How much does camping cost at Nehalem Bay State Park?

Camping fees at Nehalem Bay State Park range from $31-$86/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Nehalem Bay State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Nehalem Bay State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Nehalem Bay State Park before I book?

Yes! Nehalem Bay State Park has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Nehalem Bay State Park?

Nehalem Bay State Park is open Summer months; typically May through September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Nehalem Bay State Park?

Yes, Nehalem Bay State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Nehalem Bay State Park?

Fire policies at Nehalem Bay State Park: Campfires permitted. Firewood available for purchase at $5.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Nehalem Bay State Park?

Cell phone service at Nehalem Bay State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Nehalem Bay State Park have?

Nehalem Bay State Park has 265 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Nehalem Bay State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Nehalem Bay State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Nehalem Bay State Park?

Nehalem Bay State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Nehalem Bay State Park

4.44

217 reviews

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

Top 22% in ORWinter

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

26 ft

Price

$31 - $86/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

265 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Oregon State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

26 ft

Price

$31 - $86/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

265 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Oregon State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Nehalem Bay State Park

$31.00 - $86.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A $10 per-use fee for dump station access begins March 30, 2026. This fee helps cover the cost of pumping, maintenance, utilities, and required...

Standard Site Fee$31.00

Hookup Site Fee$36.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$5.00

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Provider

5038120650

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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

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.

Weather at Nehalem Bay State Park

Best Time to Camp at Nehalem Bay State Park

Fall delivers the best camping window. September and October bring daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F with crisp mornings, clear skies, and fewer summer fog days. Beaches empty after Labor Day while facilities stay open. Bird migration peaks and seal activity picks up in the bay. Wind can be cold and persistent year-round, so bring layers even in warmer months. Winter storms are dramatic but the campground stays open for RVs that can handle rain and coastal gusts.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Sept–Oct described as best: crisp days, clearer skies and far fewer crowds than summer.

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: The City of Manzanita's Classic Street Connection Project is currently underway. While detours will be posted in the area of Classic Street, we recommend that visitors take Necarney City Road from Hwy 101 when visiting Nehalem Bay State Park. Seasonal beach restrictions are in place March 15 – Sep. 15 on the spit south of the main park day-use area during nesting season for the western snowy plover. Foot and equestrian traffic on wet sand only; all other recreation prohibited.

About Nehalem Bay State Park

Nehalem Bay State Park sits where the Nehalem River meets the Pacific, with 265 sites spread across multiple loops among shore pines and coastal meadows. Fees run $31–86 per night. The campground offers full hookups, clean showers, and easy beach access, though sites are tightly packed with limited privacy between them.

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 SeasonsFall delivers the best camping window. September and October bring daytime highs in the 50s–60s°F with crisp mornings, clear skies, and fewer summer fog days. Beaches empty after Labor Day while facilities stay open. Bird migration peaks and seal activity picks up in the bay. Wind can be cold and persistent year-round, so bring layers even in warmer months. Winter storms are dramatic but the campground stays open for RVs that can handle rain and coastal gusts.

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 sandy beach stretch beyond grass-crowned dunes at 26 feet elevation. Shore pine and Sitka spruce forest the campground area, creating shelter from coastal winds. Roosevelt elk graze in nearby meadows, black-tailed deer browse through campsites at dusk, and harbor seals bob offshore in the bay. The convergence of river, ocean, forest, and dune creates habitat diversity where sandpipers work the tide line and osprey dive for fish.

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.

Scenic Views“The beach was AMAZING,” noted reviewers Kimberly Borst and others. Views of the ocean from the dunes are highly praised.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park offers 18 rustic yurts, with 9 designated as pet-friendly. These yurts have electricity, heat, and futon beds, according to user reviews. One camper noted, "The yurts have electricity and heat," and another stated, "Yurts on the beach...We love camping here."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned in the data.

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 layoutSites are closely packed with minimal vegetation between them. Loops A, B, C, and D take reservations year-round. Loops E and F operate first-come-first-served during specific months. Cell service is strong throughout the campground.

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.

Best CampsitesLoop A sites get extra shade and sit closer to the clean bathrooms. Site B4 is spacious enough for multiple vehicles. Book early during peak season, especially for yurts and full-hookup RV sites.

Need help booking Nehalem Bay State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Work was completed Fall 2025 to add a new restroom and shower building, upgrade existing utilities, improve accessible campsites and repave the park entrance road.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Active AlertsThe City of Manzanita's Classic Street Connection Project is currently underway. While detours will be posted in the area of Classic Street, we recommend that visitors take Necarney City Road from Hwy 101 when visiting Nehalem Bay State Park. Seasonal beach restrictions are in place March 15 – Sep. 15 on the spit south of the main park day-use area during nesting season for the western snowy plover. Foot and equestrian traffic on wet sand only; all other recreation prohibited.

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.

Cell CoverageThe campground's cell phone service is generally strong, making it suitable for remote work. One reviewer mentioned, "It also has great connectivity which makes it a good spot for those who can telecommute."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

217 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 217 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 217 reviews.

Loop ALoved
Loop A is praised for extra shade and well-maintained facilities.
Site B4Mentioned
Site B4 is noted for its proximity to the playground and amenities, with ample space for vehicles and tents.

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 217 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 217 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 217 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 217 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 217 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 217 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 217 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families with bikes will get the most out of this place: the 2-mile loop trail runs right through the campground, the beach is a short walk over the dunes, and Loop A has the best shade. Fall is the sweet spot, quieter crowds and clearer skies than peak summer.

Skip if

Site privacy is genuinely scarce here. Sites are small and tightly packed, and quiet hours don't always hold on summer weekends. Solo campers or couples wanting seclusion will find the density exhausting fast.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.3

(66)

Nehalem Falls Campground

5005 3rd Street, Tillamook, Oregon, 97141, United States

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.