Alder Dune

3.93

148 reviews

89630 Hwy 101, Florence, OR, 97439, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

135 ft

Price

$31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

135 ft

Price

$31/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens American Land and Leisure site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Alder Dune

$31.00 - $31.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates for Alder Dune campsites are $31.00 per night for both Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites during peak seasons.

Standard Site Fee$31.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 148 reviews

171 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanhiking

Some mention

mosquitoessmall

"User reviews for Alder Dune Campground range from highly positive experiences praising the privacy, cleanliness, and natural beauty, to complaints about noisy neighbors, mosquitoes, and proximity to the highway. Some sites are well-liked for their privacy and spaciousness, while others are criticized for being too small or sloped."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

89630 Hwy 101, Florence, OR, 97439, USA

Alder Dune

89630 Hwy 101, Florence, OR, 97439, USA

Driving directionsFrom Florence, Oregon, drive 6 miles north on Highway 101. The campground is located on the west side of the highway.

Roads are paved providing good access from Highway 101. The site allows year-round access but does not have electric hookups.

Nearby places

Florence — 6 miles north (approximately 10 minutes driving time).

Nearby supplies

The city of Florence has grocery stores, camping supply shops, and gas stations available within 6 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Alder Dune

Embrace the moody beauty of the Oregon coast, where winter brings gentle 51°F afternoons and crisp 44°F mornings wrapped in coastal mist. The campground experiences the region's signature rainfall, averaging nearly 2 inches per week during the wet season—perfect weather for cozying up in your tent to the percussion of raindrops on canvas. Summer offers a refreshing escape from inland heat, with cool ocean breezes keeping temperatures comfortable for hiking and exploration. Pack your rain gear and embrace the elements—there's something magical about experiencing the forest when it's glistening with fresh rain.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer reviews highlight swimming and trails but more mosquitoes and highway noise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Moody coastal weather, lush forest and fewer bugs make fall attractive for hikers.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Review signal=1.00 notes spring trout fishing and appealing springtime forest visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round with mild temps but rain and coastal mist limit activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025; January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; reservations can begin June 25, 2025.

About Alder Dune

Tucked between the tranquil waters of Alder and Dune Lakes, this hidden gem in the Siuslaw National Forest offers 39 secluded campsites where native rhododendrons and salal create natural privacy screens between neighbors. Here, the rhythmic calls of songbirds blend with the distant whisper of ocean waves, while old-growth Douglas firs tower overhead like ancient sentinels. Whether you're casting a line into the mirror-like lakes at dawn, following forest trails that wind through emerald ferns, or making the short journey to pristine Pacific beaches, Alder Dune serves as your basecamp for coastal Oregon adventures.

Alder Dune Campground offers several types of camping accommodations suitable for various needs, with options for tent camping, RV camping, and standard nonelectric sites.

Historical SignificanceAlder Dune Campground sits within the remarkable Siuslaw National Forest, one of only two national forests in the continental United States that touches the Pacific Ocean. This rare coastal ecosystem has supported diverse wildlife and human communities for thousands of years, from indigenous peoples who harvested the abundant resources to modern-day adventurers seeking connection with nature. The forest's unique position creates an extraordinary meeting place where temperate rainforest, freshwater lakes, and ocean environments converge.

Weather and SeasonsEmbrace the moody beauty of the Oregon coast, where winter brings gentle 51°F afternoons and crisp 44°F mornings wrapped in coastal mist. The campground experiences the region's signature rainfall, averaging nearly 2 inches per week during the wet season—perfect weather for cozying up in your tent to the percussion of raindrops on canvas. Summer offers a refreshing escape from inland heat, with cool ocean breezes keeping temperatures comfortable for hiking and exploration. Pack your rain gear and embrace the elements—there's something magical about experiencing the forest when it's glistening with fresh rain.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering Douglas firs create cathedral-like canopies overhead, their branches draped with moss like nature's own tapestries. The campground's two namesake lakes—Alder and Dune—offer glassy surfaces that perfectly reflect the surrounding forest on calm mornings. Just beyond the treeline, ancient sand dunes roll toward the Pacific, their windswept patterns constantly shifting like frozen waves. From your campsite, you might glimpse Roosevelt elk grazing in nearby meadows or catch the flash of an osprey diving for fish, while the salty tang of ocean air mingles with the earthy scent of forest floor.

Geological RegionNestled within the Central Coast Ranger District of the Siuslaw National Forest, Alder Dune occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where coastal mountains meet the sea. This extraordinary landscape tells a story millions of years in the making—ancient seafloor sediments pushed skyward, carved by rivers, and sculpted by wind into the dramatic dunes that give the campground its name. The interplay between forest, freshwater lakes, and ocean has created one of the most biodiverse regions in the Pacific Northwest, where tide pools, wetlands, and old-growth forests exist within miles of each other.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is 11:00 AM local time.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM local time.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits are 14 nights within a 30-day rolling period.

