Kilchis River County Campground

The Great Outdoors

Campsites at the Kilchis River County Campground provide a good base for exploring the Tillamook State Forest, which sprawls across 364,000 acres to the east. It lies in the Northern Oregon Coast Range, with several trails winding through its forest of Douglas-fir trees. Begin your visit at the Tillamook Forest Center to learn about the Tillamook Burn, a series of forest fires that swept through the area from 1933, then get active while hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The Tillamook State Forest also encompasses the temperate Tillamook Rainforest, which holds the title of being one of the wettest areas in the United States.A short drive around Tillamook Bay takes you to the Bayocean Peninsula Park, which protects a series of pristine beaches along the Northern Oregon Coast. Several hiking trails meander through its thick groves of shore pine and Sitka spruce before opening out at quiet stretches of sand where you can swim and relax. A highlight is the 7.6-mile Bayocean Spit Loop Hike, which takes you to the tip of the peninsula at Kincheloe Point before returning along an old road that hugs Tillamook Bay.The Kilchis River County Campground is also just 30 minutes’ drive from Manhattan Beach State Park, a picturesque stretch of sand to the north of Rockaway Beach. It encompasses 41 acres of beachfront land and the Twin Rocks sea stacks, all of which can be explored along the long-distance Oregon Coast Trail. There are several picnic tables nestled beneath the shore pines where you can enjoy lunch before following the short track that leads onto the sand and the refreshing waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Exploring the City

Tillamook campers can pick up groceries in one of the local supermarkets or fill up their RV rental at the gas stations in Bay City. Both cities are also home to several eateries for those nights when you don’t feel like cooking, ranging from fast-food restaurants to classic diners and breweries.Delve into the local history at the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, which features three floors and houses a collection of around 35,000 items. It occupies a building that once served as the Tillamook County Courthouse and details the lives of the local Native American tribes and early pioneers. Learn about the role of the Naval Air Station Tillamook and the impact of the Tillamook Burn while browsing the huge collection of photos on display.Also not to miss is the Tillamook Air Museum, which is housed in a former US Navy blimp hangar. It boasts one of the United States’ most impressive private collections of World War II aircraft, with highlights including a Douglas A-4B Skyhawk, a Grumman F-14A Tomcat, and a Rutan Quickie. Walk through the interactive Anderson Air Raid Shelter, then get up close to a fascinating range of artifacts.On the northern outskirts of Tillamook is the Latimer Quilt & Textile Center, which celebrates both vintage textiles and contemporary fabric art. Browse the old spinning wheels and looms on display in the West Room, in addition to hand-woven textiles, beading, and knitting, then admire the antique quilts from the Latimer Collection that are exhibited in the East Room. The collection includes quilts dating from the mid-19th century to the modern-day, with a purpose-built repository designed to preserve the textiles for future generations.Cheese lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the Tillamook Creamery, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making their legendary products. Say “hello” to their friendly cows and watch their cheesemaking processes in action from the Viewing Gallery, then settle in to sample their cheese, butter, and ice cream in the on-site restaurant.Whether you want to explore the pristine beaches of the Oregon coast or discover the museums of Tillamook, book a camper rental in Tillamook County and start planning your next vacation.