Nehalem Bay State Park
Stretching along a dramatic 4-mile sand spit between the Pacific Ocean and the calm waters of Nehalem Bay, this Oregon coast gem offers something rare: two waterfronts in one park. Walk from your campsite to crashing ocean waves on one side, or stroll to the peaceful bay on the other.
Nehalem Bay State Park is one of Oregon’s most popular campgrounds, featuring 265 electrical sites, 18 yurts, and a dedicated horse camp with corrals and beach riding privileges. It’s also one of the few state parks in America with fly-in camping—an airstrip within the park welcomes small aircraft.
Beyond camping, the 5.2-mile Nehalem Spit Trail winds through rolling dunes and coastal pine forests, while miles of sandy beach invite beachcombing, wildlife watching, and crabbing in the bay. Just minutes away, the charming town of Manzanita offers shops, restaurants, and a relaxed coastal vibe.
Park Fast Facts
Nehalem Bay State Park is located at the southern edge of Manzanita on the northern Oregon coast, about 85 miles west of Portland.
| 📍 Location | 9500 Sandpiper Ln, Nehalem, OR 97131 |
| 🗺️ Region | Northern Oregon Coast / Tillamook County |
| 📐 Spit Length | 4 miles |
| ⛺ Campsites | 265 electrical + 17 horse + hiker/biker |
| 🛖 Yurts | 18 yurts |
| ⏰ Hours | Dawn to dusk (day use); camping 24 hrs |
| 📞 Phone | (503) 368-5154 |
Fees
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Day-Use Parking | $5 | Per vehicle; annual pass accepted |
| 🔌 Electrical Sites | $31-35/night | W/E; near restrooms & showers |
| 🛖 Yurts | $50-60/night | Beds, electricity, heat; some pet-friendly |
| 🐴 Horse Camp | $21/night | Double corral at each site |
| 🚴 Hiker/Biker | $8/person | Walk-in or cycle-in only |
The Oregon State Parks Annual Pass ($30/year) provides day-use parking at all Oregon state parks.
Camping
| Camping Type | Sites | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔌 Electrical Sites | 265 | $31-35/night | W/E hookups; paved pads; restrooms; showers |
| 🛖 Yurts | 18 | $50-60/night | Heated; beds; electricity; some pet-friendly |
| 🐴 Horse Camp | 17 | $21/night | Double corral; beach/trail access |
| ✈️ Fly-In Camp | Available | Varies | Land on park airstrip! |
| 🚴 Hiker/Biker | Shared | $8/person | For non-motorized travelers |
Reservations: Strongly recommended for summer. Book up to 6 months ahead via Reserve America or call 800-452-5687.
Horse Camp & Beach Riding
Nehalem Bay is a premier destination for equestrian camping on the Oregon coast. The dedicated horse camp offers direct access to beach and trail riding.
| Horse Camp Info | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 17 primitive camp sites |
| 🐴 Corrals | Double corral at each site |
| 🏖️ Beach Riding | Designated beach access for horses |
| 🥾 Trail Riding | Access to spit trails |
| 💧 Water | Available at horse camp |
Fly-In Camping
Nehalem Bay is one of the few state parks in America with an operational airstrip for fly-in camping—a rare treat for pilots.
| Airstrip Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛫 Runway | Grass strip within park |
| ✈️ Type | Light aircraft only |
| ⛺ Camping | Tie-down areas; camp nearby |
| 📍 ID | Nehalem Bay State Airport (3S7) |
Hiking & Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟡 Nehalem Spit Trail | 5.2 mi loop | Moderate | Dunes, pine forest, bay & ocean views |
| 🟢 Beach Walk | 4+ mi | Easy | Sandy beach; beachcombing; wildlife |
| 🟢 Paved Bike Path | 1.8 mi | Easy | Circles airport; connects to Manzanita |
Wildlife
| Wildlife | Notes |
|---|---|
| 🦌 Roosevelt Elk | Often seen in dunes and pine forests |
| 🐋 Gray Whales | Seasonal (Dec-Jan, Mar-May) from shore |
| 🦅 Shorebirds | Herons, plovers, sandpipers along bay |
| 🦀 Crabbing | Bay-side crabbing for Dungeness crab |
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Experience | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr-May) | Whale migration; wildflowers; fewer crowds | Can be rainy; layers recommended |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Peak season; warmest weather; full campground | Book months ahead; foggy mornings |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Oct) | Quieter; storm watching begins | Weather variable; beautiful sunsets |
| ❄️ Winter (Nov-Mar) | Storm watching; solitude; whale season | Wet and windy; yurts recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ride horses on the beach at Nehalem Bay?
Yes! Nehalem Bay has a dedicated horse camp with 17 sites, each with a double corral. Horses have designated access to ride on the beach and spit trails—one of the few Oregon coast parks offering beach riding.
Can you fly into Nehalem Bay State Park?
Yes! The park has a grass airstrip (Nehalem Bay State Airport, 3S7) for light aircraft. Pilots can fly in and camp nearby—one of the rarest state park amenities in America.
How close is Manzanita?
The park is located at the southern edge of Manzanita, just minutes away. A 1.8-mile paved bike path connects the park to town. Manzanita offers restaurants, shops, and a charming beach village atmosphere.
Are the yurts heated?
Yes! All 18 yurts have electricity and heat, making them comfortable even during Oregon’s rainy winter months. They include beds (bring bedding) and some are pet-friendly. Yurts run $50-60/night.
Can you crab at Nehalem Bay?
Yes! The bay side of the spit is excellent for Dungeness crabbing. Bring your own pots and traps, or rent from nearby shops. An Oregon shellfish license is required.
Do you need reservations for camping?
Strongly recommended! Nehalem Bay is one of Oregon’s most popular campgrounds. During summer, reservations should be made months in advance. Book up to 6 months ahead via Reserve America or call 800-452-5687.
🏖️ Oregon’s Two-Shore Paradise
Nehalem Bay State Park offers the best of both worlds: thundering Pacific waves on one side, calm bay waters perfect for crabbing on the other. Camp in one of 265 sites, cozy up in a heated yurt, bring your horse for beach riding, or even fly in on the park’s airstrip. With the charming village of Manzanita just minutes away, this is Oregon coast camping at its finest.
📍 Address: 9500 Sandpiper Ln, Nehalem, OR 97131
🌐 Official Website: Oregon State Parks – Nehalem Bay
📞 Park Office: (503) 368-5154
🏕️ Reservations: reserveamerica.com or 800-452-5687
