A group of us had booked an entire section in Nehalem Bay State Park for a full on Roadster campout. It was a first timer for most of the group, but that was most of the fun. Lot’s of unpreparedness called for creative solutions. I’ve never been camping with such a big group, I think it was around 15 or so people. We booked about 10 campsites with two cars in each one.

**Nehalem Bay - Manzanita, OR. April 2024**

If a group camp is something you have not yet tried, definitely get your friends together and go try it. It felt like an entire commune, everyone cooking different things, people walking to everyone else’s camp sites to see what they got going on, people on the beach etc. Everyone is kind of doing their own thing but also doing it together?

**Before nightfall with the beach behind me in this photo**

This trip was during my birthday when I turned 23, I wanted to celebrate with some Japanese curry. Something I loved but never actually cooked myself until now!

Nehalem Bay campground is a staple on my list. There’s a town nearby, beach access is within 3 minutes of your campsite, plenty of guest parking and overall well maintained park. The sites are a little close so privacy isn’t really common here. But if you book out every spot in a section like us you’ll be alright! Camping in April in the PNW is still very cold. Temperature dropped to about 35f/2c every night so pack accordingly!

The ground is all pretty level here and 100% low car friendly if your Miata is modified other than the first speed bump at the entrance. Just like most curated campgrounds, it comes with water, electricity, a fire ring, table, and bathrooms/showers. So you can spend days here comfortably. This was actually the first campground I camped at with my Miata. I went with all borrowed gear from friends and family to see if it’s something I really want to dive into. So note that in case you’re thinking of doing the same.

COASTAL GROUP CAMP

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COASTAL GROUP CAMP

GEAR MATTERS

START WITH A TENT

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