Bullards Beach State Park: Bandon, Oregon
Bullards Beach State Park is just two miles north of Bandon with miles of sandy shoreline, scenic trails, and a historic lighthouse. Known for its year-round camping, the park features RV-friendly sites, cozy yurts, and equestrian trails. Visitors can explore the historic Coquille River Lighthouse, hike scenic trails, or enjoy beachcombing. Bullards Beach stretches over 1,289 acres, the park’s extensive trail system winds through coastal forests to grassy dunes, with captivating views of the Pacific Ocean. One of the highlights of the park is the 4.5-mile stretch of pristine beach. Here, visitors can enjoy long walks, search for sand dollars, or simply relax while listening to the rhythmic crashing of the waves. The beach is also a great spot for kite flying, thanks to the consistent coastal breezes.
Camping Under the Stars
For those looking to extend their stay, Bullards Beach State Park offers a well-maintained campground with over 100 full-hookup sites, as well as yurts and tent sites. The campground is nestled among the shore pines, providing a cozy and protected environment even on windy days.Families will appreciate the campground’s amenities, including clean restrooms, hot showers, and a playground for your kids.
The Historic Coquille River Lighthouse
Originally built in 1896, this charming structure once guided mariners through treacherous waters at the mouth of the Coquille River. While no longer an active lighthouse, it remains a fascinating historical site. Visitors can take a short hike or drive to the lighthouse, which has.. by the way absolutely stunning panoramic views of the river and coastline! During summer months, park rangers provide interpretive talks, sharing stories of the lighthouse’s past and its significance to the region’s maritime history.
Wildlife Photography Opportunities
Bullards Beach State Park is a prime area for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Birdwatchers will spot a variety of shorebirds, including sandpipers, snowy plovers, and great blue herons. The park’s coastal habitat is also home to deer, rabbits, and the occasional fox. During the winter months, visitors may even catch sight of migrating gray whales offshore.
Kayaking at Bullards Beach State Park is also a popular activity, especially for the paddlers who enjoy scenic waterways, coastal estuaries, and a mix of calm and slightly challenging waters.
Kayak Access Points
- Coquille River – The park is located along the Coquille River, which is a prime spot for kayaking. You can paddle upstream for a peaceful experience or head downstream toward the Coquille River Lighthouse and the Pacific Ocean (though ocean kayaking is only recommended for experienced paddlers due to strong currents).
- Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge – A great place for wildlife viewing, located just upriver from the park. You’ll likely spot birds such as herons, egrets, and bald eagles.
- Nearby Ocean Access – While not directly in the park, ocean kayaking is possible for those with experience. Bandon Beach offers sea caves and rock formations, but safety first is a must, better to stay out of the Ocean unless you are an experienced kayaker.
Alternate Accessibility: There are several launch points near Bullards Beach and the Coquille River Lighthouse BE CAREFUL! Conditions can be rough.
The Best Time to Kayak is Spring through Fall offering the best conditions, with milder weather and calmer water.
Horseback Riding
The park also has 11 miles of trails and 4.5 miles of beach and dunes accessible to equestrians.
Beach Riding: Enjoy riding along the expansive, sandy shoreline, which is ideal for beach rides.
Dune Trails: The park features trails through the dunes, such as the Cut Creek, North Loop, and Three Mares Trails, allowing for various loop options.
Coquille River Lighthouse: Ride to the historic Coquille River Lighthouse, where you can tie your horse at the hitching rail and explore the lighthouse.
Horse Camp Facilities
The park's horse camp provides:
Eight primitive sites, each equipped with double or quadruple corrals.
Amenities include potable water, a vault toilet, and a manure bin.
Reservations for the horse camp can be made through the Oregon State Parks reservation system.
Additional Amenities
Beyond horseback riding, the park offers:
Over 100 full-hookup campsites and 13 yurts, with six being pet-friendly.
Flush restrooms, hot showers, and a boat ramp.
Opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and crabbing.
Fishing, Clamming & Crabbing
There is also excellent fishing and crabbing in the area, particularly in the Coquille River. While fishing and crabbing from the park's boat docks have been prohibited since 2017 due to new boat dock installations, you can still launch boats from the park's boat ramp. For those without boats, the public docks in Bandon harbor provide alternative spots for recreational crabbing and fishing. The mouth of the Coquille River is known for species like salmon, steelhead, and Dungeness crab. Additionally, the nearby Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is popular for softshell clam harvesting. Equipment and bait can be purchased at local establishments like Tony's Crab Shack in Bandon, you can also obtain fishing and shellfish licenses.
From its scenic trails and sandy shores Bullards State Park is for the nature lovers and the outdoor adventurist.. so while you're camping under the stars, exploring the iconic Coquille River Lighthouse and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze, book yourself a guided horseback riding tour or take launch at the boat ramp and catch a big one! Pack your gear and embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and discover all that this state park has to offer you..
