Carter Lake

Show on map541-271-6000
Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, 855 HWY 101
REEDSPORT, OR 97467

Overview

Carter Lake Campground is a family favorite in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This campground is located on Carter Lake, perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating. The Carter Dunes Trailhead is located within the campground, and the Pacific coast is just a short drive away.

Recreation

Hike the Carter Dune Trail, which attracts campers and locals alike. Fishing for rainbow trout is a good way to pass the time, and canoeing and kayaking are excellent on Carter Lake.



The dunes region is also famous for off-road vehicle riding trails.

Facilities

Drinking water and flush toilets are available and each site has a campfire pit, picnic table, and trash. Parking aprons are paved.

Natural Features

Campsites are nestled among shore pine, sitka spruce, and Douglas fir, with hedges of rhododendron. Carter Lake spans 28 acres at an elevation of 100 feet. The campground is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, known for its wind-sculpted sand dunes towering up to 500 feet above sea level.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 271-6000.

Nearby Attractions

Carter Lake Campground is located near several non-motorized hiking trails, including Siltcoos Lake Trail and Threemile Creek Trail. Visitors can also use the campground as a base to explore the area's waterways, including the Pacific Ocean, Tahkenitch Lake, and Siltcoos Lake.

Charges & Cancellations

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. 

Camp site features

Across 21 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 21 sites
  • Picnic table: all 21 sites
  • Longest RV: 30 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people

Directions

From Florence, travel south on Highway 101 for about 10 miles. The entrance to Carter Lake Campground is on the west (right) side of Highway 101.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

114 reviews
5 stars
59
4 stars
31
3 stars
11
2 stars
8
1 stars
5
Pavla Z
Loop:Area Carter Lake
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Carter Lake campground has been our favorite for many years. We enjoy this smaller campground with a private beach (at our favorite campsite) for swimming. Also enjoying hiking, taking photographs and biking. For observing wildlife, we would get up before sunrise and drive 1/4 mile to Siltcoos recreational area. Over the years we were lucky to see foxes, coyotes, racoons, beavers, river otters (rare), ospreys, bald eagles, kingfishers, blue herons, many ducks, and one time - 3 mountain lion cubs when they were still very small (size of a house cat) - certainly once in a lifetime amazing experience. One time, I saw a black bear not far from the campground.
Anna A
Loop:Area Carter Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Quiet little secluded Campground next to the lake beautiful scenery very peaceful will definitely be going back
Connor W
Loop:Area Carter Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Clean and well maintained!
YELENA V
Loop:Area Carter Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
The location is amazing. It has a nice clean toilet and amenities. Quiet location, generally a great vibe.
Pauline B
Loop:Area Carter Lake
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
A great campground to stay for fun on the lake, the lake beach, the sand dunes from the campsites, and spacious sites. Carter Lake campground also makes a great base camp to explore the central OR coast.
Lafe P
Loop:Area Carter Lake
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
This is a nice camp ground with a good location. The sites are quite small some are larger than other but overall small site. Barely hear the hwy would come back but wouldn't stay in the sites on the lake shore
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

May 1, 2027 – Sep 30, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 1, 2028 – Sep 30, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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