Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

4.43

87 reviews

93111 HIGHWAY 101 NORTH, FLORENCE, Oregon, 97439, United States

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

797 ft

Price

$8 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

797 ft

Price

$8 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

$8.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite fees range between $8 for hiker/biker camps and $45 for sites with power and sewer hookups. Extra vehicles are charged $7 per night.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$45.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$8.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 87 reviews

474 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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reservationcell service

"User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, cleanliness, and variety of activities. While most users praise the serene environment and well-maintained facilities, some complaints include poor cell service and issues with the reservation system."

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Campground Map

93111 HIGHWAY 101 NORTH, FLORENCE, Oregon, 97439, United States

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

93111 HIGHWAY 101 NORTH, FLORENCE, Oregon, 97439, United States

Driving directionsOn Hwy 101, at milepost 176, 13 miles north of Florence, 12 miles south of Yachats. Entrance of overnight camp located on eastside of Hwy 101. Well signed.

The campground is well signed and accessible directly from Hwy 101. Entrance is on the east side, with clear signage indicating the location.

Nearby places

Florence - 13 miles south (approximately 20 minutes drive), Yachats - 12 miles north (approximately 20 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Florence, located 13 miles south, offers grocery stores, camping supply shops, and fuel stations. Waldport, approximately 20 miles north, is another option for supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

The Oregon coast's moody weather adds drama to every camping experience at Washburne. Winter transforms the park into a rain-soaked wonderland, where storms roll in from the Pacific with impressive power and beauty. Summer brings gentler days with temperatures hovering between a refreshing 50°F and comfortable 65°F – perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. Ocean breezes can pick up unexpectedly, carrying the salt-tinged air through your campsite and reminding you that the wild Pacific is never far away. Pack layers and rain gear year-round to fully embrace the authentic coastal experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best beach weather and full trail access; reviews note summer popularity and crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Moody coastal weather, fewer crowds, and dramatic storm/sea views in fall.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Quieter shoulder season with good hiking and scenic growth; tent sites may be limited seasonally.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 5% in OR

Open year-round and described as 'rejuvenating' in winter, though rainy and stormy.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates unspecified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, although tent sites close seasonally from October to April.
Current Alerts: As of Dec 6, 2023, the B loop is closed due to road collapse from heavy rainfall. No estimated repair date has been provided.

About Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

Nestled between the roaring Pacific and ancient coastal forests, Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park beckons adventurers with its perfectly balanced blend of wilderness and comfort. This pristine campground serves as your gateway to Oregon's dramatic coastline, where moss-draped trails wind through towering evergreens before spilling onto windswept beaches. Whether you're seeking a full-hookup RV spot, a secluded tent site, or the unique charm of a Pacific Northwest yurt, you'll find yourself immersed in nature's symphony. Just moments away, the iconic Heceta Head lighthouse stands sentinel over the coast, while the campground itself maintains that rare combination of accessibility and tranquility that seasoned campers treasure.

This campground accommodates a range of camping preferences from tent sites to full-hookup RV sites and yurts.

Historical SignificanceWhile the stories of this land stretch back through countless generations, the park's recorded history awaits discovery by curious visitors exploring the surrounding region's rich heritage.

Weather and SeasonsThe Oregon coast's moody weather adds drama to every camping experience at Washburne. Winter transforms the park into a rain-soaked wonderland, where storms roll in from the Pacific with impressive power and beauty. Summer brings gentler days with temperatures hovering between a refreshing 50°F and comfortable 65°F – perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. Ocean breezes can pick up unexpectedly, carrying the salt-tinged air through your campsite and reminding you that the wild Pacific is never far away. Pack layers and rain gear year-round to fully embrace the authentic coastal experience.

ElevationThe campground rests at sea level, where the rhythmic pulse of ocean waves provides a natural soundtrack to your stay.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an emerald cathedral where ancient Sitka spruces and Douglas firs create a living canopy overhead, their branches heavy with moss that glows electric green in filtered sunlight. The forest floor carpets your path with ferns and sorrel as trails meander between campsite and coastline. When you emerge from this verdant tunnel, the Pacific Ocean stretches endlessly before you – its sandy shores offering everything from meditative morning walks to dramatic storm watching. This is where the raw power of the ocean meets the serene shelter of the coastal rainforest, creating a landscape that captures the very essence of the Pacific Northwest.

