How much does camping cost at Carter Lake?

Camping fees at Carter Lake range from $22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Carter Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Carter Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Carter Lake before I book?

Yes! Carter Lake has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Carter Lake?

Carter Lake is open May 01 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Carter Lake?

Carter Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Carter Lake have?

Carter Lake has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Carter Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Carter Lake. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Carter Lake?

Carter Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Carter Lake?

Popular activities at Carter Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Carter Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at Carter Lake?

Fire policies at Carter Lake: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

131 reviews

Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, 855 HWY 101, REEDSPORT, OR 97467, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

100 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Siuslaw National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

100 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Siuslaw National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Carter Lake

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV NONELECTRIC: $22.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-271-6000

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Carter Lake

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Campground Map

Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, 855 HWY 101, REEDSPORT, OR 97467, USA

Carter Lake

Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, 855 HWY 101, REEDSPORT, OR 97467, USA

Nearby places

Florence (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Reedsport (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Coos Bay (35 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Weather at Carter Lake

Current alerts(7)

For more information on Siuslaw National Forest, click here
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.
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.
No off-road vehicle use allowed in campground

Best Time to Camp at Carter Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, sunniest weather and full access to water activities on Carter Lake — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F (15–24°C) with cool, breezy mornings and occasional coastal fog. This is when swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, and dune hiking are at their peak and trails are dry and easy to navigate. Crowds increase on summer weekends and holidays but the campground's low elevation and forested sites still provide a peaceful, shaded setting compared with exposed beaches. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season (May–Sep); warm 60–75°F and best time for water activities and swimming.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates seasonally from May 1 to September 30.

About Carter Lake

Carter Lake sits in Siuslaw National Forest near Reedsport, offering direct access to a freshwater lake bordered by coastal dunes and the Pacific Ocean beyond. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground draws visitors who fish, swim, and hike the short dune trail to the beach. The setting is quiet and forested, with flush toilets and potable water during the seasonal operating window.

Carter Lake Campground provides options for both tent and RV camping. The campground is small but well-maintained, making it ideal for shorter stays or quieter vacations. Most campsites are suited for tents or small trailers, and there are no hookups for RVs.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, sunniest weather and full access to water activities on Carter Lake — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F (15–24°C) with cool, breezy mornings and occasional coastal fog. This is when swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, and dune hiking are at their peak and trails are dry and easy to navigate. Crowds increase on summer weekends and holidays but the campground's low elevation and forested sites still provide a peaceful, shaded setting compared with exposed beaches. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested pocket where shore pine, Sitka spruce, and Douglas fir create shade over most sites. Carter Lake covers 28 acres at the center of camp, with clear water for swimming and small watercraft. Beyond the trees, the Oregon Dunes rise up to 500 feet, built from ancient coastal sand deposits pushed by steady Pacific winds. The dunes shift and reform constantly, meeting the forest edge in an unstable boundary that changes year to year. Some sites have rhododendron understory that adds privacy and seasonal color.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are provided within the campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to two vehicles allowed per site
guest count unspecified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include paved parking aprons for vehicles. However, steep stairs to some campsites may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. "The only problem is there are some steep steps, and I am disabled," noted one reviewer.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating different types of campers. Some sites are better suited for tents or small trailers, while others can fit campers up to 22 feet. "Most spaces are small, so I recommend driving through before reserving," stated Shyla S.

PrivacyThe privacy level varies by campsite. Some sites are described as "very private" with dense foliage, while others lack privacy. For example, Jolene E. says, "Absolutely no privacy between site 7 and 8.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers are recommended to choose lakeside sites for privacy and views. Reviews point out that sites 19 and 21 are ideal for families traveling together.

Best CampsitesSite 16 gets consistent praise for its lakeside view and natural privacy screening. Site 8 offers a quiet location close to the lake. Sites 7 and 8 share a property line with minimal foliage between them, creating a privacy issue noted by multiple campers. Most sites accommodate tents or small trailers easily, but a few can fit RVs up to 22 feet. Driving the loop before committing to a site helps, since spacing and vegetation vary significantly.

Need help booking Carter Lake?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Carter Lake Campground offers a variety of essential amenities to enhance the camping experience. The campground features flush toilets and potable drinking water, as well as fire pits and picnic tables at each site. "Drinking water and flush toilets are available and each site has a campfire pit, picnic table, and trash. Parking aprons are paved." However, there are no shower facilities, which some reviewers found disappointing. Trash collection services are also available. "The restroom was extremely clean..." said one user, but reviews also note issues such as poorly maintained fire pits. Cell service is reported to be minimal to nonexistent by multiple reviewers.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Carter Lake Campground offers a mix of recreational options such as fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. The Carter Dunes Trail is particularly popular. Activities are generally family-friendly, and the variety of options makes it appealing to both adventure seekers and those looking for relaxation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at the campground, and each site is equipped with a trash container. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageMultiple reviewers report minimal to nonexistent cell service. For example, Kathi Jozaitis wrote: "There is no cell service and it is isolated." T-Mobile and Verizon are specifically mentioned as having poor coverage by another reviewer.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

131 reviews

Satisfactory

Carter Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Carter Lake Campground are generally positive, with visitors appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and recreational opportunities. Negative feedback often revolves around the lack of cell service, showers, and occasional maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 131 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects commonly mentioned include the peaceful atmosphere, clean facilities, and scenic surroundings featuring lush trees and a pristine lake. "Great little campground. Nice beach on the...

Based on 131 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of showers, spotty cell service, and some maintenance issues, such as overgrown vegetation and fire pits full of ash. "Road into campground full of potholes," noted one...

Based on 131 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 16: "Awesome view of the lake and is tucked down by the water for privacy." - Vanessa K.; Site 13: "Secluded, quiet, and clean...but there are some steep steps." - Shawn W.

Based on 131 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing all necessary supplies due to the isolated location and selecting smaller tents for easier campsite navigation. Some advise visiting during weekdays for a quieter experience.

Based on 131 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons, as reviewers often mention blooming rhododendrons and favorable weather for lake activities. Fall sees fewer crowds but may bring cooler temperatures.

Based on 131 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Been camping here since I was a child. 30+ yrs later it's still one of my favorite places to go." - Christopher Harwood. "Nice little campground. Stayed in site 16 that has an awesome view of the...

Based on 131 reviews