Nehalem State Park Mostly Reopens, Other Oregon Coast Landmarks Follow Soon

Published 05/15/25 at 6:45 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) – A north Oregon coast favorite is mostly opening back up next week. However, campers will be disappointed for awhile longer.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) said Nehalem Bay State Park will reopen several day-use areas, including trails and a boat launch, on May 23 following months of construction. However, the park’s campground will remain closed through at least June as renovations continue.

The reopening will include the boat ramp, south day-use parking lot, airport and a multi-use path east of the park’s main entrance. The Garey Street entrance, which serves these areas, will also reopen on May 23.

Campground closures will continue through June, along with restricted access at the Horizon Street entrance. Park officials anticipate reopening the campground by July 1, pending construction progress. Reservations for summer stays are expected to open in the coming weeks.

“We’re excited to welcome visitors back to the park, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to improve the park experience,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.

Ongoing construction at Nehalem Bay State Park includes several infrastructure enhancements funded through a $50 million GO Bond investment approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021. The project aims to improve accessibility and update aging facilities across multiple state parks.

Key improvements at Nehalem Bay include upgrading water and electrical lines in the campground loops, adding a new restroom and shower facility to accommodate increasing visitor numbers, enhancing accessibility at the horse camp with new restrooms and campsites, repaving the main entrance road and adding traffic-calming measures along the Garey Street entrance. A new day-use fee station near the airport intersection will also be installed.

Nehalem Bay’s renovations are part of a broader initiative across eight state parks aimed at expanding capacity. Additional details on statewide projects can be found on the GO Bond website.

For updates on the campground reopening schedule, visitors are encouraged to check the park’s official webpage.

On the southern Oregon coast, the parking lot at Bandon’s Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint is temporarily closed, with plans to reopen on May 23 – although OPRD has not officially reaffirmed that initial date. The closure also affects the restrooms, but visitors can still access the beach via the staircase on the south side of the property.

Near Depoe Bay, atop Cape Foulweather, the gift shop and portions of the parking area are closed through at least June. Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint is undergoing structural improvements, including restorations designed to preserve the building’s historic character while enhancing accessibility. See South Oregon Coast Landmark Under the Knife: Bandon's Face Rock Viewpoint Closed for a Month

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