Umpqua Sand Camping

$10.00–$20.00/night

Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, 855 Highway 101
Reedsport, OR 97467

Alcohol Prohibition

This order prohibits possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcohol beverage by State law. For the purposes of this section, possession of alcoholic beverage includes: containment within a motor vehicle, tent, or other structure, by the owner, operator, or other person, having the authority or control of this location.

The closure area consists of all lands - including dispersed off highway vehicle campsites, on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
SIUSLAW NATIONAL FOREST CORVALLIS, OREGON

ORDER # 06-12-00-26-04

FOREST ORDER
OCCUPANCY AND USE

Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following act is prohibited in the areas described by this order within the administrative boundaries of the Siuslaw National Forest. This order will become effective upon signature and shall be in effect until rescinded or until two years from date signed.

AREA DESCRIPTION:

The Sand Lake Recreation Area and the north, middle, and south off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding areas within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA), or parts thereof, are affected by the provisions of this order. Lands are contained within the following counties in Oregon: Tillamook, Lane, Douglas, and Coos.

PROHIBITION:

Possessing an alcoholic beverage. 36 CFR § 261.58(bb)

Alcohol is prohibited:

For the purpose of this order, possession of an alcoholic beverage includes: containment within a motor vehicle, tent, or other structure, by the owner, operator, or other person having the authority or control of the location.

CLOSURE AREAS:

Sand Lake Recreation Area (T. 3 S., R. 11 W., Sections 7, 8, 18, 19, & 30) within the administrative boundaries of the Siuslaw National Forest. Exhibit B.
ODNRA off-highway vehicle riding areas within the administrative boundaries of the Siuslaw National Forest:
- North riding area (T. 18 S., R. 12 W., Sections 33 & 34; T. 19 S., R. 12 W., Sections 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, & 34). Exhibit C.
- Middle riding area (T. 22 S., Sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 35, & 36). Exhibit D.
- South riding area (T. 23 S., R. 13 W., Sections 14, 22, 23, 26, 27, 33, & 34; T. 24 S., R. 13 W., Sections 3, 4, 9, 10, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33, & 34. Exhibit E.
- Closure areas within the ODNRA include designated dispersed off-highway vehicle campsites and designated motorized trails.

EXEMPTIONS:

Developed recreation sites that are exempt from this order are listed in Exhibit A and depicted in Exhibits B, C, and D.

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

Persons with a permit, written authorization by a Forest officer, or special use authorization specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission, and approved contractors and their agents directly engaged in approved work outlined in an operating plan or permit allowing extended stay in excess of this order.
Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for a corporation or imprisonment for not more than six months or both (16 USC Section 551; 18 USC Sections 3551, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Corvallis, Oregon, on this 4th Day of May, 2026.

/s/
Rebecca Brooke
Forest Supervisor
Siuslaw National Forest

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 27 camp sites:

Pets allowed: 26 of 27 sites
Group sites: 2 of 27 sites
Longest RV: 100 ft
Largest party: 40 people
Equipment: Tent

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.

Stay Limit

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

Reviews

39 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Joseph D

Loop:Area Umpqua Odnra

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

We picked #47 for its proximity to the parking lot and beach also we were unfamiliar with the situation and concerned about having to go in to deep and getting stuck even though our rig is equipped with lockers and big tires. But it is a heavy van. The beach is very accessible and surprisingly empty considering the amount of people that were in the area. At one point during the sunset, we had the beach to ourselves but never no more than 8 people in our view the whole time. It was a Sunday night. The ATVs do flyby the campsite at a high rate of speed and late into the night, but we knew what we were getting into considering it is ohv park. Overall our experience was great. But I couldn’t help the reminisce about a time when people could camp anywhere in that area without the bureaucracy and regulations.

Elisha R

Loop:Area Umpqua Odnra

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

This isn’t like a normal campsite. You’re basically on the edge of the off-road park still in the off road boundaries of the park. ATV’s and side-by-side can go pretty much around you and your camp spot not the safest and not very well marked. Nevertheless, we went on a weekday wasn’t super busy and we immediately put lights around our tents and our rigs so that other people ripping and having fun with their off-road machines could see us in our camp. If you have a rig or ATVs or dirt bikes, it’s pretty cool to be able to camp on the sand on the dunes right on the park. Keep in mind people are allowed to off-road till I think 11 PM or midnight and they can start back up again at like 8 AM or something. Not the quietest places. But is a good spot on a road trip to spend one night if it’s during a weekday, I couldn’t imagine how busy a weekend would be. The beach is not accessible from the campsites you have to go to the day use area. I wouldn’t recommend walking to the beach or you’ll be in the tight very low visibility trails that go through the trees and bushes. Not a bad campsite if you know what it’s about there’s not a lot of information on the spots or reviews online so here it is for you. Definitely a great spot if you own and can bring ATVs and your own toys.

Rebecca R

Loop:Area Umpqua Odnra

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Reviewed 4 months ago

Great location for my family to ride ATVS

Tim B

Loop:Area Umpqua Odnra

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Reviewed a year ago

Great site.

Shane H

Loop:Area Umpqua Odnra