The Oregon Coast
If you’ve ever dreamed of a coastal road trip with endless ocean views, wind in your hair, and the freedom to stop wherever the scenery calls, the Oregon Coast should be at the top of your bucket list. RVing is one of the best ways to explore it, allowing you to pause, explore and take in the gorgeous scenery that will surround you with 360º views. The Oregon Coast is a landscape of contrasts: long sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and shifting dunes. Public access is available along nearly every mile of shoreline, giving you the freedom to adventure without feeling boxed in.
Road trips are the natural way to experience it. RV travel allows you to take your time, linger at viewpoints, and wake up just steps from the ocean.
The Oregon Coast at a Glance
The Oregon Coast is often divided into three distinct regions, each with its own character and attractions. The North Coast, from Astoria to Tillamook, features historic riverfront towns, iconic sea stacks, and bustling waterfronts. The Central Coast, stretching from Lincoln City to Florence, offers scenic beaches, lighthouses, and forested parks perfect for RV travelers. The South Coast, from Coos Bay to Brookings, is known for dramatic cliffs, rugged shorelines, and a slightly warmer climate, making it a favorite for outdoor adventure and exploring less-traveled stretches of coastline. Each region provides a different way to experience the beauty and diversity of Oregon’s shoreline.
The coast is often divided into three regions, each with its own character. You do not have to see it all in one trip.The coast is often divided into three regions, each with its own character. You do not have to see it all in one trip.
Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon
North Coast
From Astoria to Tillamook, expect iconic lighthouses, historic towns, and tide pools teeming with marine life. Stretching from Astoria to Tillamook, this region features rugged headlands, sandy beaches, historic towns, and frequent ocean viewpoints right off the highway. There are lots of solid campgrounds and state parks along the way, plus fuel, groceries, and places to explore, so it’s easy to take your time and just enjoy the scenery and the cooler coastal weather.
Be sure to stop at:
Haystack Rock – Cannon Beach
Ecola State Park – hiking trails with ocean vistas.
Tillamook Creamery – for cheese and ice cream lovers.
Astoria
Astoria is packed with history, coastal views, great food, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-stop town along the Oregon Coast. From exploring the Astoria Column and waterfront to visiting museums, breweries, and scenic river walks, there’s something for every type of traveler. For a full breakdown of what to see and do, be sure to check out our Astoria Destination Travel Guide.
Central Coast
The Central Coast of Oregon feels like a journey through ever-changing scenery, where rolling sand dunes give way to towering cliffs and wide stretches of beach meet small coastal towns full of history. From the sea lions lounging along the docks in Newport to the dramatic waves crashing against the basalt rocks at Cape Perpetua, this stretch of coastline offers both adventure and quiet moments to slow down and take it all in. Lighthouses stand watch over the shoreline, fresh seafood fills local cafes, and scenic viewpoints invite travelers to pause and soak in the vastness of the Pacific. It’s a place where every turn of the road reveals something new, making it perfect for exploring by RV and creating memories that linger long after the tide rolls out. From Lincoln City to Florence, this stretch is full of sand dunes, forests, and waterways.
Highlights include:
Cape Perpetua – old-growth forest and tide pools.
Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area – RV camping near the lake.
Heceta Head Lighthouse – a haunted lighthouse with dramatic coastal views.
South Coast
The South Coast of Oregon unfolds with a wilder, more dramatic feel, where rugged headlands rise above crashing waves and long stretches of shoreline seem to stretch on forever. Towns like Bandon and Gold Beach offer a blend of coastal history, fresh seafood, and welcoming harbors, while nearby trails lead through forests and along bluffs with sweeping ocean views. Massive sea stacks stand just offshore, shaped by wind and water over time, creating scenes that feel almost otherworldly. As you travel this part of the coast, the rhythm of the ocean sets the pace, inviting you to slow down, explore, and experience the raw beauty that defines southern Oregon’s shoreline.
Highlights include:
Bandon – rock formations and quaint downtown.
Cape Blanco State Park – westernmost point of Oregon with camping.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – dramatic cliffs and sea stacks.
Coastal Towns Worth Visiting
Traveling the Oregon Coast from north to south takes you through a string of memorable coastal towns, each with its own character and attractions. Starting in Astoria, known for its riverfront history and sweeping views of the Columbia River, the journey continues through seaside communities like Cannon Beach with its iconic Haystack Rock, Tillamook with its famous creamery, and Lincoln City and Newport which offer beaches, aquariums, and bustling waterfronts. Farther south, Florence sits near towering dunes and scenic river trails, while Bandon is loved for its dramatic sea stacks and coastal charm. The route wraps up in Brookings, where warmer weather, lush landscapes, and beautiful beaches create a fitting finale to an unforgettable coastal drive.
Key stops include:
Astoria – maritime history with grand views of the Columbia River
Canon Beach – seaside town, known for Haystack Rock
Lincoln City – endless beaches, kites, coastal views
Depoe Bay – world’s smallest harbor, great chance for whale watching
Newport – Oregon Coast Aquarium, historic bayfront.
Florence – dunes, lighthouses, quaint shops.
Bandon – rock formations and art galleries.
Brookings – warm(er) waters, dramatic cliffs, coastal beauty
Support local businesses and take your time walking the streets, sampling food, and chatting with locals.
