Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Oregon set aside over 1,000 acres, named the Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, along its central coastline in 1962 to preserve lands from exploitation. Occupying land on both sides of United States Highway 101, the park offers a glimpse into the wonders pioneers found along the Pacific Coastline. Visitors often comment about the many natural wonders found in the park. Wildlife of all kinds, windblown trees, and a magnificent ocean view contribute to the ambiance sought by many and discovered by so few.
Spring 40-67 F
Summer 52-80 F
Fall 42-75 F
Winter 39-51 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
The Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park Campground offers 45 spacious RV camping locations for travelers. Of those sites, six provide only water and electrical hookups up to 50-amp service, and 39 also offer sewer hookups. Because of the nature of camping on ancient, wooded-over dunes, the sites vary in size with some limited to 20-foot campers and others allowing RVs up to 50 feet. Wide fire pits, restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and picnic tables are available for guests. There is no Wi-Fi, and mobile service is spotty. Pets of all types are welcome.
What to Do at
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park offers an incredible list of restful activities in lush nature, such as hiking the ancient woods or wading the ocean waves. During summer, the cooling sea breeze calms minds while cooling bodies.
Fishing
With a beach that stretches for three miles, anglers find a fantastic opportunity to surf fish. The main prey appears to be the repeated runs of abundant sea perch. Anglers sometimes latch onto a salmon, steelhead, or flounder that unexpectedly wanders away from their primary feeding grounds.
Geocaching
Though geocaching is allowed, it is limited. The delicate nature of the area requires any treasure seeker to stay on the established trails. All prizes must be easily accessible from the trails.
Nature Watching
This state park provides a backdrop for nature enthusiasts. The incredible diversity of nature is found in this park with little human interruption. Trees bent by the wind hover over the heads of wild rhododendron hedges, the coastal saw grasses cover dunes, and an incredible view of sunsets greet each visitor.
Stargazing
The night sky along the length of the three-mile beach at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park offers a horizon that goes on forever. Invisible in the dark skies of cities, stars reveal themselves above distant ships' pointed lights. With towns far removed from the area, the sky is free of light pollution.
Flora and Fauna
Since the park was intentionally created to preserve coastal Oregon’s fantastic array of flora and fauna, it comes as no surprise that animals as varied as seagulls and woodpeckers should live side by side in this natural wonderland. The trees and grasses are unusual in shape, each influenced by eons of wind.
Hiking
The four-mile Hobbit and China Creek Trail leads campers from the campground to the beach and along the shoreline, and they return under the bridge to wander along the eastern hill ground and loop back to the campground. This includes the main pathway to the beach and is the most frequently used trail of the two inside the park for the entire length. The passage at the China Trail Bridge, located on the returning section of the route, is currently closed until state park engineers repair a weakening abutment.
Biking
One of the outstanding quirks about Oregon is how many bicyclists travel the highways, especially the United States Highway 101, which runs along the coastline. Special bicyclist campsites are available at Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, and bikers are always allowed along the trails except on the beaches, where they must walk.
How to Get to
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
The state park is a 12-mile drive south from Yachats, Oregon, along US Highway 101. Look for the entrance on the east side of the road.
Entering Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
Upon seeing the enormous welcome sign at the Carl G. Washburne State Memorial Park entrance on the east side of Highway 101, visitors find a road canopied by trees. Stopping at the park station, guests can view all the available activities inside the park via postings. A park ranger provides directions to the campground for those staying the night and to the ample parking lot for visitors choosing to hike or bike through the forest, picnic, or enjoy the beach before taking up the road. Handicap-accessible facilities are available at the parking lot, and an RV site is reserved for those needing ADA facilities. The park office is open from 8 a.m. to sundown.
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park
The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the summer. With the Oregon coast’s mild temperatures and cooling sea breezes, summer is the perfect time to stay a night or two.
Visitors often spot Roosevelt Elk and black bears in the forests. Shore watchers view migrating grey and humpback whales. Birdwatchers enjoy a protected area where the depleted Snowy Plover nests.
There are 46 designated RV campsites in the state park. One site is reserved for ADA campers.
Reservations are required for RV campers. However, since June of 2023, a new policy of same-day reservations has been allowed. Reservations start at $31.
The park welcomes pets. No dogs of any size are allowed in the well-marked Snowy Plover nesting area.