Bullards Beach State Park is a well-developed recreational area at the north jetty of the Coquille River mouth, a few miles north of Bandon.

The coastal part of the Bullards Beach park is dominated by sand and dunes. While occasional finds are possible—especially after winter storms at low tides—it is not the most productive area for rockhounding.

The gravel bars along the Coquille River, about 1.5 miles from the north jetty and roughly 0.5 miles from the Bullards Beach State Park parking area, are the best rockhounding spots.

In addition to rockhounding, the state park is a fantastic place for hiking, fat-tire biking, horseback riding, fishing, and photography.

A historic Coquille River Lighthouse within the park is also worth a visit.

Coquille River Gravel Bars - Bullard Beach Rockhounding

The gravel bars at the Coquille River mouth are productive for rockhounding year-round. The river continuously deposits material from the Coastal Range, while tidal shifts often reveal hidden rocks and minerals along the bars.

The best time to visit is after winter king tides, though our July visit at low tide was also very successful.

You can find a variety of specimens here, including petrified wood, jasper, agate, quartz, and marine fossils.

Petrified wood is typically gray and brown, sometimes with reddish hues. Many pieces are highly mineralized, making them excellent for polishing or tumbling.

Jasper is abundant in a range of colors, including red, yellow, green, brown, and mixed patterns. Some pieces are brecciated with white quartz, which polishes beautifully.

Milky quartz and clear agates are also present, often displaying banding and interesting patterns. Marine fossils, primarily mollusk and bivalve fragments, are abundant and commonly found scattered throughout the gravel bars.

Bullards Beach State Park features the largest campground on the Oregon Coast. Sheltered from strong ocean winds and shaded by a serene shore-pine forest, the campground offers over 200 campsites, including full-hookup sites, electrical-with-water sites, yurts, horse camps, and hiker/biker camps.

Six campsites and three yurts are accessible for individuals with disabilities.

The campground is open year-round, and reservations can be made up to six months in advance through the Oregon State Parks reservation system.

If you want more comfortable accommodations, Bandon, just a couple of miles south, offers a wide range of lodging options.

Lodging in Bandon

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay in Bandon