Eel Creek Campground

4.25

328 reviews

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

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

79 ft

Price

$22 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

79 ft

Price

$22 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Eel Creek Campground

$22.00 - $44.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rates range from $22 to $44 depending on the type of site reserved. An $8 reservation processing fee applies to online bookings.

Standard Site Fee$22.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-271-6000

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 328 reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanrestroomsfriendly

"User reviews for Eel Creek Campground range widely, reflecting both high praise for its natural beauty and seclusion as well as criticisms regarding facility maintenance. Many reviewers highlight the privacy of the sites and the proximity to the John Dellenback Dunes Trail. However, complaints about water outages and restroom closures are prevalent."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Eel Creek Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Reedsport, Oregon travel south for 10 miles to Eel Creek Campground. The campground entrance is located on the right (west) side of Highway 101 near mile post 222.

The campground is located directly off Highway 101, making it easily accessible. There are no specific mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Reedsport (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive), Winchester Bay (approximately 20 minutes drive), Coos Bay (approximately 35 miles, about 45 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

A Dollar General store is located a quarter-mile from the campground entrance. Additional supplies can be found in Reedsport or nearby towns like Lakeside, which has McKays Market.

Best Time to Camp at Eel Creek Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Oregon coast at Eel Creek. Summer brings golden days perfect for dune exploration, with warm temperatures and clear skies beckoning adventurers outdoors. As autumn arrives, the landscape shifts to a moodier palette, while winter storms showcase nature's raw power with wind and rain sculpting the ever-changing dunes. Spring awakens the coastal vegetation in brilliant greens, though visitors should note that mosquitoes make their presence known from April through August – a small price to pay for witnessing this dynamic ecosystem in full bloom.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm, clear summer days are ideal for dune exploration; peak season brings crowds and mixed reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 3% in OR

Off-season tranquility and fewer crowds earn the campground its most praise in fall/off-season.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers transitional weather, rhododendron blooms and fewer crowds than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 5% in OR

Open year-round and quieter, but facility inconsistencies and coastal weather can limit activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates year-round and is open for reservations from January 1 through December 31.
Current Alerts: Frequent issues with water availability and restroom closures have been reported.

About Eel Creek Campground

Nestled within the breathtaking Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Eel Creek Campground invites you to discover a world where towering sand dunes meet coastal forests. With 51 thoughtfully spaced sites, this tranquil retreat serves as your basecamp for exploring wind-sculpted dunes that soar up to 500 feet high. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with nature here, featuring flush toilets, fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings perfect for evening gatherings under starlit skies. Whether you're an avid hiker seeking dune adventures or a birder drawn to coastal species, Eel Creek offers the