Cape Blanco Lighthouse NHS
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Built in 1870, Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast. It's an easy stop for RV travelers thanks to the nearby Cape Blanco State Park Campground, which offers water and electrical hookups plus several full-hookup sites. Paved roads provide access; expect coastal curves, strong winds, and a short walk from the parking gate to the lighthouse. Reservations are required, especially during summer. Highway 101 and Cape Blanco Road provide paved access, although drivers should expect curves and strong coastal winds. Public vehicles are not permitted on the final lighthouse road. Visitors must park at the gate and walk about one-quarter mile. Review the official Cape Blanco State Park page before leaving.
Quick Facts About RVing Near Cape Blanco Lighthouse NHS
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Varies, with campsite driveways from 31 to 81 feet long • Camping Type: Developed state park campground • Reservations: Required for regular campsites • Hookups: Electrical and water; 4 sites have full hookups • Dump Station: None on-site; use facilities near Port Orford • Potable Water: Available at campsites • Cell Service: Spotty near the cape • Pets: Allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet • Roads: Paved and curvy; strong coastal winds are possible • Best Season: Late spring through early fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Wooded campsites with shelter from coastal winds • Excellent base camp for exploring the southern Oregon coast • Easy overnight stop along Highway 101 • Beaches and lighthouse within walking distance of camp • Direct trail access from the campground • Short drive to fuel and supplies in Port Orford • Easy stop along scenic Highway 101
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Cape Blanco North Shore Trail
This is a steep trail that goes from the Cape Blanco parking lot down to the shore. It is part of Cape Blanco State Park. You can explore tide pools and might catch a glimpse of seals or sea lions. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 0.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Pacific View Trail
The Pacific View Trail is also in Cape Blanco State Park. This is an easy walk on the top of the cliff. On clear days, you’ll get spectacular views of Oregon’s rugged coastline. The trail goes through lush areas of ferns and other vegetation. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Mouth of Sixes River Trail
This trail starts near the Hughes Historic House. It’s a very flat hike that leads to where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. It’s a great hike for birding, hiking, trail running, or finding a fishing spot along the river.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Port Orford Heads Trail
This easy trail is great for hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing. You might spot marine mammals, sea birds, and peregrine falcons.
Length: 1.2
Intensity: Easy
Fishing, Clamming, and Crabbing
The Sixes River Beach and the Sixes River Estuary offer fishing spots and areas to dig for razor clams. The beach area is also known for catching redtail surfperch and coho and Chinook salmon. Port Orford is good for catching water rockfish, greenling, salmon, and perch. Going offshore offers opportunities for putting out crab pots and fishing for a huge variety of marine fish.
Wildlife Viewing
Cape Blanco is the westernmost point in Oregon. As such, it offers unparalleled opportunities for whale watching. Winter (mid-December through mid-January) and spring (late February through May) are the best times to catch the gray whale migration. Other marine mammal sightings are also common here. This area also has a particularly high density of seabirds, including albatross and marbled murrelet.
Picnicking
Cape Blanco State Park offers plenty of picnic tables in a range of areas. Many consider it one of the state's best places for a romantic picnic.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding on the beach is an experience like no other. Cape Blanco State Park has a horse camp with new steel pipe corrals. In addition to riding on trails or on the beach, it offers a 150-acre open riding area.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
BLM RV camping is an affordable way to enjoy the Oregon coast. There are no BLM spots right next to Cape Blanco, but you have other options nearby. With rates starting at $29 per night, Cape Blanco State Park is an excellent choice for RV camping. They offer back-in sites that range from 31 to 81 feet long with water and electricity. For more amenities, check out Camp Blanco RV Park. It has pull-through RV spots up to 100 feet long with full hookups, high-speed Wi-Fi, and free cable TV. Their sites start at $41 per night.
Developed Campgrounds
Cape Blanco State Park Campground has four full-hookup campsites and 52 electrical sites with water. Driveways range from about 31 to 81 feet, so RV travelers should compare site dimensions with their vehicle's length. All regular campsites require advance reservations. The campground normally provides flush toilets, hot showers, firewood, garbage collection, and recycling. There is no dump station. Check current park notices before arriving because repairs or seasonal conditions can affect restrooms, showers, and sewer hookups.
Dispersed Camping
Since dispersed camping isn't permitted at Cape Blanco State Park or the lighthouse, RV travelers seeking free camping will need to use public lands elsewhere. When camping on BLM land in other parts of Oregon, use established sites, observe local stay limits, abide by Leave No Trace principles, and review current fire restrictions before arriving. BLM stays often can’t exceed 14 days within a 28-day period, but you should also check local rules. Some of the coastal forest roads can be narrow or muddy, so they may not be suitable for longer RVs. Pack out all waste, and review current fire restrictions.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Camper vans fit comfortably in most Cape Blanco State Park campsites. Their size also makes the campground loops and Highway 101 pullouts easier to navigate. • Travel Trailers: Many sites accommodate travel trailers. Compare the combined length of the trailer and tow vehicle with the campsite driveway before booking. • Fifth Wheels: Longer sites may fit some fifth wheels. Wooded loops and campsite entrances can limit turning room, so reserve a site with enough clearance. • Class A Motorhomes: The campground can accommodate many Class As in driveways longer than 60 feet. Drivers should prepare for curves and strong coastal winds. • Class B Motorhomes: Class Bs are an excellent match for the campground. Their smaller size also simplifies stops along Highway 101. • Class C Motorhomes: Most Class Cs should fit in an appropriately sized campsite. Include any towed vehicle when calculating the total length of the setup.
