Oregon Coast Trail

A man stands next to a tent and picnic table with another tent in the background at a state park hiker-biker campsite

Overnight

Camping on the OCT is different from that on most other long-distance trails. Inn-to-inn hiking is an option, but distances between lodging in some places is too far for many hikers.

CAMPING

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is only allowed in limited sites along the OCT:

  • At the hikers’ camp atop Tillamook Head
  • In parts of Siuslaw National Forest adjacent to the trail
    • Not on Cascade Head
  • In Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
    • Not on the beach itself March 15 to Sept. 15 in western snowy plover protected areas
Camping gear is set up in front of a tent in woods above a river bank. A hiker is walking toward the water. This is a typical dispersed camping site.

Beach Camping

Camping on the beach is allowed except in the following areas (which severely limits opportunities):

  • Not adjacent to any state park (by any name)
  • Not adjacent to certain areas, mostly around towns
    • The Columbia River south to the south edge of Cannon Beach
    • The city limits of Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Bandon, Gold Beach, and Brookings
  • Not in western snowy plover protected zones
    • Mostly between Florence and Coos Bay, from March 15 to Sept. 15

Campsites

Hiker-Biker Campsites

Hiker-biker campsites at state park campgrounds are a mainstay of OCT camping. These are inexpensive ($7 to $9 per person) drop-in group camp areas with toilets and showers and (in most cases) kiosks where you can secure food and other belongings and charge your phone. With 15 hiker-biker campsites on the OCT, there are not enough to camp at one every night. A few county campgrounds also offer hiker-biker camping but they tend to be more expensive.

A tent is set up in the foreground. Behind it is a picnic table, fire ring, and a podium with lockers and a bike repair stand.
Fort Steven’s hiker/biker campground, with lockers in the background. At the back of each locker is a power outlet where you can plug in your phone and lock it up to safely charge while you go get a hot shower.

Private Campgrounds

Some private campgrounds offer tent camping, but you might need reservations. Prices vary widely. Check recent comments for each campground in the FarOut app for the latest prices, availability, and conditions.

Two hikers are setting up tents in a grassy field. A road enters the site in the background. This is an example of a private campground.

Trailkeepers of Oregon
P.O. Box 14814
Portland, OR 97293
(971) 206-4351