A Longstanding Happy Getaway
Tucked off Highway 131 in Netarts, you’ll find a small coastal getaway with a big story to tell. Happy Camp Hideaway has been welcoming vacationers for generations, offering a place where memories are made and families return year after year. With its deep history, unbeatable location, quirky cabins, and unique setting, maybe it’s time to take a trip to discover its charm for yourself.
Happy History
This area of the Tillamook Coast has been a vacation destination since the late 1800s. Originally established as a campground at the end of the 19th century, families would travel miles on horseback to set up heavy canvas tents on the edge of Netarts Bay. Early Happy Camp photos give us a view of what camping was like for people in the 1800s.
The fact that this location was chosen so long ago speaks volumes. Travel was not easy in 1895, and even harder along the rugged Oregon Coast. Families sought out this location in spite of tricky roads, challenging terrain, and relatively remote location. They knew how special this place was. Happy Camp Hideaway has an enduring legacy that spans generations!
The View
Netarts Bay is one of the few natural, undeveloped bays in Oregon. No jetties, no marinas, and no dredging mean that the view you see today is very similar to the view those early campers were seeing in 1895.
Walk north along the beach from Happy Camp Hideaway, cross a bridge over a small stream with a waterfall, and climb up a sandy dune to reach one of the best views on the Tillamook Coast. The mouth of the bay swirls in shimmering hues of blue and green, with the sand of Netarts Spit bright against the water. Seals are often spotted here and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of whales passing by.
Happy Today
I visited Happy Camp Hideaway on a beautiful spring day to meet with owners Bruce and Teresa Lovelin and son Paul. I was immediately greeted by a mini Australian Shepard, and saw a few more dogs lounging around. They took me around the property, shared some history, and gave me a look inside several of their cabins.
Accommodations
Happy Camp Hideaway offers a range of cabins suited for different types of stays. The oldest rental, the historic “Homestead House” built in 1902, is a five bedroom home that sleeps 11, while the smallest cabins contain one bedroom, perfect for a couple or family with a few kids.
Each cabin includes a full kitchen and faces the ocean, so you can catch a beautiful sunset at the end of a perfect day. Paul shared that families often host reunions at Happy Camp Hideaway, booking multiple cabins alongside the main house for the ultimate family party.
Happy Camp Hideaway also manages quite a few newer rental homes located just outside the main property. These offer additional amenities like hot tubs, upgraded kitchens, and even elevators. Check their site to see which location suits your needs!
Rustic Charm
I spoke to Paul about the vibe at Happy Camp and what renters can expect. He told me that Happy Camp Hideaway is the perfect place for people to unplug, relax, and feel at home.
Happy Camp Hideaway is an Oregon coastal cabin experience with few frills. These are rustic cabins, which means they include all of the charms of a cabin that has seen some history. Floors are sloped, doors creak and honestly, that’s how many people like it. Paul said that they are working on remodeling some cabins (like Cabin 3!) on the property for those who want a more “updated” experience.
Amenities Abound
A trip to the Tillamook Coast is often spent outdoors, taking in the sights and sounds of this special place, and Happy Camp Hideaway has no shortage of outdoor adventure. Netarts Bay is literally right outside your door! Walk south along the bay or head north and walk all of the way to Oceanside and Tunnel Beach.
For those hoping to catch their own dinner, Happy Camp Hideaway has crab traps and clamming supplies, perfect to use on the beach directly in front of your rental. If you are feeling extra adventurous, they also offer free kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for guests to use to explore Netarts Bay.
Happy Camp Hideaway is also the site of one of David’s Chair’s all-terrain track chairs, available free of charge to those with a mobility need. Paul loves watching people experience the beach on these chairs and says some guests will ride all of the way to Oceanside! More information about track chairs, beach wheelchairs, and accessibility can be found here.
Extra Friendly
After spending time with the owners on the property, it is clear that Happy Camp Hideaway loves its four-legged friends and their two-legged little companions. Happy Camp Hideaway encourages friendly, non-aggressive dogs to roam the property, leash not always required. And kids are welcome to explore as well! From the wooden porch lookout built into the hill behind the property, to the rustic adventure playground tucked among the dunes, complete with a skeleton captain and One-Eyed Willy’s hideaway, kids will find plenty of fun.
Happy All Around
A stay at Happy Camp Hideaway is one you won’t soon forget. With its long history, stunning views of Netarts Bay, and laid-back, family-friendly vibe, it offers a kind of coastal experience that’s getting harder to find.
Whether you’re walking the beach, spotting wildlife, or just enjoying the charm of the cabins, there’s something special about being here. If you’re looking for a getaway that feels both simple and unforgettable, Happy Camp Hideaway is definitely worth the trip.
Share
Categories: Local Businesses, Lodging, Tillamook Coast
