Bandon

State Natural Area near Coos Bay, Oregon, United States

Bandon awaits the beachcomber, the explorer, the artist and the dreamer. Bandon State Natural Area comprises several spots to access the beach along Beach Loop Road in Bandon. Parking is ample at all locations.

No beach camping from Bandon to Floras Lake.

mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-cellphone Call for info: 800-551-6949 Current Conditions Directions Feedback

Amenities and features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Are drones allowed at Bullards Beach State Park and nearby ocean side parks?

Commercial and recreational use of radio controlled aircraft, unmanned aircraft - "drones", quad-copters' and similar are prohibited at Bullards Beach State Park and other management unit ocean side parks including Bandon State Natural Area, Seven Devils State Recreation Area, and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.
This is a safety effort to control hazards that could negatively affect other visitors or protected wildlife.

mdi-help-circle-outline Animals

What should I do if I see a seal pup on the beach?

Harbor seal pups are often found on the beach. Usually, they are not stranded and should not be disturbed. They are resting while their mothers are off looking for food.
The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network (OMMSN), which responds to stranded and injured marine mammals, notes that "adult female seals are shy and a mother is unlikely to rejoin a pup if there is activity nearby. She may only return to suckle her pup at night when people are not around. It is very important not to interfere with this process, and especially not to move a pup from where it is receiving care from its mother. Within 3-4 weeks of birth, harbor seal pups are weaned from maternal care and are left to fend for themselves. While learning to find and catch its own food, a young seal may come ashore frequently to rest. This is often a very challenging stage of life, and not all pups survive. But while it may be tempting to 'take them in,' their best chance for survival is to be left alone on the beach."
If you are concerned about the welfare of a seal pup or any other marine mammal you encounter, report it to park staff, the park office (541-347-2209 ext 221), or the 24-hour Oregon State Police hotline at 800-452-7888. Please describe the situation and location of the animal so the OMMSN can follow-up on your concerns.
For more information, please check out the OMMSN website and their link to Stranding Dos and Don’ts.

mdi-help-circle-outline Day use/Special Events

I want to have an event or wedding in a park or on the beach. What do I need to do?

It depends. Call the Park Office at 541-347-2209  x 221 to discuss your plans and possible permits, fees or insurance requirements. Events on the beach are first-come, first-served. Depending on the event, you may need a special use permit for non-traditional activities. A non-traditional activity is an activity, gathering or use of park properties, ocean shore or other recreational area that is not defined in park area rules and regulations. Some examples of events that require a permit are:

  • organized group gatherings of 50 or more such as weddings, company picnics, tournaments, and contests;
  • an activity that requires a structure and/or decorations such as a stage, event tents, archways, tables/chairs;
  • sales of goods and services by vendors, concessionaires and other businesses;
  • commercial filming;
  • educational and scientific projects;
  • activities that restrict public access.
For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

The land was acquired between 1954 and 1970 by purchase from various owners and a gift from Coos County. The city of Bandon was named for Bandon, Ireland, by George Bennett, who settled in the area in 1873.

Brochures and maps

mdi-file-pdf-box 2024 South Coast Tide Tables mdi-file-pdf-box Plover Management Areas – South Coast

Photos