If you’ve ever dreamed of pitching your tent just steps from the Pacific Ocean, Tillicum Beach Campground is the place to make it happen. Located on the central Oregon coast, this stunning campground offers oceanfront views, direct beach access, and a chance to experience some of the most iconic coastal landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re a tent camper, an RVer, or someone who loves spontaneous road trips, Tillicum Beach Campground has a little something for everyone.
Getting There & Location
Tillicum Beach Campground sits between the small towns of Waldport and Yachats, right off Highway 101. It’s about four miles south of Waldport and three miles north of Yachats, which means you’re never far from gas stations, grocery stores, or a cozy café.
Despite being so accessible, the campground feels like a world away. You’ll hear the waves, smell the salty air, and step directly onto an expansive stretch of sandy beach. The central location also makes it a perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding Oregon coast attractions.
Campsite Details & Reservations
Tillicum Beach Campground has 60 campsites total, and each one comes with a picnic table and fire ring. Of these, 18 sites offer partial hookups with both electric and water—a great option if you’re bringing your RV. The rest are standard tent or RV-friendly sites, including 22 walk-in first-come, first-served options.
Rates are budget-friendly, especially given the oceanfront location:
- Tent sites: around $28 per night
- RV sites: around $36 per night
Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, and it’s highly recommended to book ahead, especially in summer. Sites with hookups are not directly on the waterfront, so if ocean views are your priority, snag a non-hookup site as early as possible.
Facilities include flush toilets, potable drinking water, and a camp host selling firewood. What you won’t find here are showers or reliable cell service. Plan accordingly.
Campground Highlights
The main draw of Tillicum Beach Campground is obvious the moment you arrive: the views. Many campsites sit directly above the beach, offering panoramic views of the Pacific. Watching the sunset from your fire pit or catching the first light of sunrise over the water feels magical.
Another highlight is the easy access to the beach. Concrete steps lead directly down to the sand. At low tide, you can take long walks along the shoreline, comb for shells, or just soak in the peace and quiet. At high tide, though, the beach narrows significantly, so checking the tide tables is essential.
Privacy is surprisingly good at Tillicum. While some campsites are open and breezy, others are tucked among trees and shrubs, offering a more secluded experience. The only downside? A bit of highway noise from nearby 101. For many campers, the sound of crashing waves quickly drowns that out.
Activities at Tillicum Beach Campground
You’ll never be bored here. Campers come for the beach, but the surrounding area adds even more adventure:
- Swimming & Surfing: Brave the cold Pacific waters or watch surfers ride the waves.
- Fishing & Crabbing: Try your luck surf fishing or head into Waldport for Dungeness crab.
- Beachcombing: Hunt for driftwood, shells, and agates along the wide sandy shore.
- Whale Watching: Seasonal gray whale migrations make this a prime viewing spot.
- Photography & Stargazing: The combination of dramatic coastlines, sunsets, and starry nights makes this a paradise for photographers.
- Wildlife Viewing: From seabirds to seals, you’ll see plenty of coastal life.
This variety makes the campground a great choice for families, solo travelers, and anyone who wants to blend relaxation with outdoor adventure.
Nearby Attractions
One of the best things about Tillicum Beach Campground is its proximity to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, just six miles south. Cape Perpetua offers 26 miles of hiking trails and some of the most jaw-dropping coastal scenery on the Oregon coast. Don’t miss:
- Cooks Ridge & Gwynn Creek Loop: A 6-mile hike through lush old-growth forest.
- Devil’s Churn: A dramatic chasm where waves crash and thunder against volcanic rock.
- Thor’s Well: A natural saltwater fountain that looks like a bottomless hole in the ocean.
- Spouting Horn: Another spectacular tide-driven feature that sprays water high into the air.
To the north, South Beach State Park offers more trails and wide-open beaches, while to the south you’ll find Beachside State Recreation Site and Carl G. Washburn Memorial State Park—perfect for day trips.
Best Time to Visit
Tillicum Beach Campground is open year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons:
- Summer: Warm, dry, and busy. Perfect for swimming, surfing, and classic camping trips.
- Fall: Quieter and cooler, with brilliant sunsets and fewer crowds.
- Winter: Storm-watching season! Expect rain but also epic skies, dramatic waves, and even king tides.
- Spring: Wildflowers bloom, and whale migrations bring excitement to the coast.
If you’re visiting in winter, check for king tide weekends. These extreme high tides transform Cape Perpetua into a natural spectacle, with massive waves crashing against the rocky shore. Just make sure to keep a safe distance.
Camping Tips
- Check the tide tables before walking the beach at high tide—it disappears quickly.
- Book early if you want a site with ocean views.
- Bring rain gear and a canopy if visiting outside of summer—it’s the Oregon coast!
- No showers available, so plan accordingly.
- Limited cell service, so download maps or trail info in advance.
- Bring binoculars for whale watching and bird spotting.
A little preparation goes a long way in making your trip comfortable and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Tillicum Beach Campground offers one of the most unique camping experiences in Oregon. Few places let you step out of your tent or RV and be on the sand in seconds, with waves crashing just beyond your campfire. Add in the nearby wonders of Cape Perpetua, the charm of Waldport and Yachats, and endless coastal activities, and you’ve got a destination worth returning to again and again.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a solo camping trip, or a stop on a coastal road trip, Tillicum Beach Campground is a place that combines simplicity, natural beauty, and unforgettable moments. Pack your gear, check the tides, and get ready for an oceanfront camping adventure you won’t forget.
