through Warrenton and Seaside, mostly two lanes with a 55 mph (88 km/h) limit and 25–35 mph in towns. Beyond Cannon Beach it climbs over Arch Cape and through wooded sections with tight bends, then follows Nehalem Bay into the flat Tillamook valley with its pastureland. Pure driving time is a good two hours; with stops, allow a full day. In high summer and at weekends Seaside and Cannon Beach back up with traffic.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria: the wreck of the Peter Iredale on the beach, cycle paths through coastal forest, a former fort; check the day-use fee per vehicle and allow several hours.
- Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach: a 72-metre monolith, with tide pools and starfish at low tide and nesting puffins in summer. Check the tide table and do not touch the animals or rocks.
- Ecola State Park: a viewpoint between Cannon Beach and Indian Beach with great photo opportunities towards Tillamook Head; the access road is winding and the car park small, so larger motorhomes need to watch length and height.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Fort Stevens State Park: one of the largest campgrounds in the state, with many sites with hookups, showers and a dump station, plus yurts and tent sites; with a motorhome up to 40 ft quite a few sites are workable, but check the exact length when booking. Further south is Nehalem Bay State Park on a spit between river and beach, with sites with electricity and water, showers and a dump station. Book through Oregon State Parks (reservations.oregonstateparks.org), up to six months ahead; in summer and on long weekends book early.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Staying overnight outside designated sites is not allowed in the state parks or on the beaches; in Astoria, Seaside and Cannon Beach too, the authorities patrol car parks. Dispersed camping in the Siuslaw and Tillamook forests is only found further inland on forest roads, so check offline maps and road conditions.
- Insider tip for campers
- Oregon has allowed self-service fuelling again since 2023, but many stations still have an attendant; for a motorhome it is worth filling up fully in Astoria or Seaside. The Astoria-Megler Bridge is toll-free and has no pedestrian access, but it has bends and strong wind: heed crosswind warnings. In Tillamook the Creamery is a must-stop; with large vehicles use the separate RV car park.
2Stage 2: Tillamook to Newport (approx. 140 km)
- The drive
- There are two options: directly on US-101 through Lincoln City (heavy traffic, a shopping strip) or on the Three Capes Scenic Route via Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda, which is winding and narrow and gets very busy in summer; for larger campers only with experience, and use the pullouts. Beyond Lincoln City the 101 runs right along the sea, at Depoe Bay along the water with the little bridge. Pure driving time is around 2.5 hours, or a good four with the scenic route.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint: a small lighthouse, the Octopus Tree and bird colonies on the rocks; the car park and access road are tight for motorhomes, so check vehicle lengths on site.
- Devils Punchbowl and Otter Crest: a deep rock cleft into which the sea surges at high tide; reflections at low tide, with tide pools on the beach below. Beware of sneaker waves.
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area near Newport: Oregon’s tallest lighthouse (28 m), plus tide pools and bird colonies; check entry fees and time slots, as parking for large vehicles is limited.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Cape Lookout State Park: a forest and beach campground between the sand spit and the cape, with and without hookups, showers and a dump station; mind vehicle lengths when booking. Beverly Beach State Park north of Newport, in the forest behind the beach: sites with electricity, water and in places sewer, showers, a dump station and yurts; also book early. An alternative is South Beach State Park south of the Yaquina Bay Bridge, with large sites, hookups and cycle paths to the beach.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Along the coast, overnight parking at viewpoints and beach car parks is largely prohibited; Lincoln City, Depoe Bay and Newport are patrolled. If you cannot get a state park site, fall back on private RV parks in town; free camping is not a realistic option on this stretch of coast.
- Insider tip for campers
- At Depoe Bay you can watch whales from the water’s edge: grey whales pass in winter and spring, and a few animals stay in summer. The Whale Watching Center has volunteers on hand to answer questions during certain weeks. In Newport, check the waterfront for car park height restrictions; the fishing harbour has narrow streets, and filling stations are on the 101.