Free Camping 
Finding Bureau of Land Management free camping in Oregon is usually pretty easy. Free dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land unless otherwise noted. Oregon also has many free primitive campgrounds throughout the state. Remember that these sites won’t have any facilities, so be prepared with plenty of water and a way to pack out human waste. You can search "BLM camping near me" for ideas of where to go.
RV Rentals Near Cape Blanco Lighthouse NHS Plan your next adventure
Planning your Cape Blanco Lighthouse NHS BLM trip
The biggest thing to know about visiting Cape Blanco Lighthouse, or anywhere on the Oregon coast, is to expect rain and high winds. It averages about 141 rainy days each year with a total accumulation of over 75 inches. Average temperatures are in the upper 40s through mid-50s year-round.
Also be prepared for high winds, even when the weather is calm and mild in surrounding areas. If you plan to cook outdoors on a propane stove, be sure to bring some kind of wind block. If you’ll be on the beaches, the wind-borne sand can sting exposed skin.
The rugged beauty of the Oregon coast is something to behold, and staying at Bureau of Land Management campgrounds is one of the best ways to experience it up close and personal. It’s also an affordable option. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
Cape Blanco State Park offers many amenities for RV travelers. You’ll find drinking water, electrical hookups, and trash collection. It doesn’t have an RV dump station. If you need to shop for groceries or find a dump station, Port Orford is a 15-minute drive. Cell service can be spotty around Cape Blanco. You should download campground information and directions before you exit Highway 101. Keep an eye on weather conditions, since high winds, fog, and rain can come out of nowhere. Secure awnings, outdoor rugs, and lightweight furniture before leaving. Review Oregon TripCheck, the coastal forecast, and the park’s current advisories.
Leave No Trace 
Leave No Trace is a set of principles designed to protect sensitive environments while still allowing people to enjoy the natural surroundings. The seven principles are to plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others. If we all follow these guidelines, the beauty of our country’s wild lands can be enjoyed for many generations to come.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse NHS Location
From Port Orford, go north on Highway 101 for 4.5 miles. Turn left onto Cape Blanco Road. This road ends at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse.
Ready to visit Cape Blanco Lighthouse NHS? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Cape Blanco Lighthouse NHS
• Morning: Make coffee in the RV, and wait for any coastal fog to lift. Walk or drive to the lighthouse gate, then follow the quarter-mile paved route to the grounds and Greeting Center. • Afternoon: Return to camp for lunch before exploring the trails or beach. Stop at the Historic Hughes House when it is open, or drive into Port Orford for fresh seafood and supplies. • Evening: Prepare dinner back at the RV as the campground settles down. If the wind cooperates, walk to a coastal viewpoint for sunset. Finish the evening around the campsite while listening to the ocean beyond the trees.
Nearby Attractions
• Historic Hughes House: About five minutes from the campground, this restored 1898 farmhouse explores early ranch life at Cape Blanco. Seasonal tours are free, although donations support the property. • Port Orford: Approximately 15 minutes south, Port Orford has groceries, fuel, propane, restaurants, medical care, and RV services. Its harbor and coastal viewpoints make an easy afternoon outing. • Humbug Mountain State Park: Drive about 25 minutes south for a sheltered beach, forested trails, and another developed campground. It works well as the next stop when traveling south. • Bandon: About 40 minutes to the north, Bandon offers grocery stores, restaurants, galleries, beaches, and additional RV services. • Pacific Coast Scenic Byway: Highway 101 connects Cape Blanco with coastal towns, state parks, and overlooks. Pullouts vary in size, so travelers with longer RVs should choose stops carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp next to Cape Blanco Lighthouse? The lighthouse itself doesn’t have any campsites. Cape Blanco State Park Campground is the closest option for RV travelers. Park trails connect the campground with the lighthouse, beaches, and coastal viewpoints. The final lighthouse road is closed to public vehicles, requiring visitors to walk approximately one-quarter mile from the gate. Are reservations required at Cape Blanco State Park? Yes. Oregon State Parks requires reservations for regular campsites before occupancy. Travelers may reserve a site up to six months ahead. Summer weekends attract more visitors, so booking early provides a better selection of long driveways, hookups, and accessible campsites. Can large RVs stay at Cape Blanco State Park? Yes, but site selection matters. Campground driveways range from approximately 31 to 81 feet. Measure the complete setup, including the motorhome, trailer, tow vehicle, or towed car. All vehicles and trailers must fit on the campsite driveway or within an approved overflow space. Can visitors tour Cape Blanco Lighthouse? Visitors can walk to the lighthouse exterior and explore the grounds. The Greeting Center and interpretive exhibits operate seasonally, but tower tours remain unavailable during structural evaluation. Hours may change because of wind, maintenance, or staffing. Review the Cape Blanco Heritage Society’s current information before visiting. Are pets allowed at Cape Blanco? Yes. Pets are welcome in the campground and many outdoor areas. Owners must restrain them whenever they are outside a tent or vehicle. Leashes cannot exceed 6 feet. Clean up all waste, and keep pets away from wildlife, cliff edges, and rough surf.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
A camper van, Class B motorhome, compact Class C, or short travel trailer handles Cape Blanco’s campground and coastal roads comfortably. Larger motorhomes and fifth wheels can also fit, but travelers should reserve according to the total setup length. Renting a motorized RV may feel easier than towing along the curving, wind-exposed sections of Highway 101. Look for a dependable furnace, good ventilation, and enough storage for wet shoes and rain gear. An awning helps during light rain, but close it whenever the wind picks up. Browse RV rentals near Port Orford to find an RV that suits the campground and coastal conditions.