🌤 Weather at Sunset Bay State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–60 °F | 47–66 °F | 39–66 °F | 36–54 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Coos Bay 8 SW, 5 mi away, elevation 12 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Sunset Bay State Park features Oregon’s most protected beach cove, 8 year-round yurts, and trail connections to Cape Arago’s tidepools and lighthouse views!
⚠️ As of Jan 3, 2025: Most of “A Loop” campground closed (storm damage/culvert failure). Repair timeline unknown. New parking fee starts Oct 1, 2025.
Camping
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Tent Sites | 65 |
| 🔌 Hookups | 65 (electric/full) |
| 🏠 Yurts | 8 (year-round!) |
| 🚿 Facilities | Hot showers, flush toilets |
Protected Beach Cove
Sea cliffs shelter a calm sandy beach—ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Calmest at low tide!
Cape Arago Coastal Trail
| Destination | Distance |
|---|---|
| 🌊 Shore Acres | ~2mi |
| 🦭 Cape Arago | 4mi (seal lions!) |
| 🏠 Lighthouse View | Trail overlooks |
FAQ
Can I visit the lighthouse?
No direct access—Cape Arago Lighthouse is viewable from trail overlooks only.
Wildlife & Nature
Sunset Bay — one of the few sheltered swimming beaches on the Oregon coast — sits in a semicircular cove protected by high sandstone cliffs. The calm waters are dramatically warmer than the open ocean, making this one of the coast’s safest swimming locations. The bay’s tide pools are exceptionally accessible — giant green anemones, ochre sea stars, purple sea urchins, and sculpin fish inhabit the rocky margins. The sandstone cliffs reveal ancient geological layers — cross-bedded sandstone deposited in coastal dunes millions of years ago. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliff faces above the bay. Harbor seals rest on the outer rocks. The park connects to Shore Acres and Cape Arago via the Oregon Coast Trail, creating one of the most spectacular coastal hiking sequences in the state.
Nearby Attractions
Shore Acres State Park features formal botanical gardens perched on dramatic sea cliffs — the former estate of lumber baron Louis Simpson. Cape Arago State Park offers marine mammal viewing at Simpson Reef. South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve protects pristine estuary habitat. Coos Bay — Oregon’s largest coastal city — has the Coos Art Museum and Egyptian Theatre (1925). Charleston fishing village offers fresh seafood and charter boats. Mingus Park in Coos Bay provides community recreation.
🌅 Oregon’s Sheltered Beach
Reserve at Oregon State Parks.
Location & Getting There
Sunset Bay State Park is located in Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 43.3344, -124.3708. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: Oregon
- Coordinates: 43.3344, -124.3708
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Sunset Bay State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Shore Acres State Park (a short drive away) or Cape Arago State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Sunset Bay State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 30 full-hookup sites, 35 electric sites w/ water, 65 tent sites w/ water nearby, hiker/biker camp |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 8 yurts (4 pet-friendly, 3 ADA-accessible); reservations required; capacity and in-yurt amenities not detailed on page |
| Pets | 4 of 8 yurts pet-friendly |
| Reservations | oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-452-5687, up to 6 months in advance |
| Special sites | 2 group tent camps May 15-Sep 30 (Norton Gulch and Cape Arago; Cape Arago currently closed); hiker/biker camp; meeting hall |
| Season notes | Year-round camping; South Sunset Bay restroom closed for maintenance Aug 4, 2026, 8am-12pm |
Camping questions about Sunset Bay State Park
Can you camp at Sunset Bay State Park?
30 full-hookup sites, 35 electric sites w/ water, 65 tent sites w/ water nearby, hiker/biker camp.
How do you reserve a campsite at Sunset Bay State Park?
oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 800-452-5687, up to 6 months in advance.
Are there cabins at Sunset Bay State Park?
8 yurts (4 pet-friendly, 3 ADA-accessible); reservations required; capacity and in-yurt amenities not detailed on page.
Are pets allowed at the Sunset Bay State Park campground?
4 of 8 yurts pet-friendly.
Source: stateparks.oregon.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sunset Bay State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Sunset Bay State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sunset Bay State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Eugene
from $525
from $20
from $750