So you're thinking about visiting Beverly Beach State Park? Good choice. I've been going there since I was a kid dragging driftwood across the sand. This Oregon coastal gem near Newport isn't just another beach park - it's got personality. And quirks. Lots of quirks.
Where Exactly Is This Place?
Right off Highway 101, about 7 miles north of Newport. You can't miss the entrance - look for the massive "Beverly Beach State Park" sign right before the Yaquina Head lighthouse turnoff. Exact coordinates for you GPS folks: 44.7244° N, 124.0617° W.
Don't trust Apple Maps blindly last time it tried to send me through a logging road. Use these directions:
- From Portland: I-5 South > OR-18 West > OR-22 West > US-101 South (≈115 miles)
- From Eugene: OR-126 West > US-101 North (≈65 miles)
- Look for milepost 134.5 on Highway 101
Getting In: Fees & Hours Breakdown
Here's what they don't always tell you clearly:
| Pass Type | Cost | Best For | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Parking | $5 | Quick beach visits | Machines take cards now! (finally) |
| Annual Pass | $30 | Locals or frequent visitors | Pays for itself in 6 visits |
| Day Use Hours | 7am - 9pm | All visitors | Rangers lock gates at 9:01 sharp |
The parking situation? Last summer I circled for 20 minutes on a Saturday. Arrive before 11am or after 3pm unless you enjoy parking lot yoga.
When Should You Actually Visit?
July and August are insane. Seriously. The campground feels like a music festival without the music. My sweet spot? Late May when the rhododendrons bloom along Spencer Creek. October's magic too - fewer people, more dramatic storms.
Camping at Beverly Beach: The Real Scoop
That campground under the pines? It's iconic Oregon coast. But book six months ahead for summer weekends. I learned that the hard way sleeping in my car.
| Site Type | Cost/Night | Availability | Honest Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Hookup RV | $31 | Nearly impossible June-Aug | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (clean but tight) |
| Tent Site | $21 | Easier midweek | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (watch sloping terrain!) |
| Yurt | $46 | Book 5-6 months out | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (heater struggles in winter) |
Heads up about site 42 - looks amazing online but the bathroom exhaust fan points directly at it. Smells like... well, you get it.
The Beach Tunnel Saga
That underground tunnel to the beach? Absolute lifesaver when it's pouring. But at high tide? Forget it. Saw three tourists nearly lose their shoes last April.
Can't-Miss Activities (And Some to Skip)
The beach itself stretches for miles. Low tide exposes crazy rock formations perfect for:
- Tidepooling near Yaquina Head (sea stars galore!)
- Driftwood forts - bring rope
- Morning runs on hard-packed sand
But honestly? The guided nature walks (Saturdays at 10am) are surprisingly great. Ranger Kate knows every seabird by name.
Secret spot: Walk north 1.5 miles at low tide to find the shipwreck timbers. They're only visible about 20 days/year.
Kid Stuff That Actually Works
My niece calls Beverly Beach "the castle beach" because of those sandstone cliffs. The Junior Ranger program? They give out legit badges. Much better than last year's flimsy stickers.
The Food Situation: Pack or Pay
No restaurants inside Beverly Beach State Park. Zero. The camp store sells:
- Overpriced firewood ($8/bundle)
- Decent ice cream sandwiches
- Emergency marshmallows
Real food? Drive 8 minutes south to Newport:
| Spot | Specialty | Cost | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Ocean | Fish tacos | $$$ | Worth the splurge |
| Nana's Irish Pub | Clam chowder | $$ | Cozy & loud |
| Chowder Bowl | To-go chowder | $ | Paper cups, ocean view |
What to Pack (Beyond the Obvious)
- Microspikes for barnacle rocks (trust me)
- Blue painter's tape for yurt windows (drafts!)
- Old shower shoes for that camp bathroom
- Birdseed for the camp jays (they remember you)
Made the rookie mistake last November of forgetting wool socks. My toes haven't fully forgiven me. The coastal wind cuts through cotton like it's nothing.
Wildlife Encounters: The Good & Annoying
Spring whale migrations are spectacular from Beverly Beach. But the raccoons? They'll unzip your cooler faster than a teenager.
- Must see: Gray whales (March-May)
- Must secure: Coolers & food bins
- Surprise guest: River otters in Spencer Creek
That Tide Problem
People get stranded monthly. The beach at Beverly Beach State Park disappears fast. Check tides before crossing under Highway 101:
| Tide Height | Safety Level | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| +3 ft or lower | Safe exploring | Slippery rocks |
| +4 to +6 ft | Caution near cliffs | Sneaker waves |
| +7 ft or higher | Stay off beach | Channel currents |
Weather Reality Check
That "sunny Oregon coast" brochure? Mostly lies. Here's what you'll actually get:
- June Gloom: Fog till noon daily
- July 5th - Sept 15: Actual summer (maybe)
- October: Epic storms but empty beaches
Always pack:
- Waterproof jacket (not water-resistant)
- Fleece layer (even in August)
- Beanie hat (wind chill is real)
Nearby Alternatives When It's Packed
When Beverly Beach State Park hits capacity (often!), try:
- Moolack Beach (5 min north): Wider sand, fewer rules
- Ona Beach State Park (15 min south): Better tidepools
- Devil's Punchbowl (20 min north): Dramatic geology
Honest Pet Advice
Dogs are allowed at Beverly Beach State Park except on the nature trail. But that beach sand gets HOT on paws in afternoon sun. Saw a poor golden retriever doing the hot sand dance last July.
Leash laws are strictly enforced after that 2022 corgi-vs-seagull incident. $125 fines aren't fun.
Accessibility Notes
Good news: The park added new accessible features last year:
- Paved path to central restroom
- 2 beach wheelchairs (reserve 72 hrs ahead)
- Audio tour w/ QR codes
Bad news: The historic tunnel stairs are brutal if mobility is tough.
Beverly Beach State Park FAQ
Can you have bonfires on the beach?
Only below high tide line and never in driftwood piles. Rangers confiscated our marshmallow sticks last summer when we got lazy about placement.
Is there cell service?
Verizon gets 2 bars near the campground host. AT&T? Forget streaming Netflix. Embrace the disconnection.
Can you collect agates?
Small amounts for personal use only. That guy with the bucket last April got fined $250.
How cold is the water?
Freeze-your-toes-off cold year-round (45-55°F). Only saw one person surfing without a wetsuit. He lasted 90 seconds.
Are there showers?
Coin-operated in the campground ($1.50 for 5 mins). Bring quarters! The change machine is eternally broken.
Can I fly drones?
Strictly prohibited except for permitted commercial shoots. Saw a $375 ticket issued last August.
Final Reality Check
Beverly Beach State Park isn't some untouched wilderness. On summer Saturdays it feels more like coastal suburbia. But come Tuesday morning when the mist hangs over Spencer Creek? That's the magic Oregon coast moments are made of.
Just promise me one thing: Don't be that person who backs their RV into the cedar tree at site 27. We're still finding branches.
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