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RV Parks In Cannon Beach, Oregon

45.8918° N, 123.9615° W

Quick Overview

Cannon Beach is the postcard of the north Oregon coast, where Haystack Rock rises out of the surf and a string of state parks fans out north and south. For RVers, the camping comes in two flavors. In town, the private parks deliver full hookups within reach of the beach: Cannon Beach RV Resort and The Retreat at Cannon Beach both offer full-hookup sites, and the long-running Sea Ranch RV Park sits by Ecola Creek near the north-end sand. For the classic Oregon state-park experience you drive a bit: Fort Stevens State Park, one of the largest campgrounds on the West Coast, is about 25 miles north near Astoria, and Nehalem Bay State Park is roughly half an hour south on a gorgeous sand spit near Manzanita, with Cape Lookout farther down the coast.

The trade-off is location versus setting. The private resorts put you within a walk or short shuttle of Cannon Beach's galleries, restaurants, and that famous beach, at a premium price. The state parks cost less and deliver the full Oregon-coast atmosphere, ocean, dunes, and forest, but they sit outside town and book solid for summer. Both Fort Stevens and Nehalem Bay have full-hookup loops, so you are not giving up amenities by choosing a state park. The catch is competition: Oregon State Parks release sites six months out, and the coastal parks fill the morning that window opens for July and August.

What makes Cannon Beach worth the planning is the scenery and the easy beach-town living, with a side of genuine Pacific Northwest weather. Haystack Rock and its tide pools and puffins are right there, Ecola State Park's clifftop views are minutes north, and day trips reach Seaside's promenade and historic Astoria on the Columbia. Aim for the dry July-September window if you want sun, pack rain gear and layers no matter the month, and remember that even summer here is cool and breezy. Book early, respect the surf, and the north coast delivers one of the best beach-camping trips in the West.

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Traveling to Cannon Beach by RV

From Portland and the I-5 corridor, the standard route is US-26, the Sunset Highway, which climbs over the Coast Range through forest before meeting US-101 just north of Cannon Beach near Seaside, about an 80-mile drive with one real forested grade to manage. Along the coast, US-101 is the main artery, running north to Astoria and south toward Tillamook, and it is an easy, scenic RV route the whole way. Both highways handle big rigs without trouble. To reach the nearby state parks, head north on US-101 to Fort Stevens near the Columbia River mouth, or south to Nehalem Bay and Cape Lookout. The one thing to plan around is the town of Cannon Beach itself, where the streets are tight and parking is scarce, especially in summer, so leave the rig at your campground and walk in or use a tow vehicle. Fuel and propane are available in Seaside and Warrenton, with full grocery resupply in Warrenton and Astoria.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Cannon Beach, Oregon, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.

Dump Station Costs in Cannon Beach

Your costs hinge on whether you prioritize being in town. Oregon State Parks full-hookup sites at Fort Stevens, Nehalem Bay, and Cape Lookout are the value choice, generally in the moderate range per night, though note Fort Stevens added a ten-dollar dump-station fee in 2026. The private parks right in Cannon Beach cost more, climbing into the higher national range on summer weekends because you are paying for walkable access to the beach and the town. Cannon Beach is an upscale little place, so a premium is baked in. The clearest ways to save are to camp the state parks a short drive north or south and to travel in spring, fall, or even winter, when rates and crowds both fall sharply. Budget a little extra for fuel given the drive over the Coast Range.

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What RVers Are Saying About Cannon Beach

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Best Time to Visit Cannon Beach by RV

❄️

Winter

Nov - Feb

40F - 50F

Crowds: Low

Wet and stormy; prime storm-watching with big surf. Private parks and Fort Stevens stay open year-round; respect sneaker waves.

🌸

Spring

Mar - May

43F - 56F

Crowds: Medium

Cool, green, and showery; fewer crowds. Book coastal state parks ahead for the first warm weekends.

☀️

Summer

Jun - Aug

52F - 67F

Crowds: High

Driest, sunniest stretch and by far the busiest; reserve six months out. Cool and breezy even on clear days.

🍂

Fall

Sep - Oct

46F - 60F

Crowds: Medium

Mild early fall with thinner crowds; September can be the clearest month before autumn storms return.

Explore the Cannon Beach Area

A few things we have learned on the north coast. Book the state parks the day your six-month window opens, Fort Stevens and Nehalem Bay fill within minutes for summer weekends, so set a reminder and log in early. If you want to walk to the beach and Haystack Rock, pay the premium for an in-town private park instead. Time the tide pools: Haystack Rock's starfish and anemones are best at low tide, so check a tide table before you walk out, and watch your footing on the slick rocks. Pack rain gear and layers in every season, because this coast is cool and damp even in July. Winter storm-watching is a legitimate reason to visit, with huge surf and dramatic skies, but respect sneaker waves and never turn your back on the ocean. And do not skip Ecola State Park just north of town, the clifftop views are some of the best on the coast.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Cannon Beach

What are the best RV parks near Cannon Beach?

Right in town, the private parks are your best bet for full hookups: Cannon Beach RV Resort and The Retreat at Cannon Beach both offer full-hookup sites, and the long-running Sea Ranch RV Park sits by Ecola Creek near the north-end beach. For state-park camping, you have to drive a bit: Fort Stevens State Park is a huge full-hookup park about 25 miles north near Astoria, and Nehalem Bay State Park is roughly 30 minutes south on a beautiful sand spit near Manzanita. Cape Lookout adds another option farther south near Tillamook. We usually suggest an in-town private park for walkable beach access, or Nehalem Bay if you want the state-park setting.

Do Cannon Beach RV parks have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?

Yes, the private parks in town do. Cannon Beach RV Resort and The Retreat at Cannon Beach both offer full hookups with water, sewer, and electric, and Sea Ranch RV Park has hookup sites as well. Among the state parks, both Fort Stevens and Nehalem Bay have full-hookup loops plus dump stations, and Cape Lookout offers full and partial hookups. So full hookups are easy to find here as long as you book ahead, which matters because this is one of the most popular stretches of the Oregon coast. If you need full hookups in town specifically, the two Cannon Beach resorts are your targets.

How much does RV camping cost in Cannon Beach?

The state parks are the value option, with Oregon State Parks full-hookup sites generally in the moderate range per night, though Fort Stevens added a ten-dollar dump-station fee in 2026. The private parks in town cost more, especially in summer, reflecting their walkable proximity to the beach and Haystack Rock, and they can climb into the higher national range for peak weekends. Cannon Beach is an upscale little town, so expect to pay a premium to stay close to the action. The clearest savings come from camping the state parks north or south of town and from traveling in spring or fall, when both rates and crowds drop off considerably.

How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Cannon Beach?

For summer, as early as possible. Oregon State Parks releases sites on a rolling six-month window, and the popular coastal parks, Fort Stevens, Nehalem Bay, and Cape Lookout, book up the moment that window opens for July and August weekends. Set a reminder for exactly six months before your arrival date and reserve right away. The private parks in Cannon Beach take direct reservations and also fill for summer and holiday weekends, so book those months ahead too. The easiest times to find space are spring and fall midweek, and even winter, when storm-watchers visit but crowds are light and many sites open up.

When is the best time to go RV camping in Cannon Beach?

July through September is the prime window, when the Oregon coast sees its driest, sunniest weather and the warmest (still cool) days. Summer is also the busiest and the only time you really need to book months ahead. Late September can be a sweet spot, with warm, clear days and thinner crowds before the autumn storms return. Spring is green but showery, and winter is wet and stormy, which is actually a draw for storm-watchers who love the dramatic surf and cozy nights. Whenever you come, pack layers and rain gear, because even a sunny summer day on this coast can turn cool and breezy in a hurry.

Can big rigs (35 to 40 ft) camp near Cannon Beach?

Yes. US-101 along the coast and US-26 over the Coast Range from Portland are both manageable big-rig routes, and the larger parks handle 40-foot rigs well. Fort Stevens State Park is huge with a wide range of site sizes, and the private resorts in Cannon Beach offer paved full-hookup sites that fit larger rigs, though you should confirm length when booking since some town sites are tighter. Nehalem Bay and Cape Lookout also accommodate big rigs. The main caution is parking in Cannon Beach itself, where the town streets are tight and busy, so leave the rig at camp and walk in or use a tow vehicle.

Are there free or first-come (boondocking) options near Cannon Beach?

Not along the coast itself, where camping is developed and reserved and there is no legal beach boondocking. Your nearest free and dispersed options are inland in the Tillamook State Forest, reached via US-26 or OR-53, where forest roads have some primitive sites with no services. These require you to be fully self-contained with water and a waste plan, and you should check current fire restrictions, which tighten in dry late-summer spells. Right on the coast, plan on a reserved site at a state park or a private RV park. If boondocking is a priority, the inland forest is your move, not the beach towns.

Are there public (state) campgrounds near Cannon Beach?

Yes, and Oregon's coastal state parks are outstanding, though the nearest ones are a short drive from Cannon Beach. Fort Stevens State Park, about 25 miles north near Astoria, is one of the largest campgrounds on the West Coast, with full and partial hookups, the Peter Iredale shipwreck, and a historic military fort. Nehalem Bay State Park, roughly 30 minutes south near Manzanita, sits on a stunning sand spit with full hookups and ocean and bay access. Cape Lookout is farther south near Tillamook. All book through Oregon State Parks six months ahead and are extremely popular, so reserve early for summer.

