Family vacations can be a great time to bond and create memories. One of the most economical ways to travel and enjoy the great outdoors is to tent camp. If you happen to travel the Oregon coastline, there are many State Park campsite options. Oregon boosts fifty-two tent campsites, many you will find along the picturesque coastline.
Whether you travel by personal vehicle, motorbike or touring the coastline by bicycle, you are sure to see some wonderful ocean views along your way. When it is time to pull off and set up camp to rest, there are two parks you may find enjoyable.
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
Found just over three hours from Portland, if you take the I-5 freeway to the OR 38 West then head south on the 101 Hwy, is the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance and are not required, but highly recommended. The site fee is a very affordable $19 per night. For the last-minute traveler, the campsites are first come, first serve. There are twenty-three tent sites all with water nearby. Facilities include showers with hot water and flushing toilets.
Nearby activities include trails for hiking, a stocked lake for fishing and, of course, the lighthouse itself. The park is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The dunes are open to off-road enthusiasts, and you can rent ATVs in the nearby Winchester Bay area.
Humbug Mountain State Park
Just about an hour and a half south on the 101 from Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, you will find Humbug Mountain State Park. This park boasts fifty-six tent sites with water nearby. Facilities have flushing toilets and hot water. Firewood is available for sale for those looking to enjoy a nice roaring fire and a few gooey s'mores.
Campers can also enjoy hiking to the summit of Humbug Mountain. There are two routes to choose from to reach the top and enjoy one of Oregon’s highest headlands: Hike the Humbug Mountain Trail by foot or take a beautiful mile and a half drive to the top loop of the mountain.
Visitors to the park may also like fishing, beach exploring, windsurfing and scuba diving. In the evening, July through Labor Day, you can participate in Junior Ranger activities and educational presentations with the little ones.
The area is heavily wooded and filled to the brim with flora and fauna to discover and admire, as well as, the beaches and surf. When visiting Oregon make it a point to visit the coastline and explore what the Pacific has to offer.
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