Why Fort Stevens is the Coolest Campground in Oregon and How to Go

Oregon is notorious for its plethora of outdoor options and endless adventures. With mountains, forests, waterfalls, high desert and a gorgeous, rugged coastline- you have something for everyone. The best way to see everything? Camping. While the options are limitless, Fort Stevens is by far the coolest campground in Oregon.

Few campsites are as unique or special as Fort Stevens State Park. Read below for everything you need to know for your next trip to Northern Oregon and Fort Stevens.

What Is Fort Stevens State Park?

Nestled on the northernmost coast line in Oregon, and just a stone’s throw from the popular coast town, Astoria, you’ll see a massive (4,300 acre) green state park taking up that whole tip of the map. Since it straddles the Oregon, Washington border, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and campers from both states. 

Fort Stevens was built in 1865, as the only coastal defense fort in Oregon. While it was occupied for three separate wars, it only went into battle once. It is the only military fort, since 1812, in the United States, that was ever fired on during war. Japanese soldiers attacked during World War 11, on June 21st, 1942.

After 1947, it was no longer used as a military fort and was gifted to the Oregon state parks department. Today, the fascinating history is what really sets this state park apart from many others

What Do You Do There?

Fort Stevens is kid and adult friendly. It has more activities provided than just about any other state park I’ve been too. Because it’s so massive, and it’s been preserved so well, most activities are available in relative privacy and solitude. 

With several campgrounds, yurts and cabins, there are options of where to stay and the level of luxury you want to stay in. Some of the campground areas are definitely built up for the family, with an actual amphitheater to stream movies or shows sometimes, and a play place.

The rest of the park though, is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. With miles of both biking and hiking trails, some very rustic, you can bike and hike just about anywhere in the park. Horseback riding is also available.

Fort Stevens has an entire coast line, essentially to itself, and the other visitors. There is also gorgeous Coffenbury Lake where you can kayak or fish. They have recently installed a disc golf course as well, which I have very mixed feelings about. Mainly because it goes throughout one of the historic sites and I find that a little disrespectful, personally.

What Makes Fort Stevens So Special? 

What makes Fort Stevens the coolest campground in Oregon though, are the numerous ruins and historical sites. Some people may find the historic ruins of the fort to be creepy. I find them fascinating, and extremely photogenic. 

There are several different old batteries that are awe inspiring and eerie to explore. With numerous old rooms, some are so dark and you can just hear dripping water. You can touch the old cannons and see where they used to be in some of the batteries, as well as use the actual look outs. There is the massive old Fort to explore, and underground homes. Of course, there’s also a museum. 

These sights aren’t just in one place, they are spread out throughout the park, as it was an actual military fort. They left the remains untouched. It’s fun to do one of the many hikes and just stumble across sight after sight. 

One of the most famous sights though, and what Instagrammers love, is the Peter Iredale shipwreck. In 1936, a British ship that was supposed to pick up wheat from Portland, completely crashed into the shore after getting caught in some strong winds. The entire ship was stuck in the sand and it became an instant tourist attraction. So, there it has stayed. And it remains a very popular attraction, despite most of it being washed away at this point.  

Know Before You Go

You can reserve your campsite, yurt or cabin here. If you’re reading this in 2020, make sure you check what is open for booking due to Covid-19. You can also visit during the day for free, in certain areas.

The park ranger will give you a map if you check in at registration. They will show you where you need a permit and where you don’t. All areas with permit required are marked, so you know if those are only available to campers or not. All paid parking areas accept credit card or cash upon arrival. 

The majority of the park is free to use and explore during the day, however. You can also park your car in one of the free areas and hike or bike to any of the other sections. It just depends how much you want to explore on your own two feet.

I would definitely recommend camping there for the more adventurous, and during the warm weather months. If it’s cold, or camping isn’t in the cards, I would recommend staying in Astoria, and just exploring Fort Stevens during the day.