Sand Lake Recreation Area 4Th of July Tickets
Planning to visit Sand Lake Recreation Area during Fourth of July weekend 2026? From July 3 through July 5, a timed ticket is required for all highway legal vehicles accessing Sand Lake. A separate ticket is needed for each vehicle and each day of the holiday weekend. Tickets are available by reservation only beginning on May 5, 2026. This timed ticket system helps the Forest Service provide safe and positive visitor experiences during the busiest weekend of the year.
Towed trailers and non-highway legal vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, quads, and dirt bikes) do not need timed tickets.
Several types of tickets are available:
West Winds Day Use: Paved parking to stage off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Day use only (6 AM – 10 PM).
Fisherman Day Use: Paved parking for non-motorized recreation at the beach and estuary. Day use only (6 AM – 10 PM). OHV staging is not allowed in this parking lot.
Derrick Road Camping Area: Overnight camping at the edge of the sand dunes. No designated campsites.
Sand Access: Motorized travel on the sand dunes. Sand access tickets allow for day use and overnight camping in all sand areas that are open to motorized travel. There are no designated sand campsites.
Visitors with camping reservations at Sandbeach, East Dunes, and West Winds campgrounds do not need to purchase timed tickets for their vehicles. There is a strict limit of two highway legal vehicles per campsite. Reservations for Sandbeach, East Dunes, and West Winds campgrounds are available at each facility’s respective recreation.gov webpage.
Need to Know
- Timed Tickets
All highway-legal vehicles entering Sand Lake during Fourth of July weekend must have a timed ticket unless the operator has a reservation for a developed campground. Each ticket allows access for one highway-legal vehicle for one day.
- Entry Station
Tickets will be checked at the entry station on Galloway Road. Vehicles without tickets or campground reservations will not be allowed to enter the recreation area.
- Reservations Required
Timed tickets are available by advance reservation only. Tickets will not be sold on-site during Fourth of July weekend.
- Parking Rules
Do not block emergency access lanes or other “no parking” zones. Park only in the specific area designated by your ticket.
- Alcohol Regulations
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the open riding area.
- Fireworks
Fireworks are not allowed on National Forest lands (36 CFR 261.5(h)).
- Night Riding Curfew
Motor vehicle use in the open riding area is prohibited from midnight to 6 AM.
- Beach Access
Some portions of the beach are open to OHVs. Other areas are closed to all motorized use. Obey all travel management signs and drive carefully. Please respect closure areas for snowy plover nesting habitat.
- OHV Regulations
All motorized vehicles on the sand must adhere to Oregon OHV regulations. Visit this webpage to learn more about safe and responsible OHV recreation on the Siuslaw National Forest.
- RV Facilities
There are no water/sewer/power hookups or dump stations available at Sand Lake.
- Don’t Move Firewood
Protect local forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can damage or kill trees. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination.
- Special Uses
Fourth of July tickets do not authorize commercial uses or non-commercial group events. Separate permits are required for these activities. Visit this webpage [pending] for more information on special uses.
- Internet Connectivity
Sand Lake has limited internet and cell phone connectivity. Wifi is not provided.
- Safety & Courtesy
Sand Lake is a multiple use recreation area. Please be respectful toward other visitors, Forest Service staff and volunteers, and neighboring landowners.
Booking Windows
Booking Window(s)
• Primary Booking Window: Tickets for Sand Lake Fourth of July will become available on May 5, 2026 at 7 am. PT/10 a.m. ET.
• Secondary Booking Window: Not applicable for this facility.
Changes and Cancellations
• Cancellations must be requested at least 72 hours in advance of the entry date in order to receive a refund minus the $2 processing fee. Refunds must be submitted through www.recreation.gov.
• No refunds for no shows, weather, or cancellations less than 72 hours in advance.
• Once printed, the ticket is considered issued, and modifications or cancellations will no longer be allowed.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
HEBO RANGER STATION 31525 HWY 22 HEBO OR 97112
Phone Number
503-392-5100
