Florence is a small coastal city that was originally a Native American settlement inhabited by the Siuslaw tribe 9,000 years ago. The city's optimal location along the Siuslaw River and close proximity to the surrounding estuaries provided vital sustenance for the Siuslaw people for hundreds of generations. With the coming of modern settlers in the late 1800s, lumber and fish canning industries were established, and Florence became a city in 1893.
Known as Oregon's Coastal Playground due to its myriad sandy beaches and rolling dunes, Florence was the inspiration for the "Dune" science-fiction franchise. Visitors flock to areas such as Heceta Beach and the North and South jetties to surf, scuba dive, beach comb, and hike the dunes. At Heceta Head, you can go on sightseeing tours of the lighthouse and hike the Hobbit Trail to Hobbit Beach. If you just can't wait for the snow, head to Sand Master Park for a day of sandboarding.
Historic Old Town Florence adds to the charm of the area with quaint shops that line the riverfront and restaurants that serve some of the best seafood on the coast. Museums in town retell the history of the region and honor the veterans of the armed forces at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum and the Oregon Coast Military Museum. At Exploding Whale Memorial Park, you can learn about one of the most unusual events in Florence's history.
Rhododendron Festival - Enjoy parades, carnival rides, and delicious fare at Oregon's second-oldest annual flower festival held every third weekend in May.
Circles in the Sand at Heceta Beach - Guests can enjoy beautiful seaside views and intricate sand drawings at this event that celebrates love and kindness every October.
Florence Winter Music Festival - This two-day annual event in January features Americana, folk and bluegrass music, workshops, libations, and local foods.
Oregon is home to Crater Lake National Park — one of the most unique and historic national parks in America. The park's location in the Cascade Range in the southern part of the state makes it a mecca for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy views of Crater Lake from 30 overlooks, hike and bike on 90 miles of trails, and cruise around on historic Rim Drive, a 33-mile stretch that circles the lake. Notable places to explore in the park include Phantom Ship, Wizard Island, and Plaikni Falls.
Though Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park are located several hours to the north in Washington state, these breathtaking areas are chocked full of adventurous activities and diverse landscapes that are well worth experiencing.
Several scenic state parks are located within easy driving distance of Florence. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is a popular park that's known for its fantastic array of activities that include hiking, fishing, paddling, and picnicking. Visitors can visit the Umpqua River Lighthouse, which is just half a mile from the park. Salmon Harbor Marina is also nearby and is an excellent place for crabbing and fishing along the Oregon coast. The campground at this park features 12 full hookup sites, flush toilets, and showers. Reservations can be made six months in advance. Umpqua Lighthouse and Salmon Harbor are both less than 30 miles south of Florence.
Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park is another favorite, and it's located just 3 miles south of Florence. The park is situated on Cleawox Lake, a great place to kayak, swim, and fish. Soft dunes blanket the area and are perfect for hiking. Camping is also available year-round. For more places to enjoy the beauty of Oregon's coast, South Beach State Park and Sunset Bay State Park are treasured spots.
The small coastal city of Florence has some memorable Oregon landmarks of its own. The Siuslaw River Bridge is one of the town's most impressive landmarks. Opened in 1936, the mechanical draw bridge features four Art Deco-style obelisks that once served as living quarters for the bridge operator and storage for mechanical equipment. You'll enjoy viewing its magnificent architecture and learning about the history of the area from the outdoor platform at the interpretive center below. Historic Old Town Florence is renowned for its antique stores, wine bars, museums, coffee shops, and restaurants that serve crab chowder year-round. The scenic boardwalk is lined with more historic buildings and landmarks that overlook the harbor, and it's home to Florence Farmers Market in the summer.
Great RV parks and campgrounds near Florence combine Oregon's beautiful scenery with excellent amenities. Located just a few miles outside of Eugene off Hwy 58, Black Canyon Campground has miles of trails for visitors to explore on foot, horseback, or bike. Each of the 75 sites at the campground contains a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Deerwood RV Park is another great location in Eugene that provides campers with a quiet place to relax in a lush, wooded setting. You'll enjoy private showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, and full hookups at this big-rig-friendly park. Premier RV Resorts of Eugene Oregon, 13 miles northwest of downtown Eugene, is one of the few area campgrounds with a pool. It offers a rustic setting close to city conveniences. River trails, wineries, and championship golf courses are nearby.
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 Florence, 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 Florence?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Florence 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 Florence?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
