FAQs | McKinley's RV Park & Marina

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Check In & Check Out

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is at 1:00 pm and check-out is at 12:00 pm. Early check-in may be available if the previous guest has departed. Please stop by the office upon arrival to check-in and see if your site is ready.

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Campfires

Are campfires allowed?

Yes! Wood campfires are allowed in the dry camping area. In the full hook-up section, wood fires aren’t permitted — but propane fire pits are welcome in both areas.

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Pets

Can I bring my pets?

Absolutely— we welcome dogs and cats. Pets must always be on leashes, and each site may have up to three pets. We no longer allow Pitbulls, Dobermans, and Rottweilers. Please pick up after your pets to keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

Are pets allowed in the grassy play area?

No. The grassy area between the office and laundry room is reserved for kids and families so it can stay clean and safe for play. We do have designated areas for pets.

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Reservations

What is your cancellation policy?

If you cancel 7 or more days before your check-in date, you’ll only be charged the $3 non-refundable booking fee, and all other prepaid fees will be refunded.
If you cancel less than 7 days before arrival, no refunds are given and the balance due will be charged.

Reservations for 4th of July and Labor Day weekends are non-refundable.

How far in advance can I make a reservation?

You may book up to one year in advance. Rates may be subject to change, and you will be notified if your rate changes after booking.

Do you offer monthly rates?

Yes, we do offer discounted monthly rates — but they must be booked by phone. Online booking is not available for monthly stays.

Do you offer winter discounts?

Yes! We have special low-season rates. Please see our RV Park Page for Rates information.

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Water & Dumping

As a dry camp guest, can I fill water?

Yes, water fill-up is available for $5. Please check in with the office for instructions.

Where can I dump my tanks if I’m in dry camp?

The most convenient option is the public dump station in Waldport, about one mile away. We may occasionally allow dumping on-site for $5 at designated sites, but this must be pre-approved by the office on the day of use and is not always available. Please note that on-site dumping is done in a full hook-up space as we do not have a designated dump station, which can be disruptive to our full hook-up guests — so we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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Crabbing & Boat Rentals

Why do crab boat departure times change daily?

We schedule crab boats based on the tide so you’ll have the safest trip and the best chance at a great catch.

Do you provide lifejackets?

Yes! We provide lifejackets in a range of sizes, and you’re also welcome to bring your own.

Can I fish from the crab boats or docks?

Fishing is welcome from our crab boats, but not from our docks due to congestion it creates and shallow water not conducive to successful fishing.

How long is a crab boat rental, and how many people can go?

Crab boat rentals are 3 hours and include 3 crab rings, bait, and lifejackets. Boats can hold 4 adults or up to 650 lbs. Children are welcome with supervision.

Can I bring my dog on the crab boat?

Yes, you can! Just be mindful that curious pups may get pinched if they get too close to the crab.

What kind of bait do you use, and can I bring my own?

We use chicken because it’s the most effective in our opinion. Other baits like tuna are not allowed in our rings because they attract seals and cause damage to our equipment, seals are not attracted to chicken. Guests may bring their own rings and can use a bait of their choice in those rings, but only chicken is permitted in our provided rings.

Can I request additional crab rings?

Yes, if requested in advance and based on availability. Please keep in mind that state regulations allow only 3 rings per licensed person.

Are kids allowed on crab boats?

Yes! Kids under 12 don’t need a shellfish license. Kids 12 and older will need a license to participate.

Do I need a boater’s license to rent a crab boat?

Nope! Our motors are under 10 horsepower and a license by law is not required. If you’re new to boating, our marina staff will walk you through the basics, so you feel comfortable before heading out.

Do you sell shellfish licenses?

We don’t sell them on-site, but you can easily get one online or at Ray’s Food Place in Waldport, less than a mile away.

Can I extend my crab boat rental beyond 3 hours?

Yes, sometimes we can accommodate extra time, but it must be arranged in advance and approved by both our office and marina staff. Additional fees apply, and extensions are not always available. Please be sure to return your boat on time unless you’ve received prior approval —this helps us stay on schedule for all our guests.

What makes your crab boats special compared to others?

Our boats come equipped with slip rings and davits. Slip rings help trap crab securely as they’re pulled up, and davits make lifting the rings easier. Together, they mean less lost crabs and more keepers!

Do you sell crabbing gloves?

Yes, we carry gloves in sizes small through extra-large.

Can you cook my crab for me?

Yes, we’d be happy to! We’ll cook your crab for $1 per crab (with a $10 minimum). Please let the office staff know if you’d like this service arranged.

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Park Safety & Rules

Can I play on the jetty, climb on the rocks, or launch a kayak from the retaining wall rock in dry camp?

No, for safety reasons we cannot allow guests on the jetty or the rocks of the retaining wall. These rocks also help protect our shoreline from erosion, so please do not move or throw them. You’re welcome to launch your kayak or paddle board from our designated boat launch area, and kids can safely enjoy playtime in the park’s sand play areas.

When are quiet hours?

Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. Generators must be 54 decibels or less and turned off by 9:00 pm.

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Boats, Moorage & Storage

Do you offer boat or RV storage?

Yes, on-site storage is available. Please inquire with the office for rates and availability.

Do you offer moorage?

Yes, moorage is available, but we don’t have individual slips. Our staff will direct you to the correct spot, and all boats must be moored behind the designated flag on the dock. Please note that due to the tides, boats will rest on the mud at low tide.

What is the purpose of the flag on the dock?

The flag marks the safe mooring area. All boats must tie up behind it. If you’re unsure, our staff is happy to help.

Do you have a boat launch?

Yes, guests staying in the park may launch boats for $5. Kayaks and canoes launch free but must be stored in your site, not near the launch or crab cooking building.

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Showers & Laundry

Where can I get quarters for showers and laundry?

Quarters are available at the office.

How much do showers cost?

Showers cost $1 for 4 minutes. Each additional quarter adds 1 more minute. If the shower shuts off completely, $1 is required to restart. Like most parks, we charge for showers to cover cost of water, heating the water, and the staff needed to keep the facilities clean and well-maintained.

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Recreation

Do you provide volleyballs or basketballs?

Yes! Volleyballs and basketballs can be checked out at the office free of charge.

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Supplies

Do you sell ice, firewood, or propane?

Yes, we sell all three.

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Recycling

Do you offer recycling?

Yes, we do! Please note that glass and Styrofoam cannot be placed in recycle bins due to our waste companies rules.

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Food & Drink

What restaurants do you recommend?

Waldport: The Salty Dawg Bar & Grill, The Hilltop Restaurant, Café Chill, Azul Mexican.
Newport: Clearwater Restaurant, Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, Sorella Italian, Georgie’s Bayside Grill, Nana’s Irish Pub.
Yachats: Ona Restaurant & Lounge, Drift Inn Café, The Sea Note Lounge.

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Beaches

What beaches do you recommend nearby?

Some of our favorites are Driftwood Beach, Governor Patterson State Park, and OnaBeach.