Two excellent campgrounds sit about four miles south of Waldport on U.S. 101 along the beach. Beachside State Park (541/563-3220 or 800/551-6949 information, 800/452-5687 or www.reserveamerica.com reservations, $17 tents, $21 RVs, $30 yurts) is located near a half mile of beach not far from Alsea Bay and Alsea River. This is a paradise for rock fishers, surfcasters, clammers, and crabbers. With such amenities as a laundry and hot showers, Beachside fills up fast, so reserve early for space Memorial Day–Labor Day.

A half mile down U.S. 101, the Siuslaw National Forest’s Tillicum Beach (877/444-6777 or www.recreation.gov reservations, $22, reservations strongly recommended in summer) is set right along the ocean. Forest Service roads from here access Coast Range fishing streams. You’ll also appreciate the strip of vegetation blocking the cool evening winds that whip up off the ocean.

Should Beachside and Tillicum be filled to overflowing, you might want to set up a base camp in the Coast Range along Highway 34—especially if you have fishing or hiking in the Drift Creek Wilderness in mind. Just go east of Waldport 17 miles on Highway 34 to the Siuslaw National Forest’s Blackberry Campground (877/444-6777 or www.recreation.gov reservations, $20). The 33 sites are open year-round; most are right on the river. A boat ramp, flush toilets, and piped water are on-site.