- Bandon, Oregon is a city that highlights the great outdoors. And with that, you can enjoy several thrilling outdoor activities.
- Common outdoor activities here include surfing, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, golf, wildlife viewing, and storm watching.
- For an all-in-one thrilling outdoor experience, try camping!
- Bandon, Oregon has several camping sites, each with its own unique features and amenities.
- For equestrian campers, Bullards Beach State Park features a horse camp with access to the beach and dunes.
- For excellent vistas of pristine sandy beaches flanked by towering sea cliffs, visit the Sunset Bay State Park. Choose from the following types of lodging: tents, RVs, and yurts.
- For majestic views of Humbug Mountain and its vast forested hills, go to Humbug Mountain State Park. Visitors also enjoy windsurfing and scuba diving here.
- For the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, there’s Robbin’s Nest RV Park. Its features include expansive RV sites and pull-thru sites, a spacious clubhouse, cable TV, Wi-Fi, heated restrooms with hot showers, and more.
- For a bit of history mixed in with nature trails and a view of the rugged coastline, camp at Cape Blanco State Park. It is home to Cape Blanco Lighthouse and the Historic Hughes House, both of which are included in the National Register of Historic Places.
- For other outdoor activities in the Bandon area, you may engage in biking, sport fishing, golf, and birding.
- Camping along the Oregon coast can be an unforgettable experience if you observe safety precautions.
- Do you want Bandon, Oregon to be your next home? Connect with us today to explore your real estate options.
Countless visitors and outdoor lovers are drawn to the Southern Oregon Coast every year due to its mild climate, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable recreational opportunities.
One particular place that stands out is the city of Bandon, Oregon, where attractions are always open and in season. Nestled on the mouth of the Coquille River and shaped by spectacular ocean vistas, lush woodlands, and wild streams, this is a city that highlights the great outdoors.
Living in Bandon, Oregon gives you access to a myriad of activities including surfing, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, golf, wildlife viewing, storm watching, and many more.
Camping in Bandon
One of the best things to do in Bandon, Oregon however, is camping. Whether you’re looking for a site steps away from the beach, a pet-friendly campground, a glamping venue with luxurious amenities, or one with easy access to a network of hiking and biking trails, there’s an amazing selection of camping locations to choose from in and around Bandon.
Those looking forward to spending time out in nature can visit numerous state and county parks featuring campgrounds, all within 35 miles from the city. Most of the campgrounds are open year-round, thanks to the mild South Coast climate.
Ready for an incredible outdoor adventure? You’ve come to the right place! This section will tell you all you need to know about camping in Bandon. We’ll take a closer look at some of the best campgrounds and Bandon, Oregon RV parks, and give you a few helpful tips that can make your camping trip an unforgettable experience.
Camping sites in Bandon
Bullards Beach State Park
Phone: 541.347.2209
The sprawling Bullards Beach State Park is a family-friendly park just two miles north of Bandon. The park’s campground is situated in a prime location surrounded by shore pines that shield it from the strong breeze blowing from the ocean. There are three loops of campsites, all of which feature onsite electrical and water hookups. There are also 13 yurts within the campground, six of which can be used by pet owners.
For equestrian campers, Bullards Beach also features a horse camp which has access to the beach and dunes. There’s also a refurbished camp for hikers and bikers equipped with amenities such as solar powered USB charging ports and storage lockers. The park is also known for providing top-notch fishing and crabbing opportunities – its boat launch facilities along the Coquille River are always busy, especially during the summer and fall months.
Sunset Bay State Park
Phone: 541.888.3778
Nestled in one of the most picturesque locations on the Oregon coast, Sunset Bay State Park is a 405-acre outdoor haven located 25 miles north of Bandon. The highlight of the park is the pristine sandy beach flanked by soaring sea cliffs, which is located just a few steps away from the campgrounds.
Campsites within the park can be used for tents, yurts, or RV’s. There are also picnic facilities along the bay for campers and visitors looking to go fishing, swimming, beachcombing, or boating. Sunset Bay also provides access to a network of hiking trails connecting the campgrounds to two other state parks: Cape Arago and Shore Acres. Those exploring these trails will be treated to incredible views of majestic coastal forests, breathtaking ocean vistas, and windswept fields populated by seasonal wildflowers.
Humbug Mountain State Park
Phone: 541.332.6774 ext. 0
If you’re looking for one of the most picture-perfect campgrounds along the coast, Humbug Mountain State Park is a terrific choice. Located around 33 miles south of Bandon, the site offers views of the majestic Humbug Mountain, and is completely surrounded by vast forested hills. The campground also boasts some of the warmest temperatures on the Oregon coast, as the nearby mountains shelter the site from the wind.
The campground features multiple sites for tents and RVs, restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, a hiker/biker camp, and two electrical sites for campers with disabilities. Campers can also enjoy recreational activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and hiking to the top of Humbug Mountain.
Robbin’s Nest RV Park
Phone: 541.347.2175
Located along Highway 101, just three miles south of Bandon, Robbin’s Nest RV Park is a scenic campground that’s ideal for anyone looking for the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
The RV park offers a variety of features including expansive RV sites and pull-thru sites, big rig capacity, a spacious clubhouse, cable TV, Wi-Fi, heated restrooms with hot showers, coin-op laundry, picnic areas, and more. It’s also a quick drive from the beach and is situated close to many fishing spots and world-class golf courses.
Cape Blanco State Park
Phone: 541.332.6774
The campsites at Cape Blanco State Park serve as an ideal base camp for visitors looking to explore the nearby trails, soak in views of the rugged coastline, or know more about the park’s rich history.
The park is home to two sites included in the National Register of Historic Places: Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and the Historic Hughes House. Both sites are open for tours during certain months (April to October for the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and May to September for the Historic Hughes House), which is a great idea for adventurers looking to infuse a little bit of history into their next camping trip.
In addition, Cape Blanco State Park also offers access to over eight miles of hiking trails that lead to the beach, fishing spots, the lighthouse, and viewpoints offering spectacular views of ocean vistas. Equestrian campers can also explore a sprawling 150-acre open riding area or follow a scenic seven-mile trail.
These are just a few of the many incredible camping sites located in and around Bandon! For more info on camping venues, be sure to check out Oregon State Parks website’s useful find a park tool, which has a map of all available campgrounds and features that allow you to customize your search based on facilities and your preferred outdoor activities.
Important things to remember when camping
A camping trip along the Oregon coast is always an unforgettable experience. There are well-maintained hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and a variety of wildlife to discover. Whether you’re looking forward to hopping on your bike and hitting the trails, enjoying a nice bonfire with some marshmallows with the family, or spending some much needed alone time out in nature, the wide selection of campgrounds in and around Bandon offers something for everyone.
Before you pitch your tent or park your RV however, here are a few important things for you to keep in mind:
- The weather – Most campsites along the Oregon coast are lush and abundant with plant life – a telltale sign that the region does not get a heavy dose of dry summers. Even if you’re camping during the summer, always be ready for rain. Remember to bring a poncho, extra pairs of socks, waterproof shoes, and waterproof bags to store your devices and valuables.Most campgrounds along the Oregon coast are in secluded locations, and many don’t have access to fully stocked camp stores. It’s best to bring all of the essentials and pick up any additional items you might need along the way before getting off the highway.
- Campgrounds – Many campgrounds located in the Bandon area are managed by the US Forest Service and are rustic. There’s often someone in charge who manages its operation and lives right in the campground, and restrooms are often minimal, as are amenities.State parks in general however are well-maintained, and many are equipped with the essentials. There are also privately run campgrounds that offers a range of conveniences and plush amenities such as heated yurts, wireless internet, and so on. Remember to do your research beforehand in order to find an ideal campground that fits your needs.
- Beaches – While they’re definitely picture-perfect, the beaches along the Oregon coast are different than the ones you’ll find in San Diego, for example. Sure you can sit and admire the views, but the beaches aren’t ideal for activities like sunbathing or swimming.You’ll be able to find many campgrounds that are steps away from the water, allowing campers to enjoy a quick hike to the shore. There are also campgrounds that don’t have nearby beaches at all, but still have gorgeous views of the coastline, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your camping trip.
- Preparing for the unexpected – Even if you’ve mapped everything out and covered every little detail before your trip, you need to accept that some things are simply out of your control.That morning hiking trip or afternoon at the beach might go down the drain due to the heavy rains. If you packed rain gear, you could decide to go through with your plans, anyway. You could choose a campground with great fishing spots, but end up discovering other fun activities available around the area.
“Being prepared” doesn’t mean you need to have all of the skills of a seasoned outdoorsman. You just need to adapt to any changes and be willing to improvise a little in case something unexpected comes your way.
Other outdoor activities in Bandon, Oregon
In addition to camping, the Bandon area offers an abundance of other exceptional outdoor activities! If you’re planning your next big adventure, here are several activities you should add to your list:
- Biking – Biking is a treat in Bandon, as the city features many bike-friendly resources and a compact geography that makes it easy to get from one point to another. There are amenities like a cyclist section at Bullards Beach State Park for overnight stays, a cycle stop in Old Town located close to beaches and waterfront shops and restaurants, and more.Bikers also get easy access to Oregon’s legendary scenic bikeways, which are open year-round.
- Sport fishing – Avid fishing enthusiasts can look forward to year-round angling in Bandon.The Pacific halibut season in May for example, is a favorite fishery for charter trips and recreational boaters. The summer months kick off the salmon, tuna, and ocean bottom fish season. Crabbing is a popular activity during the fall, as locals and visitors flock to the bay at Bandon or the Empire-Charleston area in Coos Bay to harvest Dungeness crab. Winter brings in steelhead season, which is popular for many bank fishers and boaters. The Coquille River also offers top-notch Chinook and coho salmon fishing during the fall and winter months.
- Golf – Golfers in Bandon are always minutes away from award-winning public courses at Bandon Crossings Golf Course and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which are both open year-round.The links golf tradition is at the forefront when you’re playing golf in Bandon, with rolling dunes, firm turf, and ocean winds requiring players to find that extra gear in their game. The courses along the Southern Oregon Coast are also some of the most breathtaking you’ll ever play on, with bunkers and fairways molded by nature and landscapes covered by lush shoreline vegetation.
In addition, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort and Bandon Crossings Golf Course offer youth golf programs throughout the year, giving young golfers the unique opportunity to play on award-winning greens while guided by pro instructors. - Birding – Bandon is a popular destination for birdwatchers, especially those who are looking to get a glimpse of rare Pacific shorebirds. The rivers, beaches, and intertidal marshes near Bandon are home to resting areas and nesting grounds for a huge variety of birdlife.
Some of the most popular birding sites in and around Bandon are the Ni-les’tun Marsh, Coquille Point, and Bandon Marsh, which are all managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These areas provide a unique opportunity for birders to observe several species of waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds, and birds of prey.You can find more information on birding spots like Bandon Marsh here.
More incredible outdoor activities are waiting for you right here in Bandon! If you’re searching for the finest Bandon, Oregon real estate options, get in touch with the best Southern Oregon Coast realtors today at 541.661.056 or 541.661.3301. You can also leave us a message here.