Groups

There is no specific information provided for group camping sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features loops with sites separated by native vegetation for privacy. Sites 1-3 form a cul-de-sac.

Reservation PlatformsAvailable on Recreation.gov and via the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve sites may be available; visitors are encouraged to check ahead before arriving.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to midnight one calendar day before the scheduled arrival date for campsites. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fees.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are mentioned indirectly. User "Lorena C" noted that campsite 6 was not accessible due to stairs, which were a challenge for individuals with arthritis.

Site SizeReviews indicate site sizes vary widely. Some are reported as small or narrow, such as by "Shelia A" who mentioned having to pitch tents on cement pads, while "Megan S" noted that her spot was large and enveloped in nature.

PrivacySites generally provide good privacy, as confirmed by reviews such as "Steven H," who commented on the charm and privacy of each campsite, and "Justin C," who appreciated the vegetation between campsites.

Total Campsites39 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 1, 2, and 3 are in a cul-de-sac ideal for small groups. Sites closer to the highway may experience noise. Site 6 is unique with stair access but highly praised despite accessibility concerns.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Alder Dune Campground offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The nearby lakes are stocked with rainbow trout, making fishing a popular activity. Hiking trails connect to the dunes and beach areas, providing moderate difficulty levels as described in the authoritative content and by users.

HikingA trail system starting at the day-use area leads through Alder Lake, over sand dunes, and connects to Sutton Trail and the Pacific Coast beach. Reviewers like "Tom B" and "Katherine U" praised the trails around the lake and dunes, although "Lorelei V" noted some trails are poorly marked.

FishingFishing is supported at Alder and Dune Lakes, which are stocked with rainbow trout several times a year, according to authoritative sources. "Marianne J" confirmed catching trout during her visit.

SwimmingSwimming is mentioned by users like "Linda D" and "April C," who described swimming in the lake during warm days. Dune Lake is highlighted as sandy, clean, and shallow, ideal for wading.

Wildlife viewingThe campground's quiet ambiance is conducive to wildlife viewing. "Jodie M" appreciated the presence of wildlife like owls and bullfrogs serenading campers at night.

Beach activitiesBeach-related activities are accessible via trails that lead to the Pacific Coast. "Linda D" noted restrictions for dogs at the beach during plover nesting season.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh mosquito populations near Alder and Dune Lakes. Ticks are also reported as occasional hazards by visitors.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed; visitors are encouraged to burn wood sourced near the camping destination.

Emergency ServicesFlorence, 6 miles away, hosts emergency services such as hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available at the campground. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Alder Lake and Dune Lake, providing fishing and walking trails.

Camp HostHosts are available onsite but feedback is mixed regarding their friendliness and responsiveness.

Weather at Alder Dune

Reviews

3.9

148 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Alder Dune has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Alder Dune Campground range from highly positive experiences praising the privacy, cleanliness, and natural beauty, to complaints about noisy neighbors, mosquitoes, and proximity to the highway. Some sites are well-liked for their privacy and spaciousness, while others are criticized for being too small or sloped.

Review Summaries

Based on 148 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews frequently commend the privacy between sites, cleanliness of toilets, lush forest surroundings, and access to hiking trails and lakes. For example, "Erik Z" praised the clean bathrooms and...

Based on 148 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include mosquito infestations, loud neighbors, ticks, noise from Highway 101, and sloped or narrow campsites. "Shelia A" mentioned tiny campsites where tents had to be placed on cement...

Based on 148 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing bug spray to combat mosquitoes, reserving a site far from Highway 101 to avoid noise, and checking site descriptions carefully for accessibility issues. "Lorena C"...

Based on 148 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are more frequent, with many users highlighting the lush greenery, swimming opportunities, and trails. However, there are more mentions of mosquitoes and highway noise during this...

Based on 148 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The plants and bushes between campsites provide plenty of privacy." - Justin C "Vault toilets were hands down the cleanest we've used yet. Sanitizer dispenser and all." - Erik Z "We were serenaded...

Based on 148 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite-specific reviews reveal varying experiences: campsite 6 was noisy and close to Highway 101; campsite 15 was praised as spacious and clean; campsite 22 was described as super private and...

Based on 148 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited accessibility features are noted, with issues like stairs at campsite 6 being mentioned by "Lorena C."

Based on 148 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews on pet-friendliness. "Linda D" noted restrictions for dogs during plover nesting season, and "Briana G" complained about an off-leash dog causing disturbances.

Based on 148 reviews

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