Whether you’re enjoying a breakfast feast next to the glowing fireplace and gigantic Christmas tree, or browsing the gift shop for Bigfoot-themed souvenirs and local blackberry preserves, it’s an experience that feels both timeless and unique.
Imagine sitting by a crackling fire, surrounded by twinkling lights, with a perfectly cooked cinnamon roll big enough to share with a friend, and a gigantic Christmas tree filling the room with festive charm. If you're traveling Highway 26 near Elsie, Oregon during the holiday season, then Camp 18 Restaurant and Gift Shop is a spot you won’t want to miss. This massive log cabin restaurant exudes rustic charm year-round, but in December, it transforms into a magical winter retreat!
Camp 18 Restaurant Comes To Life During The Holidays!
As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by a towering Christmas tree sparkling with ornaments and a cozy fireplace radiating warmth. The entire interior is decked out in holiday cheer that makes every corner of the gorgeous rustic interior feel festive. Whether you’re enjoying a breakfast feast next to the glowing fireplace or browsing the gift shop for Bigfoot-themed souvenirs and local blackberry preserves, it’s an experience that feels both timeless and unique.
The decorations, the food, and the warm service all come together to make Camp 18 an unforgettable stop in December. Whether you’re stopping by on a crisp morning or a drizzly Northwest afternoon, the ambiance invites you to relax and soak in the warmth of the season.
A Place with Stories to Tell
Camp 18 is more than a restaurant, it’s a living piece of Oregon history. Built in 1986 by logger Gordon Smith and his crew, the 14,000-square-foot log cabin was handcrafted from local cedar and fir, milled right on the property.
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Inside, you’ll find walls lined with historic logging photographs, tools, and memorabilia, including a striking photo of Smith’s father and uncle with an old-growth tree. The atmosphere is a tribute to the area’s rich logging past, and outside, the Camp 18 Logging Museum features enormous vintage equipment and a serene nature trail by the creek.
The Smith family runs the restaurant with the kind of hospitality that turns customers into regulars. Stories abound of their generosity, like hosting stranded travelers during storms and sharing Gordon’s fascinating tales of logging life.
Why Is The Restaurant Named Camp 18? Logging camps didn't have names, they had numbers. Since the restaurant is found around milepost 18 on Highway 26, it was decided that it should be called Camp 18.
Satisfying Comfort Food With A Logging Twist
The menu at Camp 18 is all about hearty, satisfying meals that hit the spot. Known for its "logger-style" portions, diners rave about the food's quality and abundance. A must-try is the cinnamon roll—a dinner-plate-sized delight, served warm and slathered in butter. This ooey-gooey pastry is a visitor favorite.
Breakfast options like French toast and omelets are also popular choices, while the lunch and dinner menus feature comfort food classics like chicken fried steak, fried trout, and the Lumber Jack Burger, topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, onion rings, and barbecue sauce.
For dessert, the homemade marionberry cobbler and Bigfoot Brownie Sundae offer the perfect sweet finish to a meal. Everything here feels like it’s made straight from your grandma’s recipe book, and the portions are sure to leave you satisfied.
Camp 18 Restaurant And Gift Shop Information
- Location: 42362 US-26 in Seaside, Oregon 97138
- Note: While the address is listed as being in Seaside, the restaurant is actually 20 miles southwest of Seaside on Highway 26.
- Hours:
- Sunday - Thursday 8 AM - 7 PM
- Friday - Saturday 8 AM - 8 PM
- Get more information on the Camp 18 Facebook page.
If you’re passing through on a gray winter day or heading back from the coast, take a break at Camp 18. Between the welcoming log cabin, the rich history, and the delicious comfort food, it’s the perfect spot to fuel up and feel the holiday spirit. If you have a long drive ahead of you, don’t forget to grab a cinnamon roll for the road!