What is the deal with Haystack Rock?

Haystack Rock is the reason many people come to Cannon Beach. It is a 235-foot sea stack rising straight out of the sand, right off the main beach and walkable from town. At low tide, the base reveals tide pools full of starfish, anemones, and crabs, and in spring and summer tufted puffins nest on the rock along with other seabirds. It is a protected marine garden, so you can explore the tide pools but not climb the rock or disturb the wildlife. Check a tide table before you go, since the best tide-pooling is at low tide, and watch your footing on the slick rocks.

What is there to do while camping in Cannon Beach?

The beach and Haystack Rock anchor most visits, with miles of walkable sand, tide pools, and sunsets. Just north, Ecola State Park offers clifftop views, the surf beach at Indian Beach, and coastal trails, while Oswald West State Park to the south hides Short Sand Beach, a favorite with surfers. The town itself is full of galleries, shops, and good restaurants, and hosts the famous Sandcastle festival. Seaside, with its classic promenade and arcade, is a short drive north, and historic Astoria on the Columbia River, with its column and maritime museum, makes an easy day trip. Bring layers, the coast stays cool.

What are winter camping conditions like in Cannon Beach?

Winter on the north Oregon coast is wet and stormy, but it has a devoted following among storm-watchers who come for the dramatic surf, howling wind, and cozy nights listening to the rain. The private parks and the larger state parks like Fort Stevens stay open year-round, so winter camping is very doable in a four-season rig with full hookups for heat. Expect frequent rain, highs around fifty, and the occasional powerful storm that brings huge waves, so respect beach safety and never turn your back on the surf. Roads stay open and snow-free at sea level, but pack serious rain gear and plan indoor backups for the wettest days.

How do I get to Cannon Beach with an RV?

From Portland and the I-5 corridor, the standard route is US-26, the Sunset Highway, which climbs over the Coast Range through forest before meeting US-101 just north of Cannon Beach near Seaside, about an 80-mile drive. Along the coast, US-101 is the main artery north to Astoria and south toward Tillamook, and it is an easy, scenic RV route. Both roads handle big rigs without trouble, though US-26 has a forested grade to manage. To reach the southern state parks like Nehalem Bay and Cape Lookout, continue south on US-101. Once you arrive, leave the rig at your campground and walk or drive a tow vehicle into the compact, busy town.

What are the best RV parks near Cannon Beach?

Right in town, the private parks are your best bet for full hookups: Cannon Beach RV Resort and The Retreat at Cannon Beach both offer full-hookup sites, and the long-running Sea Ranch RV Park sits by Ecola Creek near the north-end beach. For state-park camping, you have to drive a bit: Fort Stevens State Park is a huge full-hookup park about 25 miles north near Astoria, and Nehalem Bay State Park is roughly 30 minutes south on a beautiful sand spit near Manzanita. Cape Lookout adds another option farther south near Tillamook. We usually suggest an in-town private park for walkable beach access, or Nehalem Bay if you want the state-park setting.

Do Cannon Beach RV parks have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?

Yes, the private parks in town do. Cannon Beach RV Resort and The Retreat at Cannon Beach both offer full hookups with water, sewer, and electric, and Sea Ranch RV Park has hookup sites as well. Among the state parks, both Fort Stevens and Nehalem Bay have full-hookup loops plus dump stations, and Cape Lookout offers full and partial hookups. So full hookups are easy to find here as long as you book ahead, which matters because this is one of the most popular stretches of the Oregon coast. If you need full hookups in town specifically, the two Cannon Beach resorts are your targets.

How much does RV camping cost in Cannon Beach?

The state parks are the value option, with Oregon State Parks full-hookup sites generally in the moderate range per night, though Fort Stevens added a ten-dollar dump-station fee in 2026. The private parks in town cost more, especially in summer, reflecting their walkable proximity to the beach and Haystack Rock, and they can climb into the higher national range for peak weekends. Cannon Beach is an upscale little town, so expect to pay a premium to stay close to the action. The clearest savings come from camping the state parks north or south of town and from traveling in spring or fall, when both rates and crowds drop off considerably.

How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Cannon Beach?

For summer, as early as possible. Oregon State Parks releases sites on a rolling six-month window, and the popular coastal parks, Fort Stevens, Nehalem Bay, and Cape Lookout, book up the moment that window opens for July and August weekends. Set a reminder for exactly six months before your arrival date and reserve right away. The private parks in Cannon Beach take direct reservations and also fill for summer and holiday weekends, so book those months ahead too. The easiest times to find space are spring and fall midweek, and even winter, when storm-watchers visit but crowds are light and many sites open up.