Geological RegionPerched on Oregon's legendary coast, the campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the Cascade Range meets the Pacific Plate. This dynamic landscape showcases millions of years of volcanic activity, tectonic shifts, and relentless ocean sculpting. The result is a dramatic coastline where sea stacks rise from churning waters, tide pools teem with life, and beaches alternate between smooth sand and weathered rock formations – all backed by the lush temperate rainforest that defines this enchanting stretch of the Pacific Coast.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay unspecified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, including A, B, C, and Yurts. The B loop is currently closed due to road damage.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are mandatory and can be made through Oregon State Parks' website or hotline.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates primarily on a reservation-only basis, with no walk-up availability noted.

Cancellation PolicyStrict cancellation policy. As noted in reviews, reservations are non-refundable even for emergencies.

AccessibilityThe campground provides ADA-compliant campsites. Site 30 is designated as an ADA-standard site with electrical and water hookups.

Site SizeSite sizes vary considerably, with maximum equipment lengths ranging from 20 to 51 feet.

PrivacyThe degree of privacy varies, with many sites described as private and well-shaded. One user mentioned, 'Spacious, clean, well-run campground with good privacy between campsites.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesTent sites are described as private and quiet with mossy ground. Sites in the A loop generally offer full hookups, while the B loop is currently closed.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, beach walking, and exploring nearby attractions like the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

HikingHiking options include trails leading to the Heceta Head Lighthouse and Hobbit Beach. Though partially challenging, these trails offer stunning views. One reviewer recommended the beach trail for its ease compared to the 400-foot elevation change on the Hobbit Trail.

BikingThe campground features bike-friendly areas, and one review notes, 'Great campsites w/ electric, free clean showers, nice little bike ride to the beach!'

Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting is common, and one reviewer mentioned the absence of raccoons as a unique feature of this park compared to others.

Beach activitiesThe beach near the campground is described as scenic and expansive. One user noted, 'Beautiful stretch of sandy beach on the Oregon coast' with easy access via a trail.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include toxic rhododendron leaves, raccoons stealing food, and windy beach conditions. No bear sightings noted in recent reviews.

Active AlertsAs of Dec 6, 2023, the B loop is closed due to road collapse from heavy rainfall. No estimated repair date has been provided.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, but users should adhere to seasonal fire bans and use designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced but exact times are unspecified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Florence, approximately 13 miles south. Specific details about hospitals and police stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling station is available on-site, and campers are encouraged to manage waste responsibly.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near a creek and offers direct trail access to a sandy beach.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described as friendly and helpful, offering services such as firewood sales.

Weather at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

Reviews

4.4

87 reviews

Recommended

Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's privacy, cleanliness, and variety of activities. While most users praise the serene environment and well-maintained facilities, some complaints include poor cell service and issues with the reservation system.

Review Summaries

Based on 87 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews emphasize clean facilities, scenic beauty, and easy beach access. One user noted, 'Beautiful campground with direct beach access. Well kept.' Another mentioned, 'Easy, short drive to...

Based on 87 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns include poor cell phone service and a reservation-only system that some found inconvenient. One user criticized the park for its 'non-compliant sewer drains,' making RV use...

Based on 87 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing an appropriate sewer connector for RVs, using food safes to prevent wildlife interference, and exploring the trails to the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Based on 87 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention crowded conditions, while off-season reviews highlight the tranquility. Winter camping was described as 'rejuvenating' due to fewer visitors and quieter surroundings.

Based on 87 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The tent sites are still hard to get into but if you book well ahead of time you can get a yurt.' - User 'The campground was clean and quiet. Flush toilets and showers available.' - User 'No cell...

Based on 87 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 40 is near the beach trail but offers a nice backyard space. Site 58 in B loop was noted for its short length and difficult backing angle. Site 41 had several toxic rhododendron leaves.

Based on 87 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground includes ADA-compliant sites such as Site 30, equipped with water and electrical hookups. Accessibility for trails or facilities is not specifically detailed in reviews.

Based on 87 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Users noted that pets are allowed, but some complained about unleashed dogs on the beach. One pet owner wrote, 'Nobody had their dogs on a leash especially when some of them weren’t friendly.'

Based on 87 reviews

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