Nehalem Bay State Park spreads along a 4-mile sand spit between Nehalem Bay and the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Nehalem River. Park visitors enjoy playing in the sand, flying kites, and beachcombing for shells and agates. Kayaking, fishing, and crabbing are popular. A 1.8-mile bike path offers wonderful views of the bay. Unique to the park is a 2,440-foot long airstrip.
Nehalem Bay State Park Campground has 265 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents, all with electric and water hook-ups. Many of these campsites are close together. There are also 18 Yurts, 17 primitive Horse Campsites, and a hiker/biker camp. The campground is set amongst a sea of shore pine and borders rolling dunes along the beach. A unique feature of the park are 6 primitive fly-in campsites beside the nearby landing strip for those coming by air.
Reservations are available from 1 day up to 9 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum vehicle length:
60 feet
Check on the reservation website to be sure the campsite you select is large enough for your vehicles.
Wheelchair accessible sites:
None are designated, but some campsites and yurts are accessible along with restrooms, showers, the bike path, and the playground.
Fees:
Standard sites (electric and water hook-ups) - $35 per night1 Yurts - $58 (pet-friendly yurt $68)
Hike/Bike - $8 per person
Horse campsites - $23
Fly-in sites - $11
1Non-Oregon residents pay an additional 25% for sites with hookups
Attractions near Nehalem Bay State Park Campground:
Stroll along the beach looking for shells, agates, and perhaps a glass float. Ride bikes or walk along the 1.8-mile bike path. Watch for deer, elk, coyotes, and birds. Use the seasonal boat docks and the boat ramp on the bay side of the park. Go on a guided horseback ride on the beach with Oregon Beach Rides, located right in the park.
Nehalem Bay State Park Fly-in Campsites
The 6 campsites for those arriving by air are first-come, first-served. Each site provides a space to park an aircraft, a level tent site, fire ring, and picnic table. Piped water is available and there is a port-a-potty. Showers can be found in the main campground.
Nehalem Bay State Park Yurts
Nehalem Bay State Park Campground offers 18 Yurts with electric lights and heating. Each yurt has mattresses for 5 people - a bunkbed that sleeps 3 and a futon for 2. There is no smoking or cooking in Yurts. Some Yurts allow pets. Visitors must bring their own bedding.
Nehalem Bay State Park Horse Camp
The campground provides 17 campsites for those with horses. Each site has a tent pad, fire pit, and picnic table. Toilets and drinking water are available. Also, the sites each have a double stall which will hold 2 horses comfortably, with a maximum of 4 horses. The gated stalls are 10 feet by 11 feet. Makeshift corrals are not allowed. Campsites are separated by trees. Stalls must be cleaned prior to departure. A manure bin is provided. A warm-up corral is found in the day-use area.
Riding is permitted along the entire beach west of the foredune. There are also some good riding trails slightly inland.
Nehalem Bay State Park Horse Camp
Nehalem Bay State Park
Nehalem Bay State Park Campground
Nehalem Bay Area Attractions and Activities
Use the park boat ramp to head out fishing and crabbing in the bay.
Connect to the city trail and head right on into downtown Manzanita.
Enjoy seasonal interpretive programs.
Children ages 6-12 enjoy the Junior Ranger activities.
Visit the natural beauty of Oswald West State Park along the coast north of Nehalem Bay.
Stop in at Hug Point State Recreation Site for scenic beach beauty. Be aware that rising tides can trap walkers exploring the point.
Enjoy the views at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, situated on a headland 200 feet above the ocean. Look for the colony of nesting murres along with bald eagles and peregrine falcons.
Key Nehalem Bay State Park Campground Regulations
Campfires may only be lit in provided fire rings.
Purchase firewood in the park. Collecting firewood is prohibited.
Bicycle riders under the age of 16 must wear helmets.
Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.
There is a 5 MPH speed limit in the campground.
Pets must be kept on leash and attended at all times. At night they must be kept in a vehicle or tent.