When is the best time to go RV camping in Cannon Beach?

July through September is the prime window, when the Oregon coast sees its driest, sunniest weather and the warmest (still cool) days. Summer is also the busiest and the only time you really need to book months ahead. Late September can be a sweet spot, with warm, clear days and thinner crowds before the autumn storms return. Spring is green but showery, and winter is wet and stormy, which is actually a draw for storm-watchers who love the dramatic surf and cozy nights. Whenever you come, pack layers and rain gear, because even a sunny summer day on this coast can turn cool and breezy in a hurry.

Can big rigs (35 to 40 ft) camp near Cannon Beach?

Yes. US-101 along the coast and US-26 over the Coast Range from Portland are both manageable big-rig routes, and the larger parks handle 40-foot rigs well. Fort Stevens State Park is huge with a wide range of site sizes, and the private resorts in Cannon Beach offer paved full-hookup sites that fit larger rigs, though you should confirm length when booking since some town sites are tighter. Nehalem Bay and Cape Lookout also accommodate big rigs. The main caution is parking in Cannon Beach itself, where the town streets are tight and busy, so leave the rig at camp and walk in or use a tow vehicle.

Are there free or first-come (boondocking) options near Cannon Beach?

Not along the coast itself, where camping is developed and reserved and there is no legal beach boondocking. Your nearest free and dispersed options are inland in the Tillamook State Forest, reached via US-26 or OR-53, where forest roads have some primitive sites with no services. These require you to be fully self-contained with water and a waste plan, and you should check current fire restrictions, which tighten in dry late-summer spells. Right on the coast, plan on a reserved site at a state park or a private RV park. If boondocking is a priority, the inland forest is your move, not the beach towns.

Are there public (state) campgrounds near Cannon Beach?

Yes, and Oregon's coastal state parks are outstanding, though the nearest ones are a short drive from Cannon Beach. Fort Stevens State Park, about 25 miles north near Astoria, is one of the largest campgrounds on the West Coast, with full and partial hookups, the Peter Iredale shipwreck, and a historic military fort. Nehalem Bay State Park, roughly 30 minutes south near Manzanita, sits on a stunning sand spit with full hookups and ocean and bay access. Cape Lookout is farther south near Tillamook. All book through Oregon State Parks six months ahead and are extremely popular, so reserve early for summer.

What is the deal with Haystack Rock?

Haystack Rock is the reason many people come to Cannon Beach. It is a 235-foot sea stack rising straight out of the sand, right off the main beach and walkable from town. At low tide, the base reveals tide pools full of starfish, anemones, and crabs, and in spring and summer tufted puffins nest on the rock along with other seabirds. It is a protected marine garden, so you can explore the tide pools but not climb the rock or disturb the wildlife. Check a tide table before you go, since the best tide-pooling is at low tide, and watch your footing on the slick rocks.

What is there to do while camping in Cannon Beach?

The beach and Haystack Rock anchor most visits, with miles of walkable sand, tide pools, and sunsets. Just north, Ecola State Park offers clifftop views, the surf beach at Indian Beach, and coastal trails, while Oswald West State Park to the south hides Short Sand Beach, a favorite with surfers. The town itself is full of galleries, shops, and good restaurants, and hosts the famous Sandcastle festival. Seaside, with its classic promenade and arcade, is a short drive north, and historic Astoria on the Columbia River, with its column and maritime museum, makes an easy day trip. Bring layers, the coast stays cool.

What are winter camping conditions like in Cannon Beach?

Winter on the north Oregon coast is wet and stormy, but it has a devoted following among storm-watchers who come for the dramatic surf, howling wind, and cozy nights listening to the rain. The private parks and the larger state parks like Fort Stevens stay open year-round, so winter camping is very doable in a four-season rig with full hookups for heat. Expect frequent rain, highs around fifty, and the occasional powerful storm that brings huge waves, so respect beach safety and never turn your back on the surf. Roads stay open and snow-free at sea level, but pack serious rain gear and plan indoor backups for the wettest days.

How do I get to Cannon Beach with an RV?

From Portland and the I-5 corridor, the standard route is US-26, the Sunset Highway, which climbs over the Coast Range through forest before meeting US-101 just north of Cannon Beach near Seaside, about an 80-mile drive. Along the coast, US-101 is the main artery north to Astoria and south toward Tillamook, and it is an easy, scenic RV route. Both roads handle big rigs without trouble, though US-26 has a forested grade to manage. To reach the southern state parks like Nehalem Bay and Cape Lookout, continue south on US-101. Once you arrive, leave the rig at your campground and walk or drive a tow vehicle into the compact, busy town.

Are there free dump stations in Cannon Beach?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Cannon Beach.