3Stage 3: Newport to Florence (approx. 90 km)
- The drive
- South of Newport, US-101 runs along the cliffs with many viewpoints, then through the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and over the bridge at Yachats. Beyond the Cape Creek Bridge at Heceta Head the road becomes narrow at times before opening out into the dunes at Florence. The speed limit is 45–55 mph, 25–35 mph in towns. Pure driving time is about 1.5 hours; with stops, a full day.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: Thor’s Well, Spouting Horn and Devil’s Churn at high tide, hiking trails through coastal rainforest; keep your distance in heavy surf and only go close at low tide and in calm seas.
- Heceta Head Lighthouse: Oregon’s most photographed lighthouse, reached by a hiking trail from the car park; the keepers’ house is run as a bed & breakfast, so check tour opening times.
- Sea Lion Caves: a large cave with Steller sea lions, with a lift down into the cave; check entry fees and opening times beforehand, and the car park has room for motorhomes.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park near Florence: a forest campground on Cleawox Lake with dune access, sites with hookups, showers, a dump station and yurts; booked up very early in summer. Alternatively Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park north of Florence near Heceta Head (beach, forest, sites with hookups) or William M. Tugman State Park on Eel Lake further south. All can be booked through Oregon State Parks, up to six months ahead.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In the Siuslaw National Forest, dispersed camping on signed forest roads is often allowed, but not everywhere and not on the coastal roads; check the Forest Service map on site. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has numerous campgrounds, but on the sand itself there are rules on vehicles and overnight stays, so follow Forest Service notices.
- Insider tip for campers
- The Oregon Dunes are good for short walks from the campground; if you want to rent sandboards or quads, book in Florence or Winchester Bay. A fresh water stop before Cape Perpetua is worthwhile, and there are filling stations in Yachats and Florence. Avoid the coastal sections at Cape Perpetua at high water and in storms.
4Stage 4: Florence to Bandon (approx. 130 km)
- The drive
- Beyond Florence, US-101 runs through the dune area to Reedsport, over the Umpqua bridge and into the Coos Bay area, with a lot of industry and bridges (Coos Bay Bridge). Otherwise it is two lanes, 55 mph, with long forest sections. From Coos Bay the detour to Shore Acres and Cape Arago is recommended; the access (Cape Arago Highway) is winding. Pure driving time is about two hours.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Oregon Dunes Overlook and Umpqua Lighthouse: dune hikes and the lighthouse at Winchester Bay; check museum opening times.
- Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago: rocky cliffs with surf, storm watching in winter, sea lions and harbour seals; the garden at Shore Acres is in bloom several times a year, and the access is doable for motorhomes, but parking is limited.
- Old Town Bandon and Face Rock Beach: sea stacks in the water, walks at low tide, small shops and a fishing harbour. Parking for large vehicles is only on a few streets.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Sunset Bay State Park near Coos Bay: a sheltered bay with a campground in the forest, sites with hookups, showers and a dump station; the road to the sites is winding. Bullards Beach State Park near Bandon at the Coquille River Lighthouse: large sites with hookups, cycle paths, a dump station, beach and river, with reservations through Oregon State Parks six months ahead. Between the two campgrounds are several Forest Service sites in the Oregon Dunes NRA, including sites with hookups; mind the length limits when booking.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Sleeping in the car in car parks and on beaches is prohibited or heavily restricted in the region; in Bandon and Coos Bay town rules apply. In the Siuslaw and Siskiyou forests, forest roads are an option, but the area is unsuitable for large campers.
- Insider tip for campers
- Bandon lies right by one of the most famous golf areas in the USA; if you do not play golf, make use of the beach walks at low tide. In Bandon you will find a cheese factory, cranberry shops and fish restaurants. Filling stations in Coos Bay, Bandon and Port Orford are few and far between; take care of water and grey water before Cape Blanco.
5Stage 5: Bandon to Gold Beach (approx. 95 km)
- The drive
- Continue on US-101 to the turn-off for Cape Blanco (access via a side road), then to Port Orford and Humbug Mountain. The road hugs the cliffs, narrow and winding, with viewpoints every few kilometres. At Gold Beach the 101 crosses the Rogue River Bridge. The speed limit is 45–55 mph; driving time is about two hours.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Cape Blanco State Park: Oregon’s westernmost point with a lighthouse (tours depending on season), Hughes House and beach; the access via Cape Blanco Road is paved but narrow.
- Port Orford Heads State Park and Battle Rock: a coast guard station, hiking trails, views of rocks and the harbour.
