This state park is postcard-perfect! Oregon’s Harris Beach State Park features rocky sea stacks, tide pools to explore, and easy beach access.
Best of all, this park on Oregon’s southern coast is eager to host your stay in its well-equipped campground.
Location
Harris Beach State Park is on US-101 just north of Brookings, a short drive from the California border.
The park’s approximate coordinates are listed as 42° 04′ 1.40″ N, 124° 18′ 25.34″ W in mapping listings.
A little history
Harris Beach is probably most famous for Bird Island (aka Goat Island) just offshore. This is an important breeding spot and part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge where seabirds like tufted puffins nest.
The nearby Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor was named for Oregon’s first state parks superintendent. It protects a dramatic stretch of rocky coastline, natural arches, and old-growth Sitka spruce.  It’s the perfect scenic backdrop for beach walks and short coastal hikes.
What to expect
Harris Beach State Park’s campground includes roughly 34 full-hookup sites with water, sewer, and electricity. In addition, there are 50 electrical sites with water. Many sites have paved parking pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. There’s also a day-use area, flush toilets and hot showers, and an RV dump station on site.
Expect standard state-park spacing and paved pads rather than large resort pull-throughs. The park offers easy access to tide pools and beach walks. Firewood is available for sale.
Note: Always check ahead for seasonal changes because some camp loops may close in winter.
How to reserve
• Book online: Harris Beach accepts reservations through the Oregon State Parks reservation system. You can reserve campsites up to six months in advance. Use the park’s ReserveAmerica listing to pick a site and pay.
• Phone help: If you prefer human help, Oregon State Parks provides phone numbers for reservations (800-452-5687) and park questions (800-551-6949).
• First-come/self-registration: If you arrive without a reservation, some loops accept first-come campers via self-registration envelopes at kiosks. Remember that summer fills up fast, so don’t count on walk-up availability, especially on holiday weekends.
Quick tip: When booking, double-check vehicle limits for your chosen site and whether you’ll need to register an extra vehicle (parks often charge for additional vehicles).
Things to do nearby
Explore tidepools and sea stacks right at Harris Beach. Photographers will enjoy catching snapshots at low tide.
Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor offers several pullouts and short trails with sweeping views, natural arches, and small, tucked-away beaches. Plan a half-day or full day if you like scenic coastal hikes.
Downtown Brookings and Azalea Park. Take a short drive south for restaurants, grocery runs, and the lovely azalea gardens, which are especially colorful in the spring.
Chetco River activities include fishing, kayaking, and other water sports. If you go just a little inland, you will see relaxing riverside spots.
Nearby private RV parks
• Portside RV Park (Brookings Harbor). This park gives ocean/harbor views, full-service RV sites with marina access. It’s very close to Brookings and Harris Beach. Great for RVers who want scenic harbor views and easy town access.
• Beachfront RV Park. Literally perched on the water, Beachfront is a small, classic coastal RV park that offers an easy walk to the beach. Oceanfront pull-through sites are available.
• AtRivers Edge RV Resort. Located a bit off the highway on the Chetco River, this RV park is more of a resort-feel park with river access and wooded sites. It’s ideal if you prefer quieter, shaded camping near Brookings.
(Another local option is Sea Bird RV Park.)
Practical RV tips for staying at Harris Beach
• Be ready to book your reservations six months before your arrival.
• If you don’t have a reservation, aim to arrive early in the morning.
• Check campsite size and pull-through needs. Many state park pads are not extra-long. If you’re towing a long rig or have a towed car, double-check site dimensions when booking.
• Pack layers. The southern Oregon coast can be sunny and chilly in the same afternoon. A windbreaker and warm hat are camping must-haves. Check forecasts before you go.
• As always, leave no trace. Use provided fire rings, pack out trash where required, and respect wildlife. Remember that Bird Island is a protected refuge.
Have you visited this part of Oregon? Tell us about your experience using the comments below.
RELATED
- Oregon to increase camping rates to highest level at nearly 30 parks
- Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park campground reopens
RVT1237
We stayed in this park a year and a half ago. To this day, it has been one of my favorite parks! We have a 40′ motorhome and tow a vehicle, and just fit in the site. Although the site was not overly deep, the width was spacious, and within walking distance to the beach. The sunset pictures I took there are the prettiest I have ever seen. Harris Beach SP left a lasting impression on us!