Airstreams near Winchester Bay with a private bathroom
Stop for a hearty meal or fish for your supper at this cozy coastal town.
- Winchester Bay
Popular camping styles for Winchester Bay
Airstreams near Winchester Bay with a private bathroom guide
Overview
Situated where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific Ocean, Winchester Bay is a convenient starting point for exploring Oregon's southern coastline or experiencing the popular Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Here you'll find a solid selection of restaurants, most specializing in fresh seafood, plus a handful of boutiques and markets for picking up supplies and souvenirs. You can even rent an ATV (or get yours repaired or serviced) right in the heart of town. The beach here is also popular for crabbing and clamming, and Lake Marie, inside the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, is just a short jaunt south of the town center.
Where to go
Oregon's Central Coast
Up the coast from Winchester Bay, the Central Coast offers a mix of cozy beach towns and rugged expanses, with plenty of room to camp, both in state parks and on private land. The region also has plenty of attractions, including the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Oregon's South Coast
Winchester Bay is right on the South Coast, arguably the prettiest part of an already gorgeous coastline. It's also home to the sweeping sand dunes at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area close by.
Umpqua National Forest
Inland from Winchester Bay, the Umpqua National Forest features gorgeous old-growth forest land, beautiful lakes (including Crater Lake), and numerous waterfalls. It's also a great place to camp, with a variety of options ranging from primitive sites to well-developed campgrounds.
When to go
Winchester Bay and the surrounding region is best visited in summer, as July and August tend to get the warmest temperatures without much rain. September and June are also good bets, though be prepared for light showers. There are two whale-watching seasons on the Oregon coast: one in mid-December through mid-January and a second that runs from the end of March through May.