- Rogue River at Gold Beach: jet boat tours up the river, the Mail Boat, salmon fishing; check operators and timetables beforehand.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Humbug Mountain State Park: a campground at the foot of the mountain, on the beach and in the forest, sites with and without hookups, showers and a dump station; mind motorhome lengths. Cape Blanco State Park offers rustic sites by the coastal forest; not all sites have electricity. Alternatively Bullards Beach, Honey Bear (private) or sites in the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest. Book through Oregon State Parks; six months’ lead time.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In the Rogue River–Siskiyou National Forest, dispersed camping is allowed on many forest roads; coastal roads and beaches are excluded. Check wildfire regulations and summer fire bans with the Forest Service beforehand.
- Insider tip for campers
- Port Orford is one of the few places where fishing boats are lifted into the water by cranes; the small harbour is a good water and fuel stop. If you plan jet boat tours in Gold Beach, book early in summer; the journey time varies depending on the tour operator.
6Stage 6: Gold Beach to Brookings (approx. 55 km)
- The drive
- The last section of US-101 runs through the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, a stretch of coast about 12 miles long with many viewpoints and bends along a rocky shore. The road is partly narrow, with pullouts; speed 35–55 mph. Pure driving time is about an hour; with stops, half a day.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: Natural Bridges, Arch Rock, Thunder Rock Cove, Spruce Island; short trails to the viewpoints. The small car parks are only of limited use for large motorhomes.
- Harris Beach State Park: beach and rocks with seabirds, viewpoints; tide pools at low tide.
- Brookings: a mild climate, azaleas and Easter lily fields in spring; the harbour and the town serve as a place to stock up before the California border.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Harris Beach State Park north of Brookings: a large campground with sites with hookups, showers, a dump station, yurts and beach access; booked up very early. Alternatively Alfred A. Loeb State Park on the Chetco River in redwood and myrtle forest (smaller, mind the length limit) or sites in the Siskiyou National Forest. Reserve through Oregon State Parks.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On the forest roads in the Siskiyou National Forest, dispersed camping is partly possible; in the coastal area and in the car parks of the Scenic Corridor stops, overnight stays are prohibited. Ask the Forest Service Brookings Info in advance about fire regulations.
- Insider tip for campers
- Fruit, vegetables and plants may not be taken into California, and there are sometimes checks at the border; eat them beforehand. Fill up with fuel in Brookings, use the dump station and top up fresh water; California has fewer campsite options in the first miles. If you are continuing on, US-101 takes you through the redwoods of Crescent City.
Camping practice & local rules
Wild camping & overnight parking
- Oregon’s beaches are public by law (Beach Bill of 1967), but overnighting in a vehicle in beach car parks, at viewpoints and on town streets is prohibited or restricted by towns and counties almost everywhere; enforcement is strictest in tourist towns such as Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Newport and Bandon.
- Dispersed camping is legal on most National Forest land (Siuslaw, Rogue River–Siskiyou) and Bureau of Land Management land, usually for up to 14 days in one place; near the coast there is hardly any suitable land and many forest roads are unsuitable for large campers. Check road conditions and fire bans with the Forest Service beforehand.
- Rest areas and supermarket car parks mostly do not allow overnighting, or only briefly; if in doubt, ask in the shop. Oregon has day-use car parks for motorhomes at beaches, but watch the signage.
- Wildlife: do not disturb sea lions, seals and seabirds at viewpoints, and keep your distance; puffins at Haystack Rock are protected. Beware of sneaker waves and driftwood at high tide, and never stand with your back to the sea.
- Useful apps and sites: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt, Recreation.gov (Forest Service sites), Oregon State Parks (reservations.oregonstateparks.org, availability and closures) and TripCheck (ODOT road conditions).
- If you cannot get a state park site, you have three options: private RV parks (Astoria, Seaside, Lincoln City, Newport, Florence, Coos Bay, Bandon, Gold Beach, Brookings), short-notice sites that are often released via the website, and sites inland in the Coast Range forests.
- If you are checked, stay friendly, leave the car park and do not argue. Fines on rental vehicles are usually passed on by the rental company.
Waste disposal & supplies
- Dump stations are found in many state parks (Fort Stevens, Nehalem Bay, Cape Lookout, Beverly Beach, South Beach, Honeyman, Sunset Bay, Bullards Beach, Harris Beach) and at filling stations or RV parks for a fee; since 30 March 2026 the dump stations at 18 Oregon State Parks cost 10 USD per use (payment by QR code or online; check exceptions for campers on site); sanidumps.com provides an overview.
- Tap water in Oregon is drinkable; you will find water stations in state parks and RV parks. Always filter or boil water from streams and rivers.
- Never drain grey water onto the ground or into streams; empty chemical toilets only at dump stations.
- Propane is available from filling stations, DIY stores and propane dealers in Astoria, Newport, Coos Bay and Brookings. European gas bottles need an adapter; rental motorhomes have fixed US tanks.
- Fuel: Oregon has allowed self-service fuelling since 2023, but many stations still have an attendant; prices fluctuate, and there are enough stations in the main towns on the 101 (Astoria, Tillamook, Newport, Florence, Coos Bay, Brookings).
- Shopping: supermarkets in Astoria, Seaside, Tillamook, Newport, Florence, Coos Bay, Bandon and Brookings; Oregon has no sales tax on purchases. Cheese and dairy products from Tillamook are very good locally.
- Electricity: sites with hookups offer 30 and 50 A at 120 V; rental motorhomes usually have the matching US plug. If you are on a site without hookups, plan around the leisure battery; generators are allowed in state parks at set times.
- Laundry and waste: coin laundries in Astoria, Newport, Florence, Coos Bay and Brookings; bins at all state park sites, often with recycling.
Vehicle size & traffic rules
- Speed limits in mph: on US-101 the limit is mostly 55 mph, 25–35 mph in towns and often 35–45 mph on coastal sections; there is no general special limit for motorhomes, but heed signed special limits for vehicles with trailers and for trucks.
- Tolls and fees: no toll on US-101 itself; day parking is charged in many state parks; since 30 March 2026 also at Cape Blanco and Devil’s Punchbowl (10 USD for residents, 12 USD for out-of-state visitors; campers with a valid campsite hang tag are exempt). The America the Beautiful Pass is not valid in state parks, but is in parts of the Siuslaw National Forest.
- Parks and entry fees: campground prices in 2026 are roughly in the range of 25–60 USD per night depending on site type and season; sites with hookups and premium sites cost more. Day-use fees in state parks apply to visitors who are not camping.
- Dimensions and lengths: many state park sites are limited to 30–40 ft; check length limits before booking. The legal maximum height in Oregon is 14 ft (4.27 m). Watch height restrictions in small car parks and multi-storey car parks.
- Reservations: state parks up to six months ahead through Oregon State Parks, Forest Service sites through Recreation.gov. Flexible dates pay off because sites often become free at short notice.
- Weather and season: coastal weather changes quickly; summer is mostly 15–20 °C with fog, autumn until November is often calm, and winter brings storms and heavy rain. Sneaker waves and driftwood at high tide are a risk all year round.
- Traffic law for travellers: a right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign forbids it; at junctions with stop signs, the order of arrival applies. Phones at the wheel only hands-free, and open alcohol containers in the vehicle are prohibited. A German driving licence is sufficient for tourists.
- Campsite rules: many state parks limit the length of stay (often 14 nights), quiet hours are usually 10 pm to 6 am, and fires are allowed only in the fire rings. When booking, pay attention to vehicle and trailer length.
- Emergency: 911; mobile reception drops out along some coastal sections and inland. Never underestimate tides, driftwood and sneaker waves; heed the tsunami evacuation signs on the coast.
CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist
- Levelling ramps level 2–3 – state park sites are often slightly sloping, and dune car parks are soft.
- Rain jacket, warm layers and windproofing: coastal wind and fog make summer cool, with 8–12 °C at night.
- A tide app or table for tide pools, Haystack Rock, Thor’s Well and beach walks.
- Binoculars for grey whales, sea lions, puffins and seabirds at the viewpoints.
- Offline maps and printed reservations – there is often no reception on coastal stretches and in the forests.
- Small change and dollar bills for showers and dump stations, plus a drinking-water-grade fresh water hose.
As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go.
