Solo Travel in a CamperVan: Oregon Coast

solo-travel-in-campervan-oregon-coast
best places to travel in a campervan, Oregon
Photo: Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon, Mary Bartnikowski

Solo Travel in CamperVan Oregon Coast

Suddenly I did it. Started my road trip to Oregon solo in my CamperVan. And It was beyond what I was expecting. Why?

Breathtaking landscapes, magical coastal towns, a ton of lakes, and millions of trees.

This scenic stretch of the Pacific Northwest is a perfect destination for camping enthusiasts seeking solitude and pristine nature.

Your eyes will pop out of your head on the daily. So get ready for fun.

Solo Travel in a CamperVan on the coast of Oregon is one of the most exquisite nature journeys you can take in the USA.

Living in Ashland, Oregon for 2 months I hadn’t discovered the Oregon Coast until I’d moved back to California!

Exploring Crater Lake and Bend, Oregon was what I did when I lived in Ashland.

But the Coast is mesmerizing and it continued to call me.

Things to Consider on your Solo Travel CamperVan experience:

  • Firstly, before hitting the road; selecting the perfect camper van is crucial. What suits your needs and preferences?
  • I used my Kia Sedona mini-van. Because It parks in tight places and is great on gas mileage. Boom.
  • And certainly I don’t want to tow anything other than my camera and snacks.

How do you plan your route?

The Oregon Coast stretches from the Columbia River in the north to the California border in the south. So choose what you want to do.

Brookings, Oregon in the South was where I started my road trip. Don’t miss stopping at Harris Beach State Park. It’s stunning.

One thing to note: you’ll discover places that enchant you so you’ll want to stay longer, my favorites:

  1. Bandon Beach
  2. Newport
  3. Yachats
  4. Florence
  5. Devils Punchbowl

    Solo travel adventure in Oregon with a campervan.
    Solo travel adventure in Oregon with a campervan.

 

Not ready to solo camp? Check out my post on my best solo travel countries here.

Solo Traveling 4 weeks on the Oregon Coast was a huge adventure.

So are you ready to start out?

Confirm You’re Well-Equipped for This Solo Coast Road Trip  with Essential Supplies.

  1. Sleeping bag or blankets
  2. Cooking equipment
  3. Food, water, and toiletries.
  4. Flashlight, head lamp, and pillow.

Camping: You’ll find places outside of the parks to camp as the paid camp grounds are often full of Summer campers who thought ahead and booked months before.

Are you like me? Set off on a whim and didn’t plan ahead?

The truth is boondocking is accepted and celebrated on the Oregon coast. And there are many other vans and small to huge campers doing the same thing as you.

Breathtaking sunsets await you in these boondocking sites along the coast road!

Don’t forget to pack a good book, camera, and binoculars to make the most of your solo coastal adventure.

vacation rentals waldport oregon coast
Waldport Oregon Coast

Download the iOverlander app on your phone so you can find free camping along the way.

But I did pay for campsites with electricity a few times as I loved plugging in my laptop at a campground on the coast where I could work!

And it was sometimes half price with a Senior Discount. I love being older.

I didn’t do this often. Because there are too many natural places, full of wonder and awe to camp at and free.

You’ll find these spots either south or north of all the coastal towns, if you don’t find any, just keep driving.

This is informal and unscripted; perfect for those of us who are spontaneous.

Florence, Oregon, offers stunning coastal beauty and outdoor adventures.
Florence Oregon

Exploring Coastal Towns: the cute towns of Yachats, Florence, Newport, and Bandon, were my favorites.

In Florence hike around Jessie Honeyman Memorial Park, you can even swim in the lake. And its chock full of trees, water, and stunning views.

Yachats is enchanting: restaurants, bakeries, cute shops, and a library. Friendly residents.

My absolute favorite place to be in Yachats was Green Salmon Bakery. The building is green you can’t miss it on the main drag and it has the best wifi too.

Doing a zoom call here for business was easy here and I was grateful.

 

Eating a raspberry bear claw at Green Salmon Bakery in Yachats

Photo: Eating a raspberry bear claw at Green Salmon Bakery in Yachats

The Oregon Coast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the numerous scenic trails that wind through lush forests and along rugged cliffs.

The Cascade Head Trail near Lincoln City offers breathtaking panoramic views, while the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is known for its awe-inspiring old-growth forests and stunning coastal vistas.

Additionally, engage in activities like beach-combing, tidepooling, kayaking, and whale watching to fully immerse yourself in the coastal experience.

Things to Do on your Road Trip

1. Drive your van to the Hobbit Beach Trail north of Florence – you walk through trees feeling like a hobbit and then you emerge on a gorgeous beach. It’s killer!

2. Photography: dramatic sea stacks and golden sandy beaches to misty shorelines and charming lighthouses, this coastline offers a photographer’s paradise.

Also, be sure to capture the vibrant sunsets, capture wildlife in their natural habitats, and experiment with long-exposure shots to create mesmerizing seascapes.

Newport Oregon from Boondocking Site, South of Town

Photo: Newport Oregon from Boondocking Site, South of Town

Safety Tips:

Be cautious when driving along winding coastal roads and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Always let someone know your itinerary and expected return time, and carry a charged cell phone for emergencies.

I have a low-cost attachment from Best Buy inserted into my 12 volt charge on the dashboard of my van and it charges my phone as I drive. Don’t let your phone lose power.

You can also get a portable charging station. I have one for emergencies. And it charges the van battery too. It’s a good investment to have AAA road side service. It’s worth it!

If you have any questions about this adventure let me know – there is so much more information than I’m giving here as the entire coast is a playground of divine nature and inspiration.

Traveling solo and camping in a van is more fun than I thought it would be. You meet people, enjoy nature, and have time to relax.

So pack your bags, hit the open road, and get ready to discover the natural wonders of this Pacific Northwest gem.

If you like being cool rather than boiling hot in the Summer this is the trip for you.

Oregon Solo Travel, Port Orford
Oregon Solo Travel, Port Orford

Get in touch if you have an international trip, camping adventure, or solo travel escapes you’d like to discuss.

One on one travel consultations will save you time and money. I have contacts and people worldwide who help me live this global lifestyle of solo travel and leading photography workshops in Italy, France, and Mexico.

My next retreat I’m leading is in Siracusa
Sicily only 6 people.

You’re invited to join me!

Write me at: [email protected]

 

 

Comments ( 10 )

  • Edward Herrera

    Hi! Mary, you are living the dream. Safe travels and if you are in the San Simeon area stop in for some biscuits and gravy.

  • CarolSue Ayala

    Wonderful tale, Mary, and beautiful photos, as usual. We loved our trip there also. Hugs to you.

  • CarolSue Ayala

    Wonderful tale, Mary, and beautiful photos, as usual. We loved our trip there also. Hugs to you.

  • Shirley McClintock

    Stunning pictures. It does look like a lot of fun.

  • Bragg Mary

    Absolutely wonderful! I’ve been wanting to do this also; I think next year in late September-October!

  • Mary Bartnikowski

    Wonderful time to visit the Coast. It’s a dream come true!

  • MB

    Loved every minute of it soaring through the trees, even though I was on land I felt like I was flying, when did you go there?

  • MB

    Yes I will Edward! I haven’t been in the area otherwise I would have definitely stopped in. Loved those doughnuts you shared with my as I sat by the outside fire — hope to come back this year!!

  • MB

    Thank you Shirley, let’s go to Italy next!

  • MB

    It’s a mesmerizing journey and easy to just go on a whim!

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