Overview

Umpqua is home to the tallest sand dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Off-road vehicle riding is a popular activity here, and visitors are rewarded with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean from the tops of the dunes.

These sites are only accessible to 4X4 vehicles on soft sand. Please plan accordingly.

Facilities

Sand campsites can only be accessed by 4X4 vehicles. No water is available so campers should bring an ample amount. Campsites are primitive and all campers must bring portable toilets and fire pans. Seasonal rainfall may temporarily affect certain campsites; contact the Oregon Dunes Visitor Center for seasonal information. 

Standard sites fit 5 vehicles and up to 20 people. The group campsites fit 10 vehicles and 40 people. Campsites are available year-round (by reservation only) and reservations may fill up quickly in peak summer season. Within each campsite, all vehicles and tents must be positioned within 150 feet of the campsite marker post.

Natural Features

Campsites are dispersed amongst the dunes along the Pacific Coast. The Umpqua River is a short drive north and Eel Lake is a short drive south. The sand camping area is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which is known for its wind-sculpted sand dunes towering up to 500 feet above sea level.

Recreation

The main attraction is off-road vehicle riding. The Umpqua area features a large open riding zone with expansive sand dunes and stunning vistas of the ocean and the surrounding topography.

Each year, the Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce hosts the summertime Dunefest event for riders of all ages. Dunefest provides opportunities for motocross racing, treasure hunting in the sand, freestyle riding shows, and more.

Nearby Attractions

Visit Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, to the north of the Umpqua sand camping area. The Umpqua River Lighthouse stands on the site of the first lighthouse built on the Oregon Coast in 1857. The current lighthouse dates back to 1890.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• Notice to all Dune Riders!

  The Oregon dunes have the highest off-highway vehicle incident rates in the state. Before riding, please be aware of dune riding hazards and what you and others can do to stay safe. Here are some dune riding safety tips along with some general riding tips that can help redu ce incidents. 

  Oregon ATV Program information can be found at www.OregonOHV.org. 

• Guidelines for a safe visit to the Siuslaw National Forest

  The Siuslaw’s campgrounds, day use areas, and trails continue to be open for public enjoyment. While you are visiting the Forest, please adhere to the following guidelines. These guidelines will help ensure a safe and healthy visit for you and your family, our employees and volunteers, and other visitors: 

  Please keep in mind that restrooms are generally cleaned and disinfected at least once daily at the more popular campgrounds and day use sites, and once to three times a week at other sites.

  Be prepared to provide your own soap, sanitizer, or disinfectant.

  If no trash receptacle is provided, please protect your public lands by packing out your waste and trash.

  For more information on COVID-19 in Oregon, please visit: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19 

• Forest Service-operated campsites on the Siuslaw National Forest are currently available by online reservation only.

  Visitors can make reservations online through this website (preferred), or via phone by calling the recreation.gov phone line at 877-444-6777. If you call this number, please be prepared for longer-than-usual wait times. Please note that the Siuslaw National Forest does not have any control over the recreation.gov phone line, so we ask you to please prepare by making reservations well in advance.

• Access is by 4X4 on soft sand only
• Camp only within designated sites and within 150 feet of the site marker.

• No drinking water or facilities available; please bring all necessary equipment including water, portable toilets, and fire pans

• Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility
• Possession of alcohol is prohibited
• State of Oregon OHV permit required for off-road vehicle riding
• All motorized vehicles on sand must adhere to Oregon OHV regulations. Click here for OHV requirements

• Sites must occupied within first 24 hours of arrival time. Otherwise unoccupied sites will be considered a "no-show" and will be released.

• For more information on the Siuslaw National Forest, click here

• Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

• Due to Snowy Plover critical nesting season certain activities are limited from March 15th through September 15th. Visit  Siuslaw Alerts and Notices for more details.

• There is a 14-day in 30 rolling days camping limit on the Siuslaw National Forest. The 14 days does not have to be consecutive. The 14-day limit covers the entire Siuslaw National Forest and not just this campground as shown in the Rules Section. This means you cannot go to other campgrounds on the Siuslaw National Forest after reaching the 14-day limit.

Available Activities

• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Fishing - Fishing
• Camping - Camping
• Beachcombing - Beachcombing
• Swimming - Swimming
• Off Road Vehicle Trails - Off Road Vehicle Trails

Directions

<p><strong>From Reedsport, Oregon,</strong> travel about 3 miles south on Highway 101 to Winchester Bay. Turn right onto Salmon Harbor Drive. Proceed for 2.5 miles on Salmon Harbor Drive to the National Forest boundary. Vehicles can access the sand at the boundary, or from the two Umpqua Beach day-use/off-road vehicle staging areas. Umpqua Beach Staging Area #3 is at the end of the road, a total of 4 miles from the intersection with Highway 101.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Campsites that are not occupied after 24 hours of arrival time will be considered as a "no show" and sites will be released for others to reserve. If campers will be arriving after 24 hours of their arrival time, they are encouraged to call the ranger station at 541-271-6000 to let staff know. </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 541-271-6000

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip