Oregon coast state park will reopen after 6-month closure

North Oregon coast travelers will get another beach option this spring.

Nehalem Bay State Park, which has been closed for more than six months, will reopen to the public May 23, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Wednesday — though the campground will remain closed through June.

The oceanfront park in Manzanita closed Nov. 1, 2024 to install new water and electrical lines, add restroom and shower buildings, renovate nine campsites to improve accessibility, and repave and add traffic calming improvements to the park entry road.

Improvements were paid for by Oregon-issued GO Bonds, approved by the Oregon Legislature in 2021. The $50 million investment is earmarked for nine park projects across the state, including Silver Falls and Smith Rock state parks.

Day-use areas, including the boat ramp, south day-use parking area, the airport and the multi-use path east of the main entrance road will reopen May 23, the parks department said. The main entrance on Garey Street in Manzanita will also reopen that day.

The campground and the Horizon Street entrance is scheduled to reopen July 1 at the earliest, park officials said. Campground reservations will open for July and beyond in the next few weeks, available online at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

–Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast. Reach him at 503-294-4077, jhale@oregonian.com or @HaleJamesB.

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