Beverly Beach State Park Oregon
Beverly Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful places along the gorgeous Oregon coastline, and it is conveniently situated within a two-hour drive from Salem, Corvallis and Eugene.
This destination is also perfect for RV-driving nature lovers and campers as its campground is extensive. But do not worry about the nearby beach being crowded. Even though the campground is usually busy, once you get to the beach and start exploring it, you will be able to easily find a quiet spot.
Regardless of if you come here for the day or are staying overnight, consider timing your stay with the late afternoon and early evening as sunsets here are especially gorgeous. That is assuming that the skies are clear, of course.
History
In the 1930s, a couple, Curtis and Florence Christy, were buying land in the area and asked their daughter, also named Florence, what they should name the area that would become the unincorporated community of Beverly Beach. She replied, “Beverly,” inspired by the name of her favorite doll.
The following decade, Oregon State Parks took over what would become Beverly Beach State Park.
Campground
Beverly Beach State Park’s campground is Oregon’s fourth-busiest. For example, 170,000 campers stayed here in 2017, an average of 465 a day.
Those who are looking for amenities like hot showers and television access while also being able to quickly access the gorgeous trees and beautiful water that Oregon is known for will be especially pleased with their stay here.
The campground itself is beautifully situated alongside Spencer Creek. Meanwhile, trees help protect it from many of the severe winds and other weather conditions that often occur in this region.
On the property are 53 full-hook up sites, 76 electrical sites that also offer water, 128 tent sites that feature nearby water access and 21 yurts. An RV dump station is available at the campground as well.
There is also a visitor’s center that is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. while the campground is home to a playground, a picnic area and restroom facilities as well. You can also buy firewood and souvenirs on site at reasonable prices.
Check-in is possible after 4 p.m. while check-out must be done by 1 p.m. Meanwhile, quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Most report generally quiet times while staying here, especially during the overnight hours, but, of course, there are some exceptions.
If you are bringing a pet, make sure that it is restrained with a leash that is no more than 6 feet in length.
The campground is open throughout the year although parts of it are closed during quieter times – e.g. during winter months.
Note that one of the yurts is designed for and may be used as a meeting hall.
See page 2 of this link for a map of the campground.
If you are interested in making a reservation, you can do so up to six months in advance here or by calling (800) 452-5687. Meanwhile, park information may be found at (800) 551-6949.
Trails
There is a 1.7-mile loop trail through the forest that is adjacent to the campground. It is easy to traverse, and its elevation gain is just 30 feet. One of its highlights is it running along Spencer Creek. In addition, you can enjoy looking at various types of stunning wildflowers while walking it.
And, of course, there is a short trail to the beach, which goes under Oregon Coast Highway 101.
Beaches
The two beaches found at Beverly Beach State Park are larger than many on the Oregon coast in that there is generally a considerable amount of flat sand to walk across to get to the waves, dependent on whether it is high or low tide, of course. Regardless, the edge of the beach is only 100 yards from the parking lot.
The combined length of the beaches is about 5 miles, and they offer several spots of serenity while many have described hiking from one end to the other as a pleasant, interesting experience.
A small stream separates the beaches with Beverly Beach being situated to the north and Moolack Beach to the south although that stream can usually be easily walked across.
The attractions and activities that may be found and done on these beaches are numerous.
Those who enjoy beachcombing are often fascinated by what they can find here, especially after winter storms and at low tide, while beachcombing during high tide is usually an enjoyable experience as well. These finds can even include fossils, some a million years old, but keep in mind that you are not allowed to disturb the fossil beds that are here.
Meanwhile, the rock formations that can be viewed from Beverly Beach State Park are stunning. Some of the ones that are viewable here are millions of years old.
Also, kite enthusiasts, whether those taking their own here to fly or others simply enjoying watching the ones that others are flying whip in the wind, tend to enjoy themselves here, particularly when the weather is especially kite-friendly.
Many beachgoers also like to build sandcastles during their visits.
Those exploring by heading north on Beverly Beach will ultimately reach Otter Rock and Devil’s Punch Bowl, the latter of which is a collapsed sea cave with ocean water splashing around inside.
Do consider that when you walk to the south, you will reach rocky areas before getting too far. Moolack Beach ends at Yaquina Head, which features a historic lighthouse that dates to the 1870s. However, many report that the beach walking experience when going south does get more interesting and engaging, particularly if you do so at low tide. This is also how you can reach Starfish Cove.
For some, the most fascinating viewing possibility along the beaches of Beverly Beach State Park is of the “ghost forest.” This consists of stumps that are thousands of years old, some up to 7,000 years old, that were preserved by the sand that still usually covers them to this day. The best chances to see these are after storms with strong winds have come through. However, one of the stumps that washed up at Spencer Creek is easily viewable at the park while accompanied by a descriptive sign.
Note that Oregon State Parks annually publishes tide tables, such as this one for 2023.
Surfers often come to these beaches as well. If this activity intrigues you, do consider that the best surfing conditions found here tend to be in the winter. Also, if you want to ride these waves but do not have your own surfboard, consider heading to Pura Vida Surf Shop, which is near Otter Rock and Devil’s Punch Bowl, to rent one as well as, if you need one, a wetsuit.
There is also a lot of wildlife in the area, such as blue jays flying around and gray whales swimming past, the latter usually occurring around the turn of the year and around April 1. If you want assistance in seeing whales during these times, trained volunteers can help.
Of course, make sure to not leave any trash on the beach or, for that matter, at the campsite other than in receptacles that have been designed for that purpose. Also keep in mind that no fishing is allowed.
Transportation
If you are in Corvallis or Philomath, head west on U.S. Route 20 before turning right at Newport onto the Oregon Coast Highway – i.e. U.S. Route 101. Once you make that turn, you will be less than 10 minutes away. Conversely, those in Salem and Portland should navigate to Oregon Route 18 and take that west until turning south onto the Oregon Coast Highway.
Also consider that those in Corvallis, Philomath and Albany can take the Coast to Valley Express bus to Newport and then get on a Lincoln County Transit bus for the rest of their journey to this park.
2023-24 Closure
Beverly Beach State Park closed on Sept. 5, 2023, and has an anticipated reopening date of May 26, 2024, although that date is only an estimated one. This has been done to allow for the replacing of some water lines, installation of underground power lines and removal of hundreds of dead, dying or hazardous trees.
