Celebrating 100 Years of Camping, Coastal Beauty, Wildlife, and Adventure in Brookings, Oregon
If you’ve followed Brookings by the Sea for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed one thing: I absolutely love Harris Beach State Park. In fact, Harris Beach is one of the main reasons I eventually moved to Brookings.
Before becoming a local, my husband Bob and I spent years camping here. For five years straight, we visited at least once a month, escaping to the Oregon coast whenever we could. What started as weekend camping trips eventually became something much more—we fell in love with this place and the community surrounding it.
And in 2026, Harris Beach State Park is celebrating an incredible milestone: 100 years as an Oregon State Park. The first parcels of land that would become the park were acquired in 1926, beginning a century-long legacy of protecting one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Oregon.
A Century of History Harris Beach is named after Scottish immigrant George Scott Harris, who settled the area in the 1870s. Harris raised sheep and cattle on the coastal land and later served as a Curry County Commissioner. The property remained in the Harris family until portions were acquired by Oregon for park development beginning in 1926. Over the decades, additional land was added and the park evolved into one of Oregon’s premier coastal destinations. Today, Harris Beach remains one of the most visited and beloved state parks on the Oregon Coast.
One of Oregon’s Best Campgrounds I’ve camped all over Oregon, and Harris Beach remains my favorite campground. The campsites are spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed. Many sites offer full hookups, while privacy shrubs and trees help create a more secluded feel than many coastal campgrounds. The grassy sites make it comfortable whether you’re tent camping or arriving in an RV.
One feature I especially appreciate is the convenience. Garbage cans are located throughout the campground rather than requiring campers to trek to a single dumpster. Cell service is generally excellent, making it easy to stay connected if needed.
Unlike many inland campgrounds that face seasonal fire restrictions due to wildfire danger, campfires are often permitted year-round at Harris Beach. Firewood is typically available for purchase from the camp hosts, making evenings around the campfire easy and enjoyable. After dozens of camping trips over the years, one thing has never changed: the sound of the ocean at night. Sitting around a campfire and later drifting off to sleep with the waves rolling onto shore is one of the experiences that made me fall in love with Harris Beach—and ultimately with Brookings itself.
Harris Beach books up quickly so set your date and be ready to book 6 months ahead of your arrival. There are cancellations and a few “last minute” openings. Make your reservation on the state website.
A Dog Lover’s Paradise One of the reasons we keep returning to Harris Beach is that it’s such a wonderful place to visit with dogs.
Our dogs, Sammy and River, absolutely love exploring the beach, sniffing the salty air, and joining us on our camping adventures. Few things make me happier than watching them enjoy the shoreline with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop.
Another benefit of camping at Harris Beach is how close you are to pet-friendly amenities in Brookings. If you forget supplies or want to spoil your furry companions, Mini Pet Mart is just minutes away. We also love stopping by Woof’s Dog Bakery for special treats. It’s one more example of why Brookings is such a welcoming destination for travelers with pets.
The Perfect Place to “Glamp”
One of the things that sets Harris Beach apart is its location. You’re surrounded by natural beauty, yet just minutes from the conveniences of Brookings. Need groceries? Fred Meyer is just a short drive away. Forgot camping supplies? No problem. Want a great dinner after a day at the beach? You’re in luck.
My husband and I often joked that we weren’t really camping—we were “glamping.” After spending the day exploring the coastline and walking the beach, we’d head into town for dinner. Our favorite spot remains the Railhouse Grill. The dog-friendly patio is perfect when traveling with pets, the service is consistently excellent, and the food never disappoints. And after a day of coastal adventures, a cold Bhodi draft beer always seems to hit the spot.
Goat Island: The Star of the Show The view that first captures most visitors’ attention is Goat Island, the massive island just offshore. Known locally as Bird Island and Goat Island, it is the largest island off the Oregon Coast and serves as an important wildlife refuge. The island’s dramatic profile dominates the view from the beach and creates one of the most iconic coastal scenes in Oregon. Watching the changing light on Goat Island throughout the day never gets old.
Wildlife Watching at Harris Beach Harris Beach offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for bird lovers. The most common wildlife visitors will see are seabirds. Seagulls, brown pelicans, and cormorants are frequently spotted soaring above the coastline or resting on offshore rocks. In the distance, patient observers may even spot tufted puffins around Goat Island during nesting season. One of my favorite wildlife experiences at Harris Beach is watching harbor seals. They can often be found lounging on the rocks at the south end of South Harris Beach, especially during low tide. Watching them nap peacefully in the sun is a reminder that this coastline remains wonderfully wild. While gray whales and sea lions are occasionally seen offshore, sightings are less common and often depend on the season and a little bit of luck.
North Harris Beach: Accessible Beauty The main beach area—often called North Harris Beach—is one of the most accessible beaches on the Southern Oregon Coast. Visitors will find ample parking, restrooms, picnic areas, and an ADA-accessible ramp that provides access to the beach below. The beach itself features dramatic sea stacks, expansive sandy shoreline, and endless opportunities for photography. From the beach and viewpoints, visitors enjoy spectacular views of Goat Island and the rugged coastline that makes Harris Beach one of Oregon’s most photographed destinations.
One of my favorite aspects of North Harris Beach is how easy it is for nearly everyone to enjoy the spectacular scenery. From the parking area, visitors can quickly reach viewpoints overlooking Goat Island and the rugged coastline that makes this stretch of Oregon so special.
Don’t Miss the Hidden Keyhole Rock One of Harris Beach’s most spectacular features is surprisingly easy to miss. A short trail in the middle portion of the park leads to a viewpoint overlooking the famous Keyhole Rock arch. Many visitors never discover it because it isn’t visible from the main beach area. If you’re visiting Harris Beach, make time for this short walk. The natural arch framed by crashing waves creates one of the most photogenic scenes anywhere on the Oregon Coast.
South Harris Beach: My Favorite Spot While the north beach gets most of the attention, South Harris Beach is where I often send visitors looking for a truly unforgettable experience. A small parking area near the southern entrance provides access to a somewhat rough trail leading down to the beach. The effort is rewarded immediately.
Looking north, you’ll find some of the most spectacular sea stacks on the Oregon Coast. During golden hour, the sunlight illuminates the rock formations in a way that feels almost magical.
South Harris Beach is also one of the best places in the park to explore tide pools. During low tide, the rocky area at the north end of South Harris Beach reveals a fascinating world of marine life. Visitors may discover sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, mussels, and other tide pool creatures tucked among the rocks.
Looking south, waves crash dramatically into rocky cliffs and offshore formations, creating an ever-changing display of coastal power. This is one of my favorite places in Brookings to watch a sunset.
Why Harris Beach Still Feels Like Home Even though I now live in Brookings, Harris Beach remains my go-to beach. I visit when I need to clear my mind. I visit when friends come to town. I visit when I want to watch a storm roll in or catch a spectacular sunset. I visit because it reminds me why I fell in love with this community in the first place. After 100 years as a state park, Harris Beach continues to inspire visitors exactly as it inspired me years ago when I first pulled into the campground.
Some places are beautiful. Some places become part of your story. For me, Harris Beach is both.
Happy 100th Birthday, Harris Beach State Park.
Brookings By The Sea celebrates everything that makes this corner of Oregon special. Browse our coastal lifestyle apparel in the shop and wear your love for the coast wherever life takes you.