Bullards Beach - Sand Dunes Playground!

Bullards Beach, just a few miles north of Bandon, stretches for 4.5 miles from Whiskey Run Beach south to the Coquille River's north jetty.

An expansive shore of clean inviting sand is a perfect playground for long strolls, beachcombing, rockhouding, picnicking, hiking and other adventures.

The most convenient access to the beach provides a parking area at the Coquille River Lighthouse and a day-use site of Bullards Beach State Park, 1.5 miles north.

The beach attracts lots of visitors but because its extensiveness it is often quiet and even deserted.

Hiking, Biking and Horse Riding

The long beautiful sandy shoreline is popular among beachcombers, fat-tire bikes, equestrians, and dog owners.

There are a few options for hikers. You can choose from easy and short to moderate and difficult 4.5-mile loop. Check the map of the trails provided by Oregon State Parks.

Eleven miles of trails are designated for horse riding. The park has a horse camp with double or quadruple corrals at each site.

Beachcombing and Rockhounding

Bullards Beach is known for its excellent beachcombing and rockhounding opportunities. The expansive shoreline gathers a diverse array of ocean treasures, including agate, jasper, petrified wood, shells, and driftwood.

While the beach is mostly sandy, low tide—especially in winter—uncovers fascinating rocks hidden beneath the surface. For further exploration, consider visiting the gravel deposit on the riverbank located east of the spit that separates the river from the ocean, just 0.25 miles from the Bullards Beach State Park parking area.

Always check tide schedules and practice safe beachcombing. The area near the jetty is littered with driftwood; exercise caution during high tide when logs can be rolled in by the surf.

Beware of sneaker waves and adhere to state park regulations regarding rock collection.

Coquille River Lighthouse

Coquille River Lighthouse, previously known as Bandon Lighthouse, is a historic site at the north entrance of the Coquille River in Bullards Beach State Park, 5 miles from Old Town Bandon.

Built in 1896 by the U.S. Coast Guard, it operated until 1939. Today, volunteer park staff opens the lighthouse signal room from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from mid-May through September. The signal room has displays that explain the area's interpretive history.

While the tower itself is closed for safety reasons, it makes a very photogenic backdrop with the waves crashing on the shore nearby.

Swing By The Lighthouse To Take Cool Pictures

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 and electrical with water sites, yurts, horse and hiker/biker camps.

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

The campground operates year-round, and reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through the Oregon State Parks reservation system.

For those seeking 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