Oregon Coast Camping: Astoria, Warrenton and Seaside KOA

My family often does things on the spur of the moment, so when we decided to go camping on the Oregon Coast, naturally it was too late for us to get a state park campsite, because they fill up months in advance.

Instead, we decided to visit the Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA, directly across the road from Fort Stevens State Park.

In addition to its convenient location and availability, this campground has many amenities that make it well worth the cost - which isn't much more than the cost of camping in the state park itself.

The Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA offers campsites for all types of campers, including full hookup RV sites, electric/water only RV sites, regular tent sites, 1-2 room rustic cabins (no bathrooms), and small lodges with kitchens and bathrooms. Community bathrooms and showers are available for non-lodge campers; these facilities are clean and well maintained.

We stayed in a one-room Kamping Kabin. The cabin was very small. A one-room cabin contains one full-size/twin bunk bed and one twin/twin bunk bed (easily accommodating our family of five) and two small tables (one between the beds, and one next to the front door). There was plenty of room to sleep or lie down for a nap, but it's not a place to hang out all day. The cabins do each have a front porch with a porch swing, which is a pleasant place to sit. Cabins are unheated (except the lodges), but you can rent a space heater if necessary. We did rent (and need) a space heater for our visit in March.

Each campsite or cabin has its own fire ring and picnic table. Kamping Lodges have their own kitchens, and community kitchens are available to all campers. Community kitchens consist of electric burner, grill and sink units under a rustic shelter. Campers must bring their own cookware and dishes, both for community kitchens and lodge kitchens.

The Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA does provide a free pancake breakfast for all campers! You can watch the pancakes being freshly cooked on a grill outside the dining hall. Just the pancakes are free, though. Beverages, eggs, sausage, bacon, and biscuits and gravy are available for a very reasonable additional charge. The pancake breakfast makes getting up and going in the morning a breeze.

The campground does have a small store on-site, but campers should plan to bring groceries with them or shop at a supermarket in the Astoria/Warrenton area. The campground store is great for picking up extras or things you forgot, like matches or acetaminophen. Campers can also purchase firewood, sign out miniature golf clubs and board games, or rent bicycles at the campground store.

In addition, the campground boasts three playgrounds (only two were open while we were there), basketball and volleyball courts, a heated indoor swimming pool, a miniature golf course, a jumping pillow, and a game room. During the summer, they show family-friendly outdoor movies and sometimes have special parties, live entertainment, or arts and crafts activities. Our family found plenty to do, and it was relaxing to have the activities available on-site.

Camping rates depend on the type of site and the season. During March, we paid about $120 for two nights in a cabin. Special rates are often available on the campground's website.

The Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA is located at 1100 NW Ridge Road in Hammond, Oregon. For more information, visit http://www.astoriakoa.com or call 1-800-562-8506.