Astoria / Warrenton KOA
Camping on the Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast offers a wide range of camping options for RVers, from full hookup sites at well-developed state parks to private RV resorts with ocean views and modern amenities. Many campgrounds are located near beaches, scenic viewpoints, and coastal towns, making it easy to explore without long drives. Travelers can find everything from pull-through sites for larger rigs to quieter forested spots that still sit close to the shoreline. With popular locations filling up fast in peak season, planning ahead can help secure some of the best coastal stays.
North Coast
Astoria
Central Coast
Lincoln City
Depoe Bay
Boiler Bay RV Park (10-year Rule)
Newport
Florence
South Coast
I haven’t personally explored the South Coast of the Oregon Coast in over 20 years, so I don’t have any specific campground recommendations for that area just yet. In general, sticking with Oregon State Parks or KOA campgrounds is usually a solid option for RVers, as they tend to be well maintained and in great locations. Of course, doing a bit of your own research can help you find spots that best fit your travel style and rig size.
Making Reservations Without Stress
Camping along the Oregon Coast offers travelers front-row access to sweeping ocean views, cool sea breezes, and some of the most scenic public campgrounds in the country. Many state parks sit just steps from the beach and provide well-maintained sites, walking trails, and easy access to coastal towns. From forested areas near towering cliffs to open beachfront parks where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves, the coast makes it easy to explore while staying close to nature. Reservations are highly recommended during summer months, as these popular spots tend to fill up quickly.
Oregon State Parks use an online reservation system. Popular sites book months in advance for summer. If you’re looking and a campground is full, try setting an alert with our friends and sponsors over at Camper Alerts.
Tips for stress-free booking:
Book early for peak season.
Consider shoulder seasons or mid-week stays for flexibility.
Keep a few backup options in mind.
The OR State Parks reservation system is on a rolling 6 month calendar
When should you go?
The coast is a year-round destination, each season offering something different:
Spring: Green and quiet, weather can be unpredictable.
Summer: Warm and sunny, busiest season, make reservations early.
Fall: Fewer crowds, mild weather, locals’ favorite.
Winter: Stormy skies, dramatic waves, solitude, perfect for reflection and photography.
No time is bad, but setting expectations for weather and crowds will help you enjoy every stop. If you are kid-free my absolute favorite time to visit is September after Labor Day Weekend as families will be just getting back into school routines, the crowds will be less and the weather will be perfect; mid-70s and sunny during the day with cool temperatures at night perfect for a campfire.
Highway 101 – Travel Reality
Distances along Highway 101 may look short on a map, but slow traffic, stopovers, and scenic pullouts make each mile an experience. Plan fewer miles and fuller days for a more rewarding trip. Slow travel gives you time for hikes, impromptu photo stops, and wandering through coastal towns.
Coastal highway connections to Interstate 5 routes
While much of the Oregon Coast is driven along Highway 101, there are several RV friendly routes that make it easy to head back inland toward Interstate 5. From the north, Highway 26 is one of the most popular options, connecting the coast near Seaside and Cannon Beach directly to Portland with wide lanes and steady grades that work well for larger rigs. Farther south, Highway 18 runs from Lincoln City through the Willamette Valley to Salem, offering another smooth and well traveled route. Highway 20 near Newport is also commonly used by RVers, stretching east through Corvallis and providing a direct path back to I-5.
On the southern half of the coast, Highway 38 from Reedsport leads inland to Drain and connects with I-5, while Highway 42 from Coos Bay heads toward Roseburg with manageable curves and frequent pullouts. These highways are regularly used by commercial traffic and RVers alike, making them some of the safest and most practical ways to transition from the coastline back to the interstate system. As always, checking road conditions and weather before heading inland is a smart move, especially during winter months.
Common Oregon Coast RV Mistakes
Trying to see everything in one trip.
Underestimating wind, rain, or fog.
Overplanning every hour.
Forgetting to enjoy the moment at each stop.
Slow travel is all about taking the time to fully experience a place instead of rushing from one destination to the next. It allows you to connect more deeply with the local culture, enjoy the scenery, and create meaningful memories. By slowing down, you can appreciate the little details that make a trip truly unforgettable.
Summary
The Oregon Coast is a place that feels alive at every turn, where dramatic cliffs, endless beaches, and towering forests create a backdrop that invites exploration. Each town along Highway 101 offers its own experiences, from the historic riverfront of Astoria to the sea stacks of Bandon and the sun-warmed shores of Brookings. Traveling this coastline is as much about the journey as the destinations—you can watch the tide roll in, hike along the trails, or pause to take in the sound of waves against the rocks.
For RVers and road trippers, the Oregon Coast provides a perfect mix of adventure and accessibility. State parks and campgrounds line the shoreline, giving you a front-row view of sunrises over the Pacific, wildlife encounters, and coastal towns full of fresh seafood, local shops, and scenic viewpoints. Each visit offers moments of quiet awe and the chance to explore at your own pace. The Oregon Coast is a destination that stays with you, inspiring curiosity and creating memories that linger long after the journey ends.
The Oregon Coast rewards curiosity and patience. Each trip looks different, and that is the point. You do not conquer the coast; you experience it. Wake up to the ocean, follow the roads that call to you, and let the scenery, towns, and wildlife shape your adventure.
Looking to save a few bucks on an Oregon Coast trip, go listen to our podcast (EP76): The Oregon Coast on a Shoestring
For more maps, travel tips, and campground listings, visit Travel Oregon
