Lincoln City, Oregon, on the Pacific Coast of the United States, has a consistent temperate climate and is centrally located amid a wide range of coastal forests and dunes, freshwater lakes and sandy beaches with campgrounds. Two hours from Portland and one hour from Oregon's capital city of Salem, Lincoln City is a small town of less than 8,000 people formed in1965 by combining five surrounding cities and unincorporated areas. The rugged coastal scenery, Pacific Ocean and mild climate draw campers and outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, fishing, boating, nature tours, beaches and state parks.
RV Parks
Many campgrounds near Lincoln City include RV campgrounds in parks with convenient facilities. Hebo Lake Campground in Siuslaw National Forest is 27 miles from Lincoln City, open year-round, pet-friendly and hosts events like Jellyfish Jubilee and Oregon Lavender Daze Festival. Several other RV parks are in Newport, 22 miles from Lincoln City, Toledo, within 29 miles of Lincoln City, and Valley Junction, 30 miles from Lincoln City. Many of Oregon's state park campgrounds accommodate RV camping.
State Parks
State parks in Oregon near Lincoln City include Devils Lake State Park, Roads End State Park and D River State Park. State park campgrounds recommend making reservations during peak camping season between May 1 and the end of September. Devils Lake State Park is minutes from downtown Lincoln City and close to Oregon's largest mall. The park offers tent, RV and cabin camping, plus nature programs and guided kayak tours. Roads End State Park is north of Lincoln City and attracts picnickers and beach-combers to its secluded beaches. D River State Park has the shortest river in the world, D River, which runs from Devils Lake 120 feet into the ocean.
National Parks
Suislaw National Forest has more than 600,000 acres that run through six Oregon counties. The forest has marine shores, dunes, tide pools, mountains, rivers, spruce, hemlock and fir forests and offers fishing, hiking, horseback riding, biking and camping in awe-inspiring natural areas. Suislaw National Forest has almost 40 campgrounds, some of which are in a nation-wide camping reservation system.
Beach Camping
Many beautiful coastal beaches line the seven-mile stretch along the Pacific Ocean side of Lincoln City and the surrounding communities. Beach combing, kite flying, exploring tide pools, watching shoreline wildlife, sunset and sunrise hiking and running are just some of the numerous outdoor activities for campers and visitors. Beverly Beach State Park in nearby Newport is one of the beaches that offer tent and RV camping. It has a sheltered beachfront campground with a visitor information center, walking trails, waterways, children's playground, picnic area and meeting hall, all close to local attractions, such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
TeePees and Yurts
Campers without tents or RVs, large groups and those looking for an outdoor experience without the work and deprivation of traditional camping will find teepees and yurts for rent along Oregon's coastline. These structures provide semi-permanent shelters. A yurt is a dome-shaped tent with a plywood floor, electricity and walls secured by stronger poles or posts than normal tents. Teepees are leather or heavy canvas covering an arrangement of sturdy poles. Renting yurts or teepees in Oregon's coastal areas is a good alternative camping method that leaves more time to enjoy the wild Pacific Ocean side of the state.
References
- "Camping Oregon: The Complete Guide to Public Campgrounds for RVs and Tents"; Judy Jewell; 2001
- "Insider's Guide to the Oregon Coast 4th Edition;" Lizann Dunegan; 2009 The U.S.A. Comprehensive Public Camping Guide (Lower 48), Vol. 1: Washington, Oregon"; Jeanne Bowerman; 2002
- Lincoln City on the Central Oregon Coast: Lodging and Packages
- Oregon.gov: Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department
- "Moon Spotlight Oregon Coast Camping & Hiking;" Tom Sienstra and Sean Patrick Hill; 2010
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