We think the best RV road trips are ones that you can take at a leisurely pace. And by leisurely, we mean long-term RV reservations – 1 month to several months – at scenic RV parks you can use as a jumping off point for further adventure, relaxation, and exploration. One of the top west coast RV road trips we recommend is the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway stretches border to border along Oregon’s breathtaking coast.

This stretch of highway in Oregon is open to the public, giving it the nickname “The People’s Coast.” This is a popular road trip route for ample reasons, especially if you take it at a laid-back pace in your RV. RVs afford you the ability to stay in short-term and long-term RV parks along the coast with no pressure on your itinerary, or, should we say, “What itinerary?” 

 

Scenic Overlooks, Rocky Tide Pools, Sandy Beaches, Coastal Communities and More

From Astoria to Newport to Coos Bay to Brookings, you’ll discover a bounty of natural wonders and coastal communities brimming with character. Starting in Astoria in northern Oregon will ensure you and your RV are cruising on the coast-side of the road, affording you prime views.

Oregon’s Pacific coastline stretches for 363 miles, which makes drive time about 10-12 hours for the full route. But of course, we hope you’ll make many stops and stays along the way to fully immerse your senses in all the Pacific Coast has to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll want to stay for the long haul?

 

Recommended RV Road Trip Itinerary for the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

Days 1-2: Astoria to Garibaldi (55.5 mi)

Kick off your RV road trip in Astoria where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific. 

Where to stay: Nehalem Bay State Park

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Columbia River Maritime Museum – Astoria’s intertwined heritage with the sea

Fort Stevens State Park – Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific

Seaside, OR – 1920s-era promenade and boardwalk games

Cannon Beach – Galleries, boutiques and views of 235-foot Haystack Rock offshore

Ecola State Park – Sandy coves, forested trails and the cape of Tillamook Head

Nehalem Bay – Forested bike path with views of the bay

Days 2-3: Garibaldi to Newport (78.3 mi)

With this stretch of the road trip, take some extra time to detour inland along the Trees to Sea Scenic Byway to the Cape Meares Lighthouse.

Where to stay: 

Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort in Newport, OR

Port of Newport RV Park and Marina in Newport, OR

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Garibaldi – A hub for fishing and kayaking

Tillamook – Sample cheeses at the Tillamook Creamery

Trees to Sea Scenic Byway to the Cape Meares Lighthouse

Three Capes Scenic Loop to Cape Lookout State Park

Pacific City – Little beach town touting the massive sand dune of Cape Kiwanda

Cascade Head Preserve – Trails through old-growth forests

Days 3-5: Newport to Coos Bay (97.9 mi)

Consider extending your stay in Newport to spend an afternoon at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and take in the lighthouse and abundant natural beauty found in Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.

Where to stay: Sun Outdoors RV Park in Coos Bay, OR

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Newport – Marine life and science at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – Marine gardens and Oregon’s tallest lighthouse

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – 800 feet high and trails lead through old-growth forest

Heceta Head Lighthouse – Oregon’s brightest beacon

Sea Lion Caves – Ride the elevator down 208 ft to an observation area in a large natural cavern to see Steller sea lions and more wildlife

Florence – Fishing boats and historic buildings filled with shops

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – Dune buggy tours, sandboarding, ATVing

Days 5, 6, 7 (and beyond!): Coos Bay to Brookings (107 mi)

Where to stay: 

Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages in Gold Beach, OR (details below)

Driftwood RV Park in Harbor/Brookings, OR (details below)

Sites and Stops Along the Way:

Coos Bay – Recreational fishing, crabbing, clamming

Bandon – World class golf, art, and sandy beaches

Port Orford – Scenic fishing harbor and the start of the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway

Gold Beach (stay a while!) – Where the Rogue River, a Wild and Scenic River known for its rafting and fishing, meets the Pacific

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor – Overlooks, hiking trails, beach access

Harbor and Brookings (stay a while!) – Known for its temperate “banana belt” climate and largest stand of coastal redwoods in the state. These seaside towns are sure to charm! 

Where to Stay (for more than a day or two) on Oregon’s Southwest Coast

Rogue Pacific RV Park and Cottages in Gold Beach, OR

What this RV Park Offers:

• Long-term RV site reservations
• Ocean views
• Pet friendly (and pet area)
• Full hook-ups (utilities available for purchase)
• 30 or 50 amp services
• Back-in spaces
• Welcomes all ages
• Long-term ocean-view cottage rentals

Make an RV Site Reservation at Rogue Pacific RV Park

 

Driftwood RV Park in Harbor/Brookings, OR

What this RV Park Offers:

• Short-term RV site reservations
• Long-term RV site reservations
• Pet friendly
• Welcomes all ages
• On-site laundry
• Gathering space (banquet room and kitchen)
• Full hook-ups (water/sewer/trash/cable TV/electricity available for purchase)
• 30 or 50 amp electric services
• Picnic tables in sites
• Pull-through and back-in spaces
• On-site laundry
• 2 pet areas
• Sundeck along Tuttle Creek
• 1 block to the beach
• Redwood forest trailheads a short drive away
• Hot and clean complimentary showers
• 2 sets of restrooms

Make an RV Site Reservation at Driftwood RV Park

 

Bonus for RV Lifers

For those of you looking to settle into a new place for the long haul, spending a month or more in a handful of these coastal towns to “test” them out affords you a good sense of what it would be like to live there. By spending more than a few nights in an RV park, you’ll get to know local places, people, climate, and more to see if it’s a good fit for you. 

Happy travels!

Looking to retire in an RV Park? Check out this article: “5 Reasons to Retire to a Long-term RV Park”