Oregon Hwy 101

Once you hit summer season, with schools out, there is almost no way to simply wander in and find a site. Most Oregon parks sell out months in advance. Mid-June through Labor day is high travel time. Having done the Oregon coast many times during all times of the year, I would never count on finding a non-reserved site during the summer season.

I love the freedom to wander at will but, summer on the coast, not having reservations would give me heartburn trying to find a spot to camp. You might find yourself having to go far inland to find a spot.

I hope you enjoy a beautiful area and have no hassles.

I live in Oregon and have spent a lot of time on the coast. Most are right when they speak of reservations but during the week, you will have pretty good luck if you hit the campground early to catch a cancelation. There are federal and county parks too. Some of the rv parks like the Port of Newport offer good views of the marina, bay, bridge, etc. and has a city shuttle bus that picks you up on the half hour and takes you to the waterfront and free tour of the town. Just start with your plans right now. Have a great time.

4aSong wrote:
Considering the same route and was wondering about campgrounds, will reservations be needed or can we travel at our leisure.

Depends on the time of year. A couple of summers back, I needed reservations any day of the week. Right now I'm in Bullards Beach State Park and the "Walk In" (first come) section is pretty near empty on a weekend. And, it is only $20.00 for full hookups.

X2 but we move from campground to campground during the morning just as folks are leaving. We prefer the state parks and no reservations. All the sites in a particular campground are not reservable. It can be done.

We have done the NW a couple of times now. Both times in the early summer of May, June. Both times no reservations. Both times no real problems getting into CGs.

Weekdays getting a site is easy, even in the really nice SPs. All seem to hold a few sites for drive ins. The trick is to get there no later than mid afternoon. Also for weekends, get there on friday & stay till sunday.

FHU & water/electric sites go first. Always be prepared to drycamp for a few days. Much less demand for those spots.

We have been to the OR Coast 4 times and heading there again this Aug - Sept. All of our reservations were made LONG ago. If you choose not to get them and "wing" it you will most likely find no room at the inn as they say if going in Aug and Sept. And, has been said, not to find freebie places like WalMart.

Reservations along the coast from June through September are essential. As others have said, the state parks will be full and many private parks will be as well. Some areas do not have a lots of options/spaces to start with and summertime travel is gorgeous making these parks very popular. In the "good old days" you could just wander in.............no more. Also, Wal-Marts do NOT allow overnighting along the coast. Make your reservations and enjoy the trip.

4aSong wrote:
We prefer to not make advanced reservations as we like to leave our traveling schedule open so should we find a place of interest and wish to spend a few extra day touring we don't have to worry about reservations that we may have made previously.
I recall when our children were growing up (back in the 70's) that reservations were never needed and you always found great campsites on the beach, lakes, etc.

If you don't want to "listen" to good advice why ask the question!! We too spend our summers, mostly on the OR Coast (#101. From June until OCtober most cg's private and gov't (State and USFS) cgs need reservations. Week days in Spt. maybe OK without.

Even in September, it's hard to get into the state parks along the Oregon coast. I don't make reservations, either, but am prepared to check in by noon and take whatever is available. That said, there are some very nice private parks along the route, some of which have beach access.

We prefer to not make advanced reservations as we like to leave our traveling schedule open so should we find a place of interest and wish to spend a few extra day touring we don't have to worry about reservations that we may have made previously.
I recall when our children were growing up (back in the 70's) that reservations were never needed and you always found great campsites on the beach, lakes, etc.