Nehalem Bay State Park

4.35

136 reviews

34600 Garey St, NEHALEM, Oregon, 97131, United States

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

26 ft

Price

$31 - $86/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

265 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

26 ft

Price

$31 - $86/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

265 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Oregon State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Nehalem Bay State Park

$31.00 - $86.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on site type and season. For example, tent/RV sites are $31 during winter, while premium sites can go up to $86 for a weekend stay.

Standard Site Fee$31.00

Hookup Site Fee$36.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$5.00

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Reserve America

Provider

5038120650

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 136 reviews

1857 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive for the park's amenities, cleanliness, and family-friendly environment. However, issues such as lack of privacy, crowded conditions during peak times, and occasional maintenance concerns were noted."

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Campground Map

34600 Garey St, NEHALEM, Oregon, 97131, United States

Nehalem Bay State Park

34600 Garey St, NEHALEM, Oregon, 97131, United States

Driving directionsLocated between Manzanita and Nehalem off Highway 101 on Necarney City Road.

Access to the campground is straightforward via Highway 101, Necarney City Road. The roads are paved and accessible year-round, with some loops being first-come-first-served during specific off-season periods.

Nearby places

Manzanita (~2 miles, ~5 minutes), Cannon Beach (~25 miles, ~30 minutes), Tillamook (~30 miles, ~40 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping essentials can be found in Manzanita (~2 miles) and Tillamook (~30 miles). A general recommendation is to shop before arriving for major supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Nehalem Bay State Park

The Pacific Northwest's moody skies paint an ever-changing canvas above Nehalem Bay throughout the year. Summer brings gentle warmth perfect for beachcombing, though coastal breezes remind you that you're at the ocean's edge—pack that extra layer. When winter storms roll in, the campground transforms into a dramatic retreat where you can cozy up in your RV while rain drums overhead and waves crash in the distance. Year-round camping means witnessing nature's full seasonal symphony, from misty morning fog to brilliant sunset skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm beach days and peak activities; reviewers call summers crowded but enjoyable.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 3% in OR

Shoulder season noted for fewer crowds; September swimming and quieter beach access.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers changing coastal weather and activities; milder crowds than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Year-round open but colder, rainier, and some loops shift to first-come; requires prep.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months; typically May through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round with seasonal shift from reservable to first-come-first-served (Nov 1 - Apr 30 for loops E and F).
Current Alerts: Loop F restrooms closed for maintenance. Entire campground closure planned from Nov 1, 2024, to July 2025 for upgrades.

About Nehalem Bay State Park

Nestled where the Nehalem River meets the Pacific Ocean, Nehalem Bay State Park beckons adventurers with 265 electrical sites tucked among windswept shore pines and coastal meadows. This expansive Oregon coastal gem offers something for every traveler—from cozy yurts (including 9 where your four-legged companions are welcome) to unique fly-in camping for pilots touching down at the adjacent airstrip. With hot showers to warm you after beach walks, dedicated horse camps for equestrian explorers, and welcoming hiker/biker sites for those arriving on two wheels or two feet, this park serves as your gateway to Oregon's stunning coastline.

Nehalem Bay State Park offers diverse camping options, including RV sites, tent sites, yurts, and a dedicated horse camp. Loops A-D are reservable, while loops E and F operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the off-season.

Weather and SeasonsThe Pacific Northwest's moody skies paint an ever-changing canvas above Nehalem Bay throughout the year. Summer brings gentle warmth perfect for beachcombing, though coastal breezes remind you that you're at the ocean's edge—pack that extra layer. When winter storms roll in, the campground transforms into a dramatic retreat where you can cozy up in your RV while rain drums overhead and waves crash in the distance. Year-round camping means witnessing nature's full seasonal symphony, from misty morning fog to brilliant sunset skies.

ElevationPerched at sea level where river delta meets ocean shore, the campground rests on ancient coastal terraces shaped by millennia of tides and time.

Natural Features and SceneryFour miles of pristine sandy beach stretch beyond towering grass-crowned dunes, while behind the campground, a sheltering forest of shore pine and Sitka spruce creates intimate camping spaces. Morning mist often reveals Roosevelt elk grazing in nearby meadows, while black-tailed deer browse quietly through campsites at dusk. The convergence of river, ocean, forest, and dune creates a remarkably diverse ecosystem where sandpipers skitter along the tide line, osprey dive for fish in the bay, and harbor seals bob curiously offshore.

Geological RegionThis dynamic coastal landscape showcases the raw power of Pacific forces, where wind-sculpted dunes march inland, ancient marine terraces tell stories of changing sea levels, and the Nehalem River has carved its patient path through Coast Range sediments to create a protected bay. The interplay of sand, forest, and water creates one of Oregon's most accessible yet wild coastal environments.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit not explicitly stated

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles per site
additional vehicles allowed for nightly fees but must park in designated areas.

