Fort Stevens State Park

About

Fort Stevens was once the primary military defense installation in the three-fort, Harbor Defense System at the mouth of the Columbia River (Forts Canby and Columbia in Washington were the other two). The fort was in service for 84 years, beginning during the Civil War and closing at the end of World War II. Today, Fort Stevens has grown into a 4,200 acre park offering exploration of history, nature, and many recreational opportunities. Camping, beach-combing, a historic shipwreck, freshwater lake swimming, trails, wildlife viewing, and a historic military fort make Fort Stevens a uniquely diverse park. The park also boasts a network of nine miles of paved bicycle trails and six miles of hiking trails that allow you to explore a variety of habitats including spruce and hemlock forests, wetlands, dunes, and shore pine areas. Coffenbury Lake has two swimming areas, a picnic area, restrooms, and a boat ramp. Two neighboring, smaller lakes are great for fishing and canoeing. Throughout the year, you can browse through displays ranging from the Civil War to World War II at the military museum and information center, walk through the only Civil War era earthen fort on the west coast, or explore the many turn-of-the-century, concrete coast artillery gun batteries. During the summer, take a tour underground through a rare gun battery that also served as a World War II command center, ride in the back of a period military transport truck and see the fortifications from a whole new perspective, or get a feel for what the inside of a military jail was like as you walk through one of the last brick constructed guard houses in the country. For more information regarding these tours, please contact the Friends of Old Fort Stevens at (503) 861-2000. MAKE SURE YOUR SITE MEETS YOUR CAMPING NEEDS Before reserving, please become familiar with the particulars of your chosen site, including the size of the tent pad area and the type of equipment that you may bring to the park. Site details and tent pad sizes can be viewed online by clicking on the site name. Due to COVID-19 impacts and budget reductions, there is a significant impact to our services. All shower facilities are closed at the coastal parks at this time. No walk-in camping is allowed. For other reduced services, please visit the park website at stateparks.oregon.gov Only one vehicle is included with standard camp fees. A second vehicle kept at a campsite (or alternate parking area) is subject to a nightly Extra Vehicle fee. The nightly Extra Vehicle fee is currently $7.00. If you reserve a cabin, please look for your access combination in the confirmation letter, immediately following the DIRECTIONS to the park. Please do not change lock combination at the park. After Oct 1 Fort Stevens removes some campsites from the reservation system until May. Reservation Services may not have campsites available for reservations but Fort Stevens may have campsites available on a first come or walk in basis. If available, additional loops will be opened as necessary to accommodate arriving campers. Please check in at the Ranger Station for instructions. Seasonal Beach Restrictions March 15 – Sep. 15 Beach restrictions are in place on Clatsop Spit west of the Fishermen’s Beach access to the South Jetty during nesting season for the western snowy plover. Foot and equestrian traffic on wet sand only; all other recreation prohibited. Information: oregon.gov/plovers. For information on discount programs call the OPRD Information Center at 1-800-551-6949 or visit us online at www.OregonStateParks.org.