Ore. state park offers unique fly-in camping experience

NEHALEM BAY, Ore. - Nestled among the trees at a state park on the Oregon coast is a secluded camping area that few may know about - one that can only be accessed by airplane.

Campers who stay at Nehalem Bay State Park in their tents or RVs may not even realize there is an airstrip just over the trees, unless they happen to spot a small airplane coming in for a landing.

The 'fly-in camp' is a hidden gem for airplane pilots who want to camp on the Oregon coast. The fly-in camping area is very private and no other campers, besides those who arrive by airplane, are allowed to access the sites.

Park Ranger Aide Anne Grothaus was kind enough to take me to the airstrip for a quick tour and we happened to find some folks making use of the camp area.

Rick and Pam Rozum from Shoreline, Washington, had just arrived in their Maule airplane.

"This is just great to be able to fly in like this," Pam said as she and her husband started to get settled in.

I also met Greg and Berny, from Seattle, who were just packing up camp and getting ready to head back home in a Piper.  They had flown in to attend a wedding in Bay City. 

All four were surprised to learn they had come from the same airfield - Harvey Field in Snohomish, Washington.  And just as I was leaving, another plane was coming in for a landing - a busy day at the fly-in camp.

There are six campsites (complete with picnic tables, fire rings and tent areas) adjacent to the airstrip.  The sites are primitive, but very private.  And the cost is just $8 a night.