The best camping near Fort Stevens State Park

Occupying the site of a former military fort, Fort Stevens State Park is ideal for those interested in both history and spending time in the great outdoors. Spread out over 4,300 acres, the park offers 15 miles of hiking and cycling trails, a disc golf course, a military museum, and an underground gun battery used during World War II. A freshwater lake is prime for swimming, as is an ocean beach, complete with the remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck. Fort Stevens State Park Campground is among the largest in the United States, with hundreds of campsites, as well as yurts, cabins, and hot showers.

1. Campsite slots are released at 6am, six months in advance, and can be reserved using the Oregon State Parks online reservation system.
2. Last-minute reservations due to cancellations can sometimes be made by contacting the park directly.
3. Summer weekends book out well in advance. If possible, start planning for summer weekends in winter. This is especially important if you’re looking to snag one of the 11 cabins or 15 yurts

Fort Stevens is open all year long and at its busiest in the summer months. If you want to avoid crowds but still take advantage of pleasant weather, consider coming in September, once kids are back in school. For the best whale-watching, visit from mid-December through mid-January or from late March until May.

• The closest place to buy food and supplies is in the town of Warrenton, a seven-minute drive away, while the Victorian city of Astoria takes about 20 minutes to reach by car.
• Eight cabins and 10 yurts are suitable for wheelchair users.
• Pets are welcome, and some yurts and cabins are pet-friendly.
• Oregon Coast temperatures are generally much cooler than in the rest of the state, even at the peak of summer. Bring rain gear and extra layers.
• All sites have fire pits, and firewood is sold at the campground. It’s best to avoid bringing wood from elsewhere to protect the area from invasive insects and disease.