Those looking to park the campervan somewhere that offers spectacular views, a rich history, and incredible outdoor recreational opportunities should head to western Oregon. Cape Blanco State Park has it all, and over 200,000 average yearly visitors would agree that this park is something special. First explored way back in 1603, the area has been mesmerizing adventurers for centuries. In the late 1800s, a dairy farm and homestead was built by an Irish settler, and the house still remains to this day. A few years later, a lighthouse was constructed and is the oldest standing lighthouse in the state. Tours of both edifices are available when you visit the park, but there are lots of other activities to be enjoyed as well.
Visitors can trek miles of trails available for hikers and horseback riders, and there's even an equestrian campground available on site. Anglers can cast out in the Sixes River that carves its way through the park, while nature lovers can take in views of the unique geology, flora, and fauna that call the park home. Novice photographers and professions alike flock to the park to capture the sweeping views of the rugged coastline on the most western point in the state.
Once you've had enough exploring for the day, you can park the motorhome in one of 50 sites equipped with water and electric hookups. There's no bad time to visit Cape Blanco, as the park and campground remain open year-round.
Located halfway between Coos Bay and Gold Beach in southern Oregon, Cape Blanco State Park is a perfect RV getaway. The park is located off of the scenic Highway 101, and whether you're traveling up and down the entire coast or just looking to explore some of it, Cape Blanco makes for a great base camp or day trip destination. Highway 101 can be quite curvy at points and steep inclines are present in parts as well, so those driving big rigs will want to take the roads nice and slow. Drivers along the scenic highway are in general quite patient, and there are plenty of stop-offs along the way so you can let other vehicles pass. Those willing to brave the route will be rewarded with picture-perfect views on one of the nation's most picturesque coastlines.
Park roads are equally curvy and steep at places, so proceed with patience. The campground is located at the west end of the park, and large RVs will want to arrive at the park early to secure a spot that can accommodate their vehicle. Parking lots can be found outside of the Hughes Historic House, the lighthouse, and near the Sixes River. Lots fill up quickly during the peak summer months, so try to arrive early to snag a spot.
Visit the award-winning Bandon/Port Orford KOA on eight shaded acres near Floras Lake and the Rogue River. Sites include full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi, and some sites have deluxe patios. Campground amenities include a pool and hot tub, miniature train rides in season, a playground, recreational facilities, bike rentals, a dog park, and planned activities. Breakfast is available, there are ice cream socials on the weekends, and pizza can be delivered to individual sites on the weekends in season.
Cape Blanco State Park Campground is a pet-friendly campground open year-round, offering 50 RV- and trailer-friendly sites to guests looking to stay the night. Each site is equipped with water and electric hookups, along with a picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers can also be found nearby, along with hiking trails that will lead you around the park or down to the beach. Maximum site lengths vary greatly, from 31 feet all the way up to 81 feet. If you'd like to secure a spot, you'll have to arrive at the park early, as no reservations are available and the campground fills up quickly during the busy summer months.
Constructed in 1870, the Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest one in the state that is still standing, and its location on the most western point in the state makes for some stunning views from the top. If you visit the park between May and September, volunteers are available to guide you through this historic monument for a small fee, and even if you don't make it inside, the view from the exposed coastline is well worth a trip over to the lighthouse. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to dress in layers and bring a jacket, as it can be much colder and windier here than the inland area just a few miles away.
In the late 1800s, the park was home to Patrick and Jane Hughes, ranchers of Irish descent. Although the farm and cows are long gone, the house remains and tours are available for park visitors from May through September. Volunteers are prepared to guide you through the old house and tell you more about the history of the area. Tours are free, but donations are welcome to help upkeep the farmhouse. The house is located near the entrance of the park, and a decently sized parking lot is able to fit smaller campervans.
Don't hesitate to bring the horses along on your RV vacation to Cape Blanco, because there are seven miles of trail available for horseback riding at the park. You'll be treated to stunning ocean views, and the trail will even lead you down to the beach. After a full day of riding, you can hunker down at one of 12 equestrian campsites located in the park. Across from the campground, you'll even find an additional 150-acre open riding area. Reservations are recommended if you hope to stay at the equestrian campground, as sites fill up fast during the busy summer months.
Those who brought their horses along to Cape Blanco State Park can stay the night at the on-site horse camp. There are eight primitive style sites available to equestrian campers, each of which is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. A maximum of three horses are allowed per site, and there are 12 newly constructed corrals available on a first-come, first-served basis. The horse camp is open year-round, and reservations are available up to nine months in advance.
Cape Blanco State Park offers four log cabin rentals, available year-round. These cabins are equipped with heat and electricity but are rustic in the sense that there is no indoor plumbing and cooking is not allowed inside. Each cabin can sleep up to eight guests and contain one full-sized bed and one bunk bed, and a table with four chairs. Outside, guests will find a covered porch, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Guests will need to bring their own bedding. Restrooms and showers are located nearby. RVs are permitted to park next to the cabins, and 50-amp electric service is available. Two cabins allow pets for an additional fee, and one is ADA-accessible. Reservations are available for up to nine months in advance.
If you're camping with a group, you can cozy up at the Cape Blanco's group campsite. The site can accommodate up to 50 people and 24 vehicles (maximum of five RVs) and is equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. No restrooms are available at the camp, but flush toilets and hot showers can be found at the main campground not far away. The group campsite is open year-round, and reservations can be made up to nine months in advance.
With over eight miles of trails along the scenic coast of western Oregon, you won't want to forget to pack your hiking boots along in the Class A when you visit Cape Blanco State Park. The trails are fairly easy, and traverse their way through thick forests, across the rugged coastal bluffs, and along the sandy beach shores. There are also seven scenic lookouts located throughout the park, including Needle Rock and the lighthouse among others.
The Sixes River carves its way through the northeast side of Cape Blanco State Park before running into the Pacific Ocean, making it an incredible fishing destination for anglers visiting the park. You can hope to catch a variety of fish, including chinook salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout, with the best months for casting out being February and March. If you didn't have much luck on the Sixes, you can head just south of the park to the slightly more plentiful Elk River.
Cape Blanco State Park is renowned as one of the most scenic parks along the Oregon coast. So its no wonder that the park is extremely popular with smartphone photographers and professionals alike. Everything about the park is picture perfect -- from the lighthouse overlooking the ocean to the trails that feature both forest and lake views. There are a total of seven designated overlooks in the park which make for some prime photo opportunities. Wherever you wander the park, don't forget to grab your camera out of the Sprinter.
