In 1853, J.C. Tolman founded Coos Bay on Oregon's verdant southwestern coast. Residents called the city Marshfield until 1944 when a vote passed to change it. The name Coos Bay comes from the Native American Coos tribe, who consider the area their ancestral home. It means both "place of pines" and "lake." It's an apt title — there's an abundance of pines, lakes, dunes, and other waterways in the area.
As one of the largest cities in the bay region, Coos Bay offers many amenities and attractions. There's a modern hospital, museums, a theater, and a variety of restaurants. Coos Bay's biggest attraction is its surroundings. It sits on the rugged Oregon coast near multiple parks and forests. If you want to explore the wilderness, give these state and national forests a try:
Elliott State Forest contains 91,000 acres. More than 40,000 of these acres are old growth. Several species that are in danger of extinction, such as the northern spotted owl, make their home here.
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is south of Coos Bay. You can hike through magical conifer forests or bicycle through the Glendale-Powers Bicycle Recreation Center. More advanced cyclists will enjoy the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway. There are dozens of campgrounds and free RV sites throughout the park.
Umpqua National Forest is about two and a half hours from Coos Bay, but it's worth the trip. It's on the slopes of the Cascade Mountains. There are lakes, rapids, and waterfalls to check out. More adventurous hikers can summit Diamond Peak. The Diamond Lake RV Park is nearby.
If you're interested in Coos Bay's historical and cultural sides, check out the Coos Art Museum and the Coos History Museum. The latter has more than 50,000 items detailing the area's rich history. The art museum has a permanent collection that focuses on artists from the Pacific Northwest.
Springfield, Oregon - Springfield is the second-largest city in the area. It's known for its family activities, festivals, and quaint downtown.
30+ Restaurants
4 Nearby RV Parks
6 Dump Stations within 10 miles
15+ Gas Stations
15+ Campgrounds within 10 miles
4 Nearby National Forests
Medford, Oregon - Medford is surrounded by vineyards and wineries that produce some of the finest wines in the world.
20+ Restaurants
19 Parks
6 Nearby RV Parks
10+ Dump Stations within 20 miles
18 Gas Stations
8+ Nearby Campgrounds
6 Nearby National Forests
Oregon has one national park, and it's a short drive away from Coos Bay. Crater Lake National Park has miles of trails for bicycling, hiking, and skiing. The most popular attraction is Crater Lake itself, which is the deepest lake in the country.
If you cross the border into California, Redwood National Park is about two and a half hours away. It's home to the tallest trees in the world.
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington is a bit of a trek at about 350 miles away. However, it's worth the trip in your rental RV to see this looming active volcano up close.
Coos Bay is surrounded by state forests and state parks. Sunset Bay State Park allows you to camp year-round. You'll be right next to the beach, with easy access to cliffs, hiking, and more. Bullards Beach State Park has almost 5 miles of sandy beaches for you to enjoy. There are also sand dunes, an iconic lighthouse, and a nearby wildlife refuge. If you get tired of the beach, visit Shore Acres State Park. While it is near the water, it sits on sandstone cliffs. Stroll through the Japanese garden or watch for whales.
No trip to Coos Bay is complete without a visit to the waterfalls in nearby Golden and Silver Falls. It's around 25 miles from Coos Bay and features 10 stunning waterfalls. Another natural landmark lies about three and a half hours south: the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Take guided tours of the famous "marble halls of Oregon." This is one of the few cave systems in the United States made almost entirely from marble. There are 15,000 feet of passageways.
The Oregon State Fair. This annual event closes out the summer in nearby Salem. It features rides, games, competitions, exhibits, and more.
The Blackberry Arts Festival. More than 100 artists show up each year to sell their wares. There's live music as well as blackberry candy, wine, jelly, and baked goods!
The Prefontaine Memorial Run. This annual 10k marathon honors the legendary Steve Prefontaine, who was born in Coos Bay. It includes two days of celebrations that everyone can enjoy as they cheer on the runners.
Siuslaw National Forest - This is one of the best national forests for hikers of all skill levels. Climbing Marys Peak gives a stunning view all the way to the coast.
Taylor Dunes Trail - This popular trail takes you through forests and dunes along the coast. It's a decent path for beginners though people with more experience will enjoy it too.
Mingus Park - The Mingus Park Footpath gives you a great walk near a scenic lake. At just under a mile, it's perfect for beginners or those who want a relaxing nature stroll.
One of the best RV parks near Coos Bay is in Roseburg. Twin Rivers Vacation Park perches next to the North Umpqua River. It offers pull-through sites, full hookups, and clean bathroom and shower facilities. Schwarz Park COE is in nearby Cottage Grove. Run by the Army Corp of Engineers, this park is clean and near a lake for boating, jet skiing, and more. The price is low, but the camp is rustic — it doesn't have full hookups.
There are several popular dump stations near Coos Bay to choose from. When you're ready to empty your holding tanks, the Bastendorff Beach County Park has two stations. The park is in Coos Bay, right on the beach, so you can enjoy the scenery while you take care of business. Near Coos Bay in Independence, you'll find the Ash Creek Mobile and RV Park. They charge a nominal fee to use their dump station.
RVshare's top picks for RV storage near Coos Bay include Tom Thumb Mini Storage, Northwest Self Storage, and Gecko RV and Boat Storage. All three facilities are in nearby Roseburg. Tom Thumb has affordable rates, large facilities, and gates that stay open from early morning until late at night. Northwest Self Storage lets you choose from covered, uncovered, and fully enclosed areas for your RV. Electronic keypads on the gates keep your belongings safe. At Gecko, you can access your RV 24 hours a day. There's a wash station and secure gates.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Coos Bay, OR, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Coos Bay?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Coos Bay from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Coos Bay?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
