The Oregon coast may be chilly at times, but it’s also gorgeous and bursting with life. This state is a favorite destination for whale-watchers, trail-blazers, and outdoorsmen of all kinds. If you want a basecamp that will be open during any season of the year, visit L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park.
It’s hard to beat the scenery of the windswept waves, towering cliffs, and deep green forests. But many people also love the nearby vibrant cities nestled in the woods. This RV park is centrally located between several of Oregon’s most popular cities, so you can enjoy the proximity to a cultural hub, while still giving yourself plenty of breathing room.
To top it all off, the campground has stellar reviews, making it one of the best RV destinations in the area. It truly has a little bit of everything, so visitors of all kinds will be able to have a great experience here. Get ready to pack your bags and get lost in the woods at L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park!
Overview
L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park is located in Buxton, Oregon. It’s roughly equidistant from Vancouver, Seaside, Longview, and Portland. Plus, it has the Columbia River to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. When it comes to location, it’s tough to argue with that combination.
This park was first opened in 2007, so the infrastructure is relatively new but it’s also been around long enough to work out all the kinks. Many RVers can tell you that the best campgrounds aren’t too new or too old.
The state park spans across more than 1,800 acres and the campground is just a small part of it. During your visit, you’ll have access to the whole area and all the activities that come with it. Originally, this area was used for logging. Although those days are over, there is still plenty of fascinating history to explore during your stay.
The campground is mid-sized, with a grand total of 144 sites. In addition to 78 full-hookup RV sites, guests can choose to book tent spots and/or rental cabins. Day-use rates are also available if you just want to stop by for the afternoon. Every site comes with a firepit and picnic table, but the specific type and layout can vary.
Campsites are generally between 63–75 feet long, so big rigs are welcome here. There’s also a mix of back-in and pull-through designs, so be sure to reserve the one that you’ll need.
You might be wary of the price, but fear not. The average nightly cost is only around $38 in the winter and $41 in the summer, making this an extremely affordable campground. To find current campground availability and reserve a spot, visit the L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park website at stateparks.oregon.gov
As you can see, the rates vary a bit due to seasonal changes, but the park remains open throughout the entire year. The hookups remain active as well, so you don’t need to worry about anyone cutting off your water supply.
Amenities
Speaking of hookups, let’s talk amenities. This is a state park campground, so it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a fancy resort. But that also doesn’t mean you’ll have to rough it in the wild.
As mentioned above, full-hookup sites are available at this park, so you have a very good chance of getting a spot that suits your needs. The sewage and water lines run all year long, so you won’t need to worry about them freezing or being shut off. Multiple ADA-compliant sites and cabins are also available to rent.
In addition to the hookups, this campground also offers hot showers and clean restrooms for guests to use. This can be a huge relief, especially if your RV bathroom is starting to feel a little cramped.
Sadly, there is no Wi-Fi here, but there’s excellent coverage for many different providers, including AT&T, Sprint, Starlink, Cloudflare Inc., and Verizon. So if you need to make a call or surf the web during your visit, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Although there are many large lakes and rivers nearby (not to mention an entire ocean) the campground is nestled between two branches of the West Fork Dairy Creek. There’s also a small lake just up the road. Visitors can enjoy easy water access, plus activities like wading and fishing.
Other outdoor amenities include horse trails, a disc-golf course, outdoor courts, picnic shelters, a playground, a pet area, and more than 30 miles of recreational trails. If you want to learn more about the history and wildlife in the area, stop by the Discovery Depot.
A small camp store is also located on the premises where you can purchase firewood. The nearest grocery stores and gas stations are located about 10 miles away in surrounding towns like Banks and Vernonia. So just to be safe, it’s a good idea to grab some essentials before you arrive.
Nearby Activities/Attractions
One of the best things about staying in a state park is that you’ll always have plenty to do. If you love the outdoors, there are countless opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, birding, fishing, and much more. When you stay at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, you can also enjoy easy access to the 21-mile Banks-Vernonia State Trail.
Looking for something unique? Venture underground to explore Poole’s Cavern or Treak Cliff Cavern. You can also wander the meadows of Axe Edge Moor or get a beautiful photo in the heart of Three Shires Head.
If you want to venture into Buxton, you’ll find that it’s a town with plenty of fascinating history. Popular tourist attractions include the Buxton Opera House, The Pavilion Gardens, Buxton Raceway, and Cavendish Arcade.
There are also several large cities within striking distance. Portland is 34 miles away, so you can easily take a day trip to explore one of the “weirdest” cities in the US. Vancouver is also nearby. If you want to visit the ocean, why not head to Seaside and enjoy the beachy vibes?
Restaurants in the immediate vicinity are few and far between, but you have countless options to choose from if you venture into one of the larger cities. But if you want to dine close to camp, there are plenty of local favorites from which to choose.
Reviews
Finally, let’s hear what the visitors of L.L. Stub Stewart Memorial State Park have to say. More than 1,600 people have left ratings and feedback over the years and the results are almost unanimous.
On RV LIFE Campgrounds, the total score is 9.4/10. Ratings above 9 are somewhat unusual, so this campground definitely deserves a shout-out. There’s a similar ranking on Google Reviews, where it has a rating of 4.7/5.
Visitors report they love the size of the sites, the pricing, and the wooded location. Many are pleasantly surprised to find full hookups in a state park, so that is definitely a bonus. Others compliment on how clean and lush the campground is.
With the backdrop of the Oregon forests, it’s hard not to find beauty around every corner. There are a few minor nitpicks, but these were mainly about specific sites. Some locations offer more privacy than others, so you’ll want to consult a campground map to find the best fit for your needs.
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