One Of Oregon's Best Campgrounds Is Right On The Beach For A Perfect Coastal Escape

Tillicum Beach is one of the few campgrounds on Oregon's coast, nestled a few steps from the beach along the popular Highway 101. Here, you will be soothed to sleep by the gentle ocean waves and wake up to uninterrupted, stunning views of the Pacific. If you're lucky enough to get a campsite facing the water, you can soak in the stunning sunset vistas in the evening at the expansive sandy beach. Open across all seasons, nature enthusiasts will love this West Coast beach destination thanks to the easy beach access and convenience. This is where the old and young can enjoy playing beach volleyball, a laid-back stroll, surfing, sunbathing, whale watching, or swimming a stone's throw away from where they have pitched a tent.

Located along Highway 101, Tillicum Beach Campground is between the two small towns of Yachats and Waldport. Yachats is about 5 miles from the campground, while Waldport is less than 10 minutes away. The nearest major airport is Eugene Airport (EUG), about 88 miles southeast, via US-101. While Tillicum Beach still gets many visitors during the summer, it was once a tourist hotspot. About a century ago, the beach had tiny cabins and a whale skeleton called Tillie the Whale that made it popular with different types of tourists.

Set right along the Pacific Ocean, Tillicum Beach Campground not only offers one of Oregon's most unforgettable coastal camping experiences, but is also among the most beautiful coastlines around the world worth a visit. With multiple campsites overlooking the beach, this is a great destination for both tent campers and RV travelers who want to connect with Oregon's wild coastline. Tillicum Beach campground has around 60 campsites, including both standard and electric hook-up sites for RVs. 

However, hookup sites are not located on the oceanfront; most of them are in the wooded area. That notwithstanding, each campsite comes with a fire ring and a picnic table. Visitors can choose from walk-in sites, available on a first-come, first-served basis, or reservable sites with water and electric hookups. Because of its prominence and appeal in the Beaver State, it is always a good idea to make your reservations early, especially during peak season.

The campground features amenities such as drinking water and flush toilets, but you won't find showers. Staying in the campground will set you back about $28 per night for a single site and $36 per night for an electric hook-up. Every additional vehicle that stays overnight will attract a charge of $8. Popular pastimes at the beach campground include whale watching — especially during the gray whale migrations in spring and winter, surfing, building sandcastles, and swimming. Birdwatching buffs will also find the campground very thrilling as it offers opportunities to spot seabirds, blue herons, and bald eagles soaring near the beach.

Besides spending your night under the stars or enjoying various beach-related activities, there are many other activities and destinations that you can explore nearby. You can start your adventure at the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, about 7 miles south of the beach. This space has over 26 miles of hiking trails, and you'll pass by old-growth forests along the Oregon Coast. During this excursion, the Cape Perpetua Overlook is a must-visit spot. Towering at 800 feet, visitors will be rewarded with panoramic views of the shores nearby and the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve. 

Another highlight in the area is Yachats, a tiny town tucked on the coast, popularly referred to as the gem of the Oregon coast. The stretch has rugged black basalt tide pools, which are the reason behind Spouting Horn, Thor's Well, and Devil's Churn that you can see from the Cape Perpetua overlook. Another great stop is the Yachats State Recreation Area, which overlooks the Yachats River. This is the perfect place to witness the Yachats River as it collides with the Pacific Ocean, creating a spectacular view with wild waves. 

You can also spot gray whales during their migration. When it is time to refuel, Yachat is also home to some of the prettiest in the world for foodie travelers. A case in point is the Luna Sea Fish House, a casual waterfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood. On the menu, you will find items like sea scallops, salmon sandwiches, and burgers. Other eateries in the area include The Drift Inn, Ona Restaurant and Lounge, and Beach Street Kitchen.