Fort Stevens State Park Campground

For Oregon locals seeking a truly comprehensive coastal experience, Fort Stevens State Park Campground near Hammond stands out as a premier destination. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a vast, 4,300-acre park that blends rich history, diverse ecosystems, and an impressive array of recreational opportunities into one unforgettable package. From exploring military fortifications that guarded the Columbia River to beachcombing for treasures and witnessing breathtaking Pacific sunsets, Fort Stevens offers something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. It’s no wonder many consider it one of the best state parks they've visited in over 15 years of traveling.

This article is tailored specifically for Oregon residents, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Fort Stevens State Park Campground. We'll delve into its convenient location, the extensive range of services and camping options available, and the many features and highlights that make it a truly unique and enriching place to visit. Get ready to discover why Fort Stevens is an exceptional choice for your next family vacation, solo adventure, or group gathering on the stunning Oregon Coast.

Fort Stevens State Park Campground is located at 100 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121, USA. This strategic location places it at the very northwest tip of Oregon, at the historic mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the vast Pacific Ocean. The park encompasses coastal forest, wetlands, dunes, and miles of expansive sandy beaches.

Accessibility to Fort Stevens State Park Campground is exceptionally easy for Oregon locals. It's situated just a short drive off U.S. Highway 101, the main thoroughfare along the Oregon Coast, and is also readily accessible from U.S. Highway 30, which connects to Portland. From the Portland metropolitan area, the drive typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a very convenient weekend getaway or longer vacation spot. The park's well-marked entrance on Peter Iredale Road guides visitors directly to the vast campground and its numerous attractions. Once inside, the park features a network of paved roads that provide easy access to the various camping loops, historical sites, beach access points, and recreational areas. The sheer size of the park means ample space for exploration, and its proximity to the historic town of Astoria offers additional amenities, dining, and cultural experiences just a short drive away. Fort Stevens is renowned for its ease of access combined with the feeling of immense space and natural beauty, making it a highly desirable destination for Oregonians.

Fort Stevens State Park Campground is one of the largest public campgrounds in the country, offering a diverse and extensive range of services and camping options to suit nearly every preference and rig size. Its amenities are designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.

• Campsite Variety: The campground boasts over 500 campsites. This includes 174 full-hookup sites (electricity, water, and sewer), 302 electric-only sites (electricity and water), and dedicated tent-only/walk-in sites that are "spacious and clean."
• Cabins and Yurts: For those seeking more comfort, the park offers 11 cabins and 15 yurts, which provide a glamping experience with beds, heating, and lighting, often with access to shared restrooms and showers.
• Hiker/Biker Campsites: Nine dedicated campsites are available for those exploring the coast by foot or bicycle, a popular option along the Oregon Coast Trail.
• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: The park maintains "very clean and well maintained" restrooms (flush toilets) and hot showers, which are highly praised by visitors. While walk-in tent sites might require a short walk to drive-in loops for showers, the facilities are accessible and well-kept.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available throughout the campground loops.
• RV Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is on-site for registered campers.
• On-Site Groceries & Ice: For convenience, the park often has a small store where campers can purchase essential groceries and ice.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite, regardless of type, is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for traditional camping meals (always check for current fire bans).
• ADA Accessible Sites: All campsites are ADA accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.
• Friendly and Supportive Rangers: Visitors consistently highlight the park rangers as "very friendly and supportive," enhancing the overall positive experience.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome in the campground but must be kept on a leash, with some areas possibly designated for off-leash play.

Fort Stevens State Park is rich in both natural beauty and historical significance, offering a multitude of features and highlights that make it a truly unique destination on the Oregon Coast.

• Historic Fort Stevens: The park is built around a former military installation that guarded the mouth of the Columbia River from the Civil War through World War II. Visitors can explore the well-preserved earthen fort, concrete gun batteries (like Battery Russell, the site of a Japanese submarine attack in WWII), and an on-site military museum and visitor center with interpretive exhibits. Tours, including "underground" battery tours and rides in restored army trucks, are available.
• Peter Iredale Shipwreck: The iconic, rusted skeleton of the Peter Iredale, a four-masted steel barque that ran aground in 1906, is a prominent and highly photographed feature directly on the beach within the park. It's an "unforgettable" sight, especially at sunset.
• Extensive Paved Biking and Hiking Trails: The park boasts an impressive network of over 15 miles of multi-use trails, including "9 miles of paved bike trails" and 6 miles of hiking trails. These "paved trails around it for biking and hiking" are a major highlight, allowing visitors to explore diverse habitats like spruce forests, wetlands, and dunes. The Oregon Coast Trail also begins here.
• Coffenbury Lake: A freshwater lake within the park, Coffenbury Lake offers two picnic areas with swimming, restrooms, and a boat ramp. Its water is usually around 70 degrees in summer, making it perfect for swimming, fishing (stocked with trout, perch, crappie), and non-motorized boating.
• Stunning Beach Access & Sunsets: With miles of expansive sandy beach, Fort Stevens offers incredible opportunities for beachcombing, kite flying, and particularly "beautiful" and "unforgettable" Pacific Ocean sunsets over the water.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is a haven for wildlife, including elk, deer, various bird species (terns, plovers, sanderlings, dunlins), and diverse flora, making it excellent for birdwatching and nature photography.
• Columbia River Mouth Views: From the South Jetty Observation Tower, visitors can take in fantastic views of the powerful meeting point of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.
• Strong Cellphone Signal: Unlike many remote campgrounds, Fort Stevens State Park Campground generally has a "strong cellphone signal with T-Mobile" and good reception with other major carriers, a convenient feature for staying connected.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Fort Stevens State Park Campground, you can utilize the following contact details:

Address: 100 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121, USA

Phone: (503) 861-3170

Mobile Phone: +1 503-861-3170

It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for popular seasons and weekends, as this is a very popular park. Reservations can be made online through the Oregon State Parks website or by calling their central reservation number (often 1-800-452-5687, but confirm the best number via the park's official site). For the most current information on closures, fees, and special events, always check the official Oregon State Parks website for Fort Stevens.

Fort Stevens State Park Campground is an exceptional choice for Oregon locals seeking a diverse, amenity-rich, and historically significant coastal getaway. Its status as one of "the best state parks we have stayed in our more than 15 years traveling experience" by seasoned campers speaks volumes about its quality and appeal. For Oregonians with RVs, the extensive availability of "full hook-up" and electric sites, some even in "north loops" that are "easier for big rigs," ensures comfort and convenience. Tent campers also rave about the "spacious and clean" walk-in sites.

The park's unique blend of "amazing" historical sights like the Fort Stevens batteries and the "unforgettable" Peter Iredale shipwreck, combined with "beautiful" Pacific Ocean sunsets, provides a rich tapestry of experiences. The "paved trails around it for biking and hiking" are a major draw, allowing active locals to explore the diverse landscapes with ease. While some sites might feel "too close to each other" in busy periods, the sheer size and variety of loops often allow for finding a comfortable spot, and the "friendly and supportive" rangers are there to help. For an all-encompassing Oregon Coast adventure, offering everything from historical exploration to beach fun, biking, and a comfortable base camp, Fort Stevens State Park Campground is undoubtedly a top-tier destination for locals.

Fort Stevens State Park Campground

100 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121, USA