UMPQUA SAND CAMPING
North Bend, Oregon · USDA Forest Service

Photo: Recreation.gov
About
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.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. 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. 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. 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. For facility specific information, please call (541) 271-6000.
Directions
From Reedsport, Oregon, 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.
Location
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.
Details
- State
- Oregon
- City / area
- North Bend
- Agency
- USDA Forest Service
- Parent area
- Siuslaw National Forest
- Campsites
- 27
- Reservable
- Yes
- Typical price
- $10–$20 / night
- Rating
- 3.08 / 5 (39 reviews on Recreation.gov)
- Equipment
- Tent, RV, Trailer
Nearby campgrounds
- EEL CREEK CAMPGROUND 5.2 km away
- SPINREEL SAND CAMPING 6.9 km away
- SPINREEL 6.9 km away
- HAUSER SAND CAMPING 15.8 km away
- TAHKENITCH CAMPGROUND 19.0 km away
- TAHKENITCH LANDING 19.5 km away