South Beach State Park sits just south of Newport on Oregon’s central coast, where miles of sandy beach meet coastal forest and the Yaquina Bay jetty marks the northern boundary. It’s one of the most accessible coastal camping destinations in the state — close to town, close to the ocean, and genuinely well-maintained.

The park’s main draw is its wide, flat beach, ideal for beachcombing, kite flying, and long walks along the surf. A paved multi-use trail winds through shore pine forest, connecting the campground to the beach and extending south toward miles of undeveloped coastline. Birdwatchers will find shorebirds, brown pelicans, and the occasional peregrine falcon near the jetty.

The campground offers over 200 electrical hookup sites, a hiker/biker camp, and yurts — making it one of the larger and more versatile coastal campgrounds in the Oregon State Parks system. Sites are sheltered by trees but close enough to the beach that you can hear the surf from your tent. Hot showers and a camp host round out the amenities.

Newport itself is a five-minute drive north, giving easy access to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Hatfield Marine Science Center, and the Bayfront’s seafood restaurants and galleries.

Visit between June and September for the driest weather and warmest temperatures, though even summer mornings often start with coastal fog. Winter storms bring dramatic wave watching from the jetty — just dress for sideways rain. Year-round, this park delivers reliable coastal Oregon without the crowds of more famous stretches.

Explore Nearby

• Yaquina Bay Light — Lighthouse in Oregon
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area — Public Land in Oregon
• Yaquina Head Light — Lighthouse in Oregon
• Siuslaw National Forest — National Forest in Oregon
• Mary’s Peak Extensive — Public Land