You’re driving down Highway 101, past the cheese factory in Tillamook, and the air starts to change. It gets saltier. Cold. You hit Garibaldi, and the first thing you see isn't a row of high-end boutiques or manicured golf courses. It’s the smoke stack. That massive, 700,000-brick chimney towers over the landscape like a tombstone for the lumber industry. Right at its feet sits Old Mill RV Park Garibaldi Oregon, a place that honestly feels more like a community than a vacation rental. It’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for a Five-Star glamping experience with cucumber water in the lobby, keep driving to Cannon Beach. But if you want a spot where you can actually clean a Chinook salmon without getting dirty looks from the neighbors, this is the spot.
Garibaldi is a working town. Always has been. The park sits on the site of the old Hammond Lumber Company mill, which was once one of the largest in the world. You can still feel that industrial ghost hovering around. It’s rugged.
What People Get Wrong About Old Mill RV Park Garibaldi Oregon
People see the word "Old" and they assume "run down." That's a mistake. While the park definitely has a vintage, no-frills vibe, it’s arguably the most functional layout for serious fishermen in the Pacific Northwest. You have to understand the geography here. You're tucked right between the base of the mountain and the edge of Tillamook Bay.
The wind howls here. It’s the coast; what do you expect? But the Old Mill has this weirdly protective layout that blocks some of that nasty southwesterly blow. I’ve seen people complain that the sites are gravel. Well, yeah. Have you tried parking a 30-foot rig on wet Oregon grass in November? You’ll sink to your axles. The gravel is a blessing. It drains. It stays firm. It’s practical.
The real draw isn't the landscaping—it’s the proximity to the Port of Garibaldi. You are less than a mile from the public boat launch. For anyone chasing the "Bubble" fishery or the fall Chinook run, that distance is everything. You can sleep until 4:30 AM, have your coffee, and still be the first boat in the water before the sun even thinks about coming up.
The Layout and Hookups
Most of the sites are back-ins, though they have some pull-throughs for the big Class A rigs that roll through. They offer full hookups—30 and 50 amp.
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- The North Section: Usually a bit quieter, tucked further back from the main road noise.
- The South Section: Closer to the action and the bay views, but you might hear the 101 traffic a bit more.
- Dry Camping: They have an overflow area that’s basically a big field. During the peak of the Tillamook Bay salmon season, this place is packed. It looks like a small city.
The WiFi is... okay. Look, don't try to stream 4K movies or host a corporate Zoom call on the park's network. It’s the Oregon Coast. Thick trees and salt air eat signals for breakfast. Bring a Starlink or a hotspot if you’re "working from home," which we all know just means fishing while your laptop is open.
The Historic Smoke Stack and The "Old Mill" Vibe
You can’t talk about this place without talking about the stack. It was built in 1927. It survived the 1933 Tillamook Burn fires. It survived the mill closing. It’s a landmark. Staying at Old Mill RV Park Garibaldi Oregon means you’re basically camping in a history museum.
The park owners have kept the vibe very "Garibaldi." It’s unpretentious. You’ll see million-dollar Prevost buses parked next to 1994 campers with duct tape on the windows. Nobody cares. As long as you’re friendly and don't park your boat in your neighbor's site, you’re golden.
There’s an event hall here, too. It’s this massive, cavernous building that hosts everything from quilt shows to crab feasts. If you happen to be there during one of the local festivals, like Oregon Coast Days, the energy is electric. It’s one of the few places left on the coast that hasn't been completely gentrified into a sterile version of itself.
Fishing: The Real Reason You're Here
Let's be real. If you aren't here for the water, you're probably just passing through. Tillamook Bay is a legend.
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- Salmon: The fall Chinook run is the heavyweight champion. These fish are "brights"—fresh from the salt and full of fight.
- Crabbing: You can rent a boat at the marina or just toss a ring off the public pier. Dungeness are plentiful, but watch the tides.
- Clamming: The flats near the park are prime for bay clams. Just make sure you have your permit and check the ODFW biotoxin levels first.
The park has a dedicated fish cleaning station. This is where the magic happens. You’ll see guys who have been fishing these waters for 50 years sharing tips with rookies. It’s the best place to find out what the fish are biting on—usually a Brad’s Cut Plug or some fresh herring with a lot of scent.
Surprising Logistics: Getting In and Out
Garibaldi is tiny. One main road. If you're coming from Portland, you're taking Highway 6 through the Coast Range. It’s a beautiful drive, but it’s curvy. Really curvy.
If you're towing a heavy trailer, watch your transmission temps on the climb up to the summit. Once you hit the coast, Old Mill RV Park Garibaldi Oregon is easy to find. Just look for the giant brick chimney. You can't miss it.
What's Nearby?
You aren't just stuck in the park.
- The Ghost Hole: A famous deep-water fishing spot in the bay right offshore.
- The Portside Bistro: Incredible food. Try the burnt ends if they have them.
- The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad: The tracks run right through town. You can catch a steam train ride that goes up to Rockaway Beach. It’s loud, it’s smoky, and kids absolutely love it.
- Tillamook: It's about a 15-minute drive south. Go to the Creamery for ice cream, but go early. The line gets stupidly long by noon.
The "downtown" of Garibaldi is basically three blocks long. There’s a grocery store (The Barview Store is better for bait and tackle, honestly) and a few taverns. It’s a walking town. Once you unhook the truck, you can pretty much walk to the water.
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Dealing With the "Oregon Factor"
I need to be honest about the weather. This isn't San Diego. In the winter and spring, it rains. Then it rains some more. Then it drizzles. Old Mill RV Park Garibaldi Oregon handles the mud better than most, but you should still bring boots. Extra towels. A good dehumidifier for your RV.
The wind can also get gnarly. Since the park is relatively open, your awning can become a sail in a matter of seconds. If you're heading out on a boat for the day, retract your awning. I’ve seen too many of them ripped off by a sudden gust off the bay.
The Community Culture
The people who stay here long-term are the salt of the earth. Many are retired loggers or commercial fishermen. They have stories that would make your hair stand on end.
There's a sense of looking out for one another. If your power cord is loose or your water hose is leaking, someone will probably point it out to you before you even notice. It’s that kind of place. But don't expect a "concierge." The management is helpful, but they expect you to know how to handle your own rig. It’s a DIY kind of environment.
Pricing and Availability
It’s affordable compared to the "resort" style parks in Seaside or Newport. However, because it’s so popular with the fishing crowd, you need to book months in advance for the fall. August through October is prime time. If you try to roll in on a Friday night in September without a reservation, you're going to be sleeping in a turnout on the highway.
- Check the Port of Garibaldi website for the boat launch fees.
- The park rates fluctuate based on the season, so call them directly for the best "insider" rate.
- Ask about the "monthly" spots if you're planning a long stay; it drops the nightly cost significantly.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to stay at Old Mill RV Park Garibaldi Oregon, don't just wing it.
- Secure your spot: Call at least 3-4 months ahead if you're coming during salmon season.
- Gear up: Stop at the Tillamook Sporting Goods store on your way in. They have the specific tackle that works for the bay. The stuff you bought online probably won't cut it here.
- Check the Tides: This is non-negotiable. The Tillamook Bar can be deadly. If you're bringing a boat, study the charts. The "Bar" is where the bay meets the ocean, and it’s no joke.
- Pack for "The Layer Life": Even in July, it can be 55 degrees and foggy in the morning. Then 80 degrees by 2 PM. Then 50 again by sunset.
Old Mill isn't trying to be the Ritz-Carlton. It’s a place for people who love the smell of diesel, the sound of seagulls, and the thrill of a tight line. It’s gritty, it’s historical, and it’s perfectly Oregon. Grab a spot by the stack, fire up the grill, and watch the fog roll in over the bay. That’s the real Garibaldi experience.
Final Prep Checklist
- Check your heater before leaving home; the coast is damp.
- Download offline maps of the Tillamook State Forest if you plan on hiking nearby; cell service drops to zero once you leave the highway.
- Bring a heavy-duty lock for your boat trailer; the park is safe, but the public boat launch area can sometimes have "sticky fingers" during the busy season.
- Prepare to disconnect. Use the time to actually look at the ocean instead of your phone.