Groups

No specific group sites or their capacities were detailed in the data.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutLoops A, B, C, D are reservable year-round, while E and F are first-come-first-served during specific months.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveAmerica.

Walk-in AvailabilityLoops E and F are first-come-first-served during November 1 - April 30.

Cancellation PolicyReservation changes and cancellations details available on the Oregon State Parks website. Specific rules not highlighted in the source.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible restrooms and showers. One user noted staying in a designated handicapped spot but expressed dissatisfaction with some interactions with camp hosts.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, RVs, and larger rigs. Specific reviews mention sites as "spacious," such as site B4, and "roomy," capable of fitting multiple vehicles and equipment.

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly by site. Many users noted that sites are closely packed, with limited vegetation between them, leading to a lack of privacy. Comments like "sites lacked privacy and were small" and "campground was great for families but not my kind of place as there was really no privacy" highlight this issue.

Total Campsites265 campsites

Recommended SitesReviewers suggest Loop A for shade and bathrooms. Sites close to playgrounds in Loop B are recommended for families.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Nehalem Bay State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities, catering to families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Activities include hiking, biking, clamming, crabbing, horseback riding, and beachcombing. A 2-mile loop trail is available for walking and biking, with additional access to the bay and beach.

HikingThe park features a 2-mile loop trail accessible for both hiking and biking. Reviewers frequently mentioned this trail as a highlight, describing it as "easily accessible" and "a nice 2-mile loop through the forest for bikes or by foot."

FishingFishing and crabbing are popular activities in the area. One reviewer mentioned launching a boat from the park to go crabbing, while another noted the abundance of clams.

BikingBiking is a prominent activity at the park, with trails suitable for riders of all levels. Many reviewers noted the 2-mile loop trail and the fun kids had riding bikes around the campground.

BoatingThe park provides a boat ramp for access to Nehalem Bay. One review noted that the bay is ideal for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to various wildlife, including deer and elk, which are frequently seen wandering through campsites. Reviewers described encounters with deer as a memorable part of the experience.

Beach activitiesBeach activities include walking, sunbathing, and clam digging. The beach, described as "spectacular," is a short walk from the campground and features soft sand and stunning sunsets.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWind is a notable hazard, especially during winter and spring. Wildlife (deer and elk) roam freely.

Active AlertsLoop F restrooms closed for maintenance. Entire campground closure planned from Nov 1, 2024, to July 2025 for upgrades.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted. Firewood available for purchase at $5.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced but not always respected according to reviews.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station contact: 5038120650. Medical services are likely available at nearby clinics or hospitals in Tillamook (~30 miles).

Trash & RecyclingCentralized trash and recycling facilities are available, with specific locations mentioned near the exit. Users appreciated the recycling options but noted the need to drive to these centralized areas.

Water FeaturesLocated next to the Pacific Ocean with multiple beach access points. Bay access for clamming and crabbing.

Camp HostMixed reviews on camp hosts, some being unwelcoming or overly strict. Generally helpful state park rangers.

Weather at Nehalem Bay State Park

Reviews

4.4

136 reviews

Recommended

Nehalem Bay State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive for the park's amenities, cleanliness, and family-friendly environment. However, issues such as lack of privacy, crowded conditions during peak times, and occasional maintenance concerns were noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 136 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the park's proximity to the beach, clean facilities, and variety of activities. Specific comments include "The campground is within walking distance to the beach," and "The...

Based on 136 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints involve the lack of privacy at campsites, crowded conditions, and occasional issues with camp hosts or maintenance. One reviewer stated, "The sites lacked privacy and were small,"...

Based on 136 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring warm clothing as the weather can be windy and cool. Book early during peak seasons to secure a spot, especially for yurts and RV sites. Consider sites in loop A for extra shade and privacy.

Based on 136 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer experiences are described as crowded but enjoyable, with activities for families and children. Winter brings fewer crowds but requires preparation for colder weather and potential rain.

Based on 136 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The BEST place that we stayed during our RV road trip!" - Naomi Cockburn. "Clean washrooms and showers… and free hot showers with good water pressure!" - Anne-Gigi Chan.

Based on 136 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site B4 is noted for its proximity to the playground and amenities, with ample space for vehicles and tents. Loop A is praised for extra shade and well-maintained facilities.

Based on 136 reviews

Accessibility Features

One disabled veteran noted the availability of designated handicapped spots but expressed dissatisfaction with camp host interactions. General reviews indicate accessible restrooms and showers.

Based on 136 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is highly dog-friendly, with many campers bringing pets. Specific areas restrict pets during certain seasons to protect nesting birds.

Based on 136 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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