We stumbled onto this gem of a public campground as we were making our way south along Hwy. 101 north of Camp Blanco in Oregon.
We had fled the record-setting temperatures inland (without reservations) for a cool couple of days on the Oregon Coast. It was mid-week and we were optimistic one of the many great state parks would have an opening. No such luck. Along with the heat wave, this is the height of the summer season and just about every little coastal town was having some kind of festival organized to draw tourists.
Our hopes were dimming after we passed up the fourth state park with a “campground full” sign.
Then, we spotted a highway sign for a county park that had a campground triangle. We turned west and followed the signs. At the end of the road was an amazing small campground rimmed by Sitka spruce and shore pines. We made a circle of Boice Cope Park and pulled over at the camp host site and asked if there were any openings. She said: “Only if you are staying for one night.” We took the last spot. And what a treasure.
This campground is a wind surfer favorite. Every camper, but us, had some kind of toy with a sail. There is also a lake here that is separated from the Pacific Ocean by narrow dunes. And, Floras Lake attracts sailboarders, kiteboarders, anglers and migrating birds.
Boice Cope Park, operated by Curry County, features both RV and tent camping. This season they added reservations for the 18 electric/water hookup R.V. sites ($22/day). Dry campsites are on a first come, first serve basis. There are 13 tent sites ($15) and 4 “dry” RV sites (no electric/water hookup-$18).
All sites have fire rings, stand-up BBQs and picnic tables. ADA compliant restrooms, hot showers ($1.50), an R.V. dump-site, potable water and firewood are available in the center of the park.
If you go:
Boice Cope Park
92850 Boice Cope Road, Langlois, Oregon
For reservations, contact the camp host at (541) 373-1555 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photos: Flores Lake with Pacific Ocean on horizon; Jimmy Smith walking along beach at Flores Lake; campsites at Boice Cope Park. ( Julianne G. Crane)