Sunset Bay State Park
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)
Things to Do
Oregon showcases the Pacific Northwest at its finest — 362 miles of public coastline, ancient forests, volcanic peaks, and high desert canyonlands. Activities include hiking old-growth forests, tide pooling, beachcombing for agates, camping oceanfront, kayaking mountain lakes, fishing for steelhead, rock climbing at Smith Rock, and cross-country skiing.
Best Time to Visit
June through September is prime season on the west side. The coast can be enjoyed year-round — winter brings storms and whale watching. Eastern Oregon enjoys more sunshine but extreme summer heat. Spring brings wildflower blooms in the Columbia River Gorge.
Visitor Tips
Oregon state parks are free to enter on foot or by bike. Vehicle access requires a $5 day-use permit or $30 annual permit. Oregon’s coastline is public by law. Camping reservations up to 9 months in advance.
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.
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