The best camping in Harris Beach State Park, OR

Just north of Brookings, near the California border, Harris Beach State Park offers plenty of tent and RV sites plus a handful of yurts, all situated a short walk from one of the prettiest stretches of Southern Oregon’s coastline. This compact park is particularly popular with families, with a playground, hot showers, a few easy hiking trails, and lots of little tidepools when the tide is low. It's also a great spot for birding enthusiasts, and you can get great views of Goat Island, an offshore National Wildlife Refuge, from numerous points throughout the park.

1. Campsites, RV hookups, and yurts become available at 6am (Pacific time), six months in advance on the Oregon State Parks' online reservation system.
2. Loop C sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis from November 1 through May 24. If you’re visiting on a weekend with good weather, come at sunrise to reserve your place.
3. Last-minute spots occasionally open up at the campground due to cancellations. If a cancellation occurs less than 24 hours in advance, you won’t see the open spot in the online system, but you can book directly at check-in. 

The park is open year-round, though some of the B loop and all of the D loop campsites close during winter. The best time of year is during the warmer summer months, notably July through late September. If you want to beat the crowds but still take advantage of pleasant weather, consider mid-week in September (after kids have gone back to school). The best time for whale-watching is in April through May or mid-December through January.

• The closest place to stock up on supplies is the town of Brookings, about a five-minute drive south from the park. Here you'll find a couple of good-sized supermarkets and plenty of restaurants.
• Campers are allowed only one car with their reservation. If you need to bring a second vehicle, be prepared to pay a small additional fee.
• Campfire bans are not uncommon during summer months, particularly when fire risk is high. Fuel and propane camping stoves are also sometimes restricted, depending on the severity of wildfire risk.