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Born2camp's avatar
Born2camp
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016

Boondock on Oregon coast and CA coast

Going up to Oregon over July 4th on Hwy 5 for few days then crossing over around Brookings on coast. Then traveling Hwy 1 to San Francisco. Any suggestions on camping spots? Looking for quiet ocean spots (not sure if that's possible this time of year)
  • Probably your best bet for boondocking on the Oregon coast is the Indian casinos and they are few and far between. I know Chinook Winds in Lincoln City and Three Rivers in Florence allow overnight camping. The Mill Casino in Coos Bay used to allow free overnight but I think they charge now.
  • On or rear beach sites will be difficult. You might find a site more inland or in January. :B
  • No boondocking on the Coast that I am aware of and 4th of July will is busy. Probably no spots in State Campgrounds and even private campgrounds might be full --- suggest you make some calls and find out availability and make reservations.
  • X2 on Mattole.

    From BLM website:
    Mattole Campground
    Location: North end of King Range at the beach. U.S. 101 at Garberville, South Fork/Honeydew, or Ferndale exits. Follow signs toward Petrolia, turn on Lighthouse Road toward ocean. Facilities: 14 tent/trailer campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, no hookups. Potable water. Lost Coast Trailhead and parking area. Wheelchair accessible. No OHV access. Use Fee: Camping - $8.00
  • If you have a small rig, try Mattole Beach. Almost like boondocking. Hard to get to.
  • It really kinda depends on your RV..what is it? And how adept are you at ferreting put boondocing sites? For instances, if you have a smallishy T/C you can just melt into the fabric of any wee town you happen across. If you are BIG...then you have a problem. Also, there was always lots of logging taking place along the coasts of both states..again, smaller is better. Your best pal is Google maps..go for a drive and you'll see lots of opportunities.

    In northern California there is a parking lot that has a Host in place and they allow for overnight camping, for a fee. Tt's AT the beach, not so much ON. It's is just south of Crescent City.

    Back when George, the Vagabond Supreme was publishing his blog, he spoke often of two kinds of boondocking sites. The Day and the Night. I follow it, to this day. Day site is where you want to spend the day..beach, park...whatever. Night is when you have scouted out the over-night spots. And you head there when day is done and you are looking to sleep. Usually beaches and such are open till 11pm. You should be able to spend a great day and then off to sleep..and if it was a place you want to spend a couple days...they open back up at 6 or 7. First in...best spot.


    Gary Haupt
  • Not that I can think of along the northern California coast. My theory is that the RV fulltimers from the 70's (hippy school buses) put a stop to that.
    Gold Bluff Beach at Prairie Creek State Park does have some sites at the beach.
  • you will see many signs on the Oregon coast, one of them will be "NO OVER NIGHT PARKING" on both sides of Hwy 101. you are stuck if you haven't made reservations in one of many camp grounds. If you start calling now you might find a CG that has a cancellation

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