Bastendorff Beach extends two miles along the Pacific Ocean at Bastendorff Beach County Park, 10 miles southwest of Coos Bay and two miles west of Charleston off Cape Arago Highway. This broad sandy beach sits at the base of rugged coastal bluffs where Coos Bay's entrance channel meets the Pacific Ocean, protected partially by the North Jetty extending seaward from the Charleston Harbor mouth. The beach earned its name from the Bastendorff family who homesteaded this coastline in the 1870s, establishing dairy farms and timber operations when Charleston served as a lumber shipping port. Coos County acquired the property in 1971, developing a 99-site campground and day-use area that has served as southern Oregon's premier family beach destination for over 50 years. The North Jetty, constructed in 1895 and extended multiple times through 1929, creates calmer water conditions at the northern beach sections while the southern stretches experience full Pacific Ocean swells.
Swimming at Bastendorff Beach proves safer than most southern Oregon beaches due to partially protected conditions created by the jetty, though swimmers must remain cautious of sneaker waves, rip currents, and cold water temperatures averaging 50-55 degrees year-round. The beach attracts swimmers of all skill levels during summer months when gentler waves and clear waters provide better conditions, though lifeguards never patrol the area. Surfing thrives at Bastendorff's popular surf break producing both right and left waves during westerly swells and southeast winds, with surfers requiring full wetsuits year-round due to frigid water. Beach volleyball courts, softball fields, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court occupy the expansive day-use lawns above the beach. Tide pool exploration during low tides reveals purple sea stars, green anemones, hermit crabs, and sculpin in rocky areas near the jetty. Scuba diving and snorkeling attract experienced divers exploring kelp forests and rocky reefs offshore. Beachcombing produces agates, driftwood, and shells deposited by winter storms.
Access Bastendorff Beach via Cape Arago Highway from Charleston, turning west onto Bastendorff Beach Road and following it quarter-mile to the county park entrance at 63379 Bastendorff Beach Road. Day-use parking accommodates approximately 100 vehicles with ocean views overlooking the beach and jetty. No day-use fees apply to beach access or parking. The campground charges nightly fees for 99 campsites including 74 sites with water and electric hookups, 25 tent sites, two camping cabins sleeping six people with lights and heat, and one hiker-bicyclist site. Reservations are recommended during summer months by calling 541-396-7755. Two vault restrooms serve the beach parking areas with no running water available. The day-use area operates dawn to dusk year-round. Clean restrooms and showers serve campground guests. Cell phone service proves reliable with most carriers. Bay Area Hospital operates seven miles northeast in Coos Bay at 1775 Thompson Road providing emergency services.
Dining concentrates in Charleston two miles east along Cape Arago Highway. Fisherman's Grotto at 91149 Cape Arago Highway serves fresh seafood, fish and chips using local rockfish, clam chowder, and deli sandwiches on a covered summer patio overlooking Charleston Bridge. Miller's at the Cove at 63346 Boat Basin Road prepares fish tacos, fish and chips, burgers, and clam chowder using locally sourced ingredients in a sports bar atmosphere. High Tide Cafe and Espresso Bar cooks breakfast until noon, serving omelets, pancakes, and biscuits and gravy alongside lunch and dinner menus featuring fresh seafood, sandwiches, and salads. Chuck's Seafood sells fresh Dungeness crab, canned albacore tuna, freshly shucked Coos Bay oysters, and takeout shrimp cocktail at the Charleston boat basin. Portside Restaurant and Lounge overlooks Charleston Marina, preparing grilled salmon, fish and chips, and prime rib with harbor views. Bastendorff Beach's combination of excellent camping facilities, safer swimming conditions than most southern Oregon beaches, and proximity to Charleston's working fishing fleet creates Coos County's most developed and family-friendly ocean beach destination.
