Two couples on a honeymoon traveled by horseback in 1837 from Oregon's Willamette Valley to the coast where they bathed in the surf, enjoyed clam and fish bakes and wrote in their journals that the sun and salt air improved their health. They were the first recorded tourists in what would eventually become one of the state's most popular resort towns, Lincoln City. It is still possible to camp in Lincoln City and enjoy the coastal beauty that pleased its first tourists.
Benefits of Camping Near Lincoln City
Lincoln City has a population of 8,000 and is growing partly because it is attracting retirees. Campers may discover that it is possible to have the best of both worlds---wild shoreline and municipal amenities such as restaurants, concerts, museums and a skateboard park---while pitching a tent or staying overnight in a rustic yurt in nearby state parks.
Devil's Lake State Recreation Area
Oregon.gov says that Devil's Lake State Recreation Area is "mere minutes away" from downtown Lincoln City. So it's possible to go canoeing or kayaking in the morning and shopping in the afternoon. The recreation area offers two-hour, summer kayak tours at a bargain price. Tour guides talk about the history and ecology of the lake, which is a great place for watching bald eagles, cormorants and ducks. Fees for camping are moderate and include restrooms and showers. Be aware that it is a popular place. As Oregon.gov notes, all kinds of "watercraft" share the lake.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
While Devil's Lake is just north of Lincoln City, Beverly Beach State Park is nine miles south. Beverly Beach is close to one of the central coast's star attractions, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, which is six miles south of the park in Newport. Although the aquarium particularly focuses on Oregon coast wildlife, including playful sea otters, it recently opened its Swampland exhibit about imperiled wetlands around the world.
Beverly Beach State Park
Long expanses of sandy shore make kite flying a popular activity at both Devil's Lake and Beverly Beach. Oregon.gov says that one popular aspect of the "forest sheltered" Beverly Beach campground on Spencer Creek is its "well-known walkway" under the highway to the beach. Tourists like to visit that stretch of coast to see Yaquina Head Lighthouse to the south and the Otter Rock headlands to the north. In addition to restrooms, the campsites are close to a playground and a visitor center.
Rates and Reservations
Tent site fees at both campgrounds are slightly more expensive during the summer months than on stays from October to April. Yurts---round tent houses complete with simple furniture such as futons---are available at both sites and cost an additional fee per day year-round. Reservations may be made from two days to nine months in advance of the first night's stay. Oregon.gov says to bring your confirmation letter for faster check-in and to remember that a site fee only covers one vehicle.
Sand Castle Country
The Oregon coast is sand castle country and is particularly well known for its famous Cannon Beach sand castle competition further north. Building castles is a popular, relaxing activity for all ages, so don't forget to bring a bucket and shovels.
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