Cape Perpetua Campground, Central Coast, Oregon

Cape Perpetua Campground

Siuslaw National Forest \ Central Coast Ranger District

Cape Perpetua Campground is open for first-come-first-served and reservation campers through Oct 2nd in 2016.  Enjoy the marine gardens, during the winter months, from our year-round campgrounds Sutton, Alder Dune, Tillicum Beach or Blackberry.

Camping in Cape Perpetua Campground drops you right in the center of the most scenic part of the Oregon Coast.  Families camp here to access the 27 miles of hiking trails among giant Sitka spruce trees, 800' vistas of the coastline and tidepools in the Marine Gardens.  Make your reservations for next summer now at Recreation.gov

The small resort town of Yachats is just 2 miles to the north.  Yachats has a small market, restaurants and pubs and shopping.  Waldport, a quaint port town, is just 4 miles further north and provides access to crabbing, fishing and boating on the Alsea Bay and River via the public dock at the Port of Alsea.

The stretch of Hwy 101 between Yachats and Florence is one of the most scenic.  There are many overlooks and parking spots for access to hiking in old-growth forests, agate hunting and tidepools on the beach, as well as watching for whales, sea lions and other sea life.  Devil's Churn, Cook's Chasm and the mysterious Thor's Well are all within walking distance from Cape Perpetua Campground.  Get a car pass from the campground host for use in all the federal and state parking lots along the central coast.

Heceta Head Lighthouse and Sea Lion Caves are just 15 minutes south of the campground.  Strawberry Hill and the Hobbit Trail are also favorites for repeat visitors.

The following downloadable picture guides will help you enjoy the local flora, fauna and animals:

• Tidepool Animals
• Tidepool Plants
• Campground Animals
• Campground Berries
• Campground Birds

Click here for a campground map.

Marine Gardens at Cape Perpetua

Tidepooling is a favorite activity for Cape Perpetua campers. 

Cape Perpetua Campground Sign

2200 Hwy 101 S, Yachats, OR 97498

Turn east from Hwy 101 to enter the campground or go up to the day use area at the top of the mountain.  This is the overlook where you can see the coastline and the old stone building. 

27 miles of hiking trails

The extensive trail system is accessible from Cape Perpetua Campground.

Cape Perpetua Group Area

The group area contains a pavilion and group fire ring.  It can accommodate up to 50 people at one time.

Cape Creek

Cape Creek runs through the campground.  All but 2 campsites are adjacent to the babbling brook.

Tidepools

Enjoy tidepools in the Marine Gardens via a short, moderate, hike on a groomed trail.  The trail climbs up to the Visitor Center, then down, under Hwy 101, to the tidepools.

This photo shows a sea lemon (yellow) and iridescent seaweed (blue and brown). 

Sturdy Bridges Over Cape Creek

Traverse the creek over several bridges to get to the Visitor Center or the Giant Sitka Spruce tree in this old-growth forest.

Tidepooling with the Rangers

Check with the Visitor Center to see when a Ranger will be at the tidepools.  It is worth it to have someone point out some of the things that you may not know to look for.  Or download the free picture guides before you go.

Lush Rainforest

Berry bushes, ferns, giant spruce and Douglas fir trees provide a lush camping environment.

Paved Parking

Keep all wheels on the pavement.  Some sites have lots of room for you big rig.

Secluded Campsites

​Some sites are more secluded than others.

Restrooms

Cape Perpetua has 4 flush restroom buildings; cared for daily by the onsite Campground Hosts.

Banana Slug

These are some huge slugs.  If your child brings one home, just use gasoline to remove the slime from their hands.

Ochre Sea Stars

​Sea Stars are a prominent creature in the Marine Gardens of Cape Perpetua.  But they are not the only fun critter to look for.

A View of Yachats

North of Cape Perpetua is the charming coast town of Yachats.

Sea Lion Viewing

Sea Lion Caves is about 13 miles south of Cape Perpetua on Hwy 101.  Stop at the overlook before the caves to get a glimpse of the Heceta Head Lighthouse, the most photographed lighthouse on the coast.  Sometimes the sea lions are hauled out on the rocks at the base of the overlook.

Spouting Horn from Cook's Chasm

Cook's Chasm is about 1/2 mile south of Cape Perpetua Campground on Hwy 101.  You'll enjoy stunning views and sounds of the ocean's power.  A paved trail takes you closer to observe Spouting Horn and Thor's Well or just sit and watch whales or the entrancing sunset from the overlook.

Restrooms

Flush restrooms and drinking fountains are provided for campers and hikers. 

Sea Birds and Shore Birds

The black birds with orange beak are Oyster Catchers.

Yachats Beach Road

Watching waves is as entrancing as watching a campfire.

Cape Perpetua Campground Map

The campground is about a 1/4 mile long.