KOA is the tacky American campground of your 1990's family vacation dreams. Our youngest really wanted to go to the coast for his birthday... in November. The Oregon coast in November is pretty cold so we knew we needed lodgings but here comes the difficulty of traveling with a large family, we need a large room and at most establishments that means we need more than one room. To save money and stay together we decided to look into cabin rentals at KOA. Brilliant. The kids love the property, the little camp store, the free pancakes, and the pool. Ok, we all enjoyed the indoor heated pool. The added bonus, it's pocketbook friendly.

The cabin had a tv that played the same movies on a loop. Prepare to watch the Goonies, a lot. There was evidence of mice... we didn't see any but I'd highly recommend keeping all food in safe containers while you're there. Bring firewood for the fire pit or you can purchase firewood from the camp store. It was pretty cold and wet while we were there so we skipped the fire pit and stuck to indoor heaters while there. Smartly, we booked a cabin with a bathroom so we never had to go out in the rain except for when we were out during daily adventures!

Each morning the camp will serve you free pancakes in the camp cafeteria. They also serve an assortment of lukewarm breakfast fare such as sausage links, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Each time I eat in that place I wait for the food poisoning to set in but it hasn't got me yet. Again, the kids love it. They have coffee and orange juice.

The best part about taking advantage of the cabins at KOA in Hammond, OR is that it's really close to multiple beachy things to do. Almost across the street you can see the Peter Iredale shipwreck of 1906. It's pretty cool to explore when the tide is out and it's pretty to look at when covered with water. Follow the signs to Fort Stevens but instead of heading to the fort, go straight down to the beach parking.

Just South of the campground on hwy 101 about 15 miles or so is the popular beach town of Seaside Or, that has a candy shop, arcade, carousel and aquarium where you can feed the seals. Feeding the seals is a favorite for everyone! It's an additional cost to your aquarium visit but the few dollars is worth it. Seaside also has an outlet mall if you're into shopping and a movie theater if you need to get out of the rain and relax for a bit.

There is a McMenamins Hotel and golf course between the Peter Iredale shipwreck and the town of Seaside, if you are traveling with just a child or two, I'd highly recommend staying there but if you can't stay at least go for dinner one night! They have absolutely the best clam chowder bowl you will ever get!

Have a blast on your trip and keep an eye out for Bigfoot!