Nehalem Bay State Park Reopens Campgrounds in Time for Bustling Oregon Coast Season

Published 07/02/25 at 6:25 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) – A major north Oregon coast favorite is just about fully back in action. (Photo courtesy OPRD)

Oregon State Parks and Recreation (OPRD) said Nehalem Bay State Park reopened the majority of its campground on July 1, following a seven-month closure for infrastructure upgrades. Reservations for campsites are already underway ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday.

Park Manager Ben Cox expressed enthusiasm about the reopening, saying, “We’re excited to welcome visitors back to the campground in time for the Fourth of July holiday.”

The park had paused reservations through December to accommodate potential construction delays. While the day-use area reopened in May, campground loops D, E, and F, along with the hiker/biker area and horse camp, will be available starting July 1. Loops A, B, and C are scheduled to reopen about a month later, allowing time to complete roof work and accessibility upgrades for the yurts.

While some improvements will be immediately visible to visitors, many enhancements - such as updated water and electrical lines - are behind-the-scenes upgrades designed to improve overall guest experience.

Recent construction at the park included water and electrical system upgrades within camp loops, a new restroom and shower building equipped with an adult changing table, accessible facilities and campsites at the horse camp, and the installation of hose bibs at equestrian sites. The project also delivered new accessible campsites and pathways, repaving of the main entrance road, and the addition of traffic-calming features along the entry route from Garey Street to the airport intersection. A new day-use fee station has also been installed near the airport entrance.

These improvements were funded by GO Bonds, part of a $50 million allocation approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021 to support infrastructure upgrades at several state parks. Nehalem Bay is one of nine projects across eight parks focused on increasing accessibility and addressing aging facilities.

From Whales, Bioluminescent Waves to Low Tides, Oregon Coast is Cookin' This Summer - Lots of sightings of different kinds from south to north

In addition to the campground updates, day-use amenities resumed operation in May. This included trails, the boat ramp, the airport, and the multi-use path east of the main entrance, wrapping up a multi-phase construction effort that extended into June.

Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

A Literal Hideaway at N. Oregon Coast's Cape Meares, Up Against Bayocean's Re...
Cape Meares Hide-A-Away tucked behind dense forest with beach views. Oceanside hotel reviews, Tillamook hotel reviews, Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel reviews

Old, Authentic Oregon Coast Motor Lodge Converted Into Colorful Boutique Motel
History and histrionics: one outstanding yet funky little motel on the outer edges. Newport hotel reviews, lodging news, Newport lodging

Making the Ordinary a Special Occasion at Lincoln City's Inn at Wecoma - Cent...
The inn features standout special packages and is pup friendly. Lincoln City hotel reviews, specials

New to Oregon Coast Vacation Home Scene: Latest Finds in Neskowin, Pacific City
Four new vacation rentals in Neskowin and Pacific City. Pacific City hotel reviews, Neskowin hotel reviews

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted