Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area
Otter Rock, OR
A collapsed sea cave where waves churn into a rock bowl, best at high tide and in winter storms. At low tide you can walk into it from the beach below and look at tide pools.
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area is a stretch of coast at Otter Rock on the central Oregon coast, about 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Newport. Its highlight is a bowl-shaped, hollow rock formation into which the surf thunders during winter storms. It likely formed when the roofs of two sea caves collapsed and the waves shaped what remained; because the bowl is partly open to the Pacific, strong currents can develop in the water.
Tide pools lie on the north side of the Punchbowl, and the spot is a popular whale-watching site. A footpath and steps down to the beach were built as early as the 1930s; a tide table helps with planning. For road trippers, note that parking is limited and allowed only in marked stalls. A day-use parking permit is required and available on site.
- Nearest town
- Otter Rock, OR
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.7465, -124.0645
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Boiler Bay RV ParkMotorhome stopover6 mi from Devils Punchbowl State Natural AreaMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Sea and Sand RV ParkMotorhome stopover8 mi from Devils Punchbowl State Natural AreaMotorhomesWi-Fi
- South Beach State Park CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area · 287 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowers
- Premier RV ResortMotorhome stopover13 mi from Devils Punchbowl State Natural AreaMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Devil's Lake State Park CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Devils Punchbowl State Natural AreaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Devil's Lake RV ParkMotorhome stopover17 mi from Devils Punchbowl State Natural AreaMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area?
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area is in Otter Rock, OR, at GPS 44.7465, -124.0645. It is about 8 mi from Newport.
Can you camp near Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hiker/Biker, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 43 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area?
Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oregon’s capes: Three Capes Route to Cape Perpetua.
What is there to see near Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area?
Places worth a stop nearby: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (5 mi), Thor’s Well (32 mi), Cape Kiwanda (33 mi) and Cape Lookout Trail (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)