Nehalem Falls Campground sits along the Nehalem State Scenic Waterway in Oregon's coast range, about 56 feet above sea level. The 21 sites (tent, RV, and group options) operate first-come-first-served and cost $15-$50 per night. Cell service drops out about 1.5 miles before you arrive.
Nehalem Falls Campground offers a mix of first-come-first-served drive-in and walk-in sites, as well as one reservable group site.
Weather and SeasonsMid-May through September brings the best conditions: daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s, cool mornings in the 50s, and reliable dry weather. This is when you can hike the riverside trails, fish when water levels drop, and photograph the falls without getting soaked. Sites fill early on summer weekends but weekdays stay peaceful. The campground closes in fall and winter when storms and heavy rain make the area unsafe.
ElevationTucked into the gentle folds of Oregon's coastal range, the campground rests at a comfortable elevation where the Nehalem River winds through verdant forest valleys. Here, the terrain creates a natural amphitheater of towering trees and rushing water, offering an accessible wilderness experience without the challenges of high-altitude camping.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where Nehalem River tumbles over dark basalt ledges. The signature waterfall that gives the place its name. Ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock surround the sites. Some spots are right next to the river. The basalt formations are remnants of the coast range's volcanic past, visible in the dark columns and ledges around the falls.
Geological RegionPerched along the renowned Nehalem State Scenic Waterway, this campground showcases the dramatic geological story of Oregon's coast range. Ancient basalt formations frame the signature waterfall, their dark columns and ledges bearing witness to the region's volcanic past. The surrounding old-growth forest of majestic Sitka spruce and western hemlock creates a living museum of Pacific Northwest ecology, while the river corridor carves its patient path through this timeless landscape, revealing layers of natural history with every bend and rapid.
Scenic ViewsCampers can enjoy views of the Nehalem River, Nehalem Falls, and the surrounding old-growth forest.