From the best walking beaches to killer local food, this is your personal guide for traveling the Southern Oregon Coast without breaking the bank.

Whether you like tent camping, car camping, or van/RV living - these are spots I've been to and recommend while trekking the coast.

Let's kick the guide off with some tips and prep:

Car Parking
If you're carrying a lot of stuff in your car like camp gear, clothes, or tech - always park where there's the most amount of people.

For example, park close to the entrance of a restaurant, day use spots, or beach parking lots. Basically, anywhere there's going to be regular foot traffic. This will greatly reduce the chance of someone wanting be curious about your stuff.

Interior Stealth
Keep the interior of your car as clean, organized, and stealth as possible. Use dark (ideally black) throw rugs or blankets to cover everything in your back seat and trunk. Thieves won't see anything valuable as they're quickly scanning and will move onto the next car. Remember to always lock your doors when you're adventuring.

Lodging Options
If you'd like to keep your budget minimal as possible, I'd recommend skipping hotels and motels, especially in the summer. Oregon State Parks and Hipcamps will be the most affordable for lodging.

Here's the general price per night along the coast:

• Oregon State Park Tent Site - $24 (cheapest)
• Hipcamp - $40-$55 (cheaper)
• Airbnb - $80-$150+ (moderate)
• Hotels & Motels $150-$300+ (expensive)

Oregon State Parks
You have the flexibility of being allowed to sleep in your car, tent, or van/RV. They don't judge you and it's one of the safest ways to travel while on a budget throughout the coast. There's restrooms with free hot showers and I'm talking with subway tiles and all!

Volunteers and park rangers are very active maintaining and cleaning vacated campsites. Only leave your sleeping bag, pillows, and bedding in a tent. Don't leave anything valuable in restrooms because it will get stolen.

Shower either early in the morning around 7-8am or midday around 2-3pm. That's when campgrounds are quiet and peaceful. Otherwise, the evening is great too.

There's always a community of like-minded travelers so chances are, you'll run into someone who shares your values and beliefs about the outdoors (and more). I've met so many cool people this way and promoted the Pooch & Zen brand.

What to Wear
The coast tends to be around 50–60°F from the spring to the fall. It's best to dress in layers: t-shirts, light sweatshirts, hoodies, a fleece, and a rain jacket. Fog tends to roll in at night and your surroundings will get a bit wet.

Bring a few pairs of shorts, a pair of pants, and sweats. At night, it tends to be a little brisk so pack a puffy jacket and a beanie.

For shoes, I'd recommend some sneakers with some tread, sandals, and hiking boots. If you intend on going into the ocean, water shoes are a good idea so you don't step on smaller creatures. Bait and tackle shops carry them.

Meals
To save money, limit eating out to once a day and cook at your campsite as often as possible. Meals on the coast tend to be around $15-$20 per person and it can add up quickly.

I recommend high-protein and simple meals like burritos, egg bagel sandwiches, hot dogs, etc. Pizza is also great because you can eat for dinner and breakfast.

Otherwise, eat a large breakfast, skip lunch, and make a solid dinner that's protein-rich. That's if you're like me and eat when you feel like it.

Now, let's move travel's guide for the southern Oregon coast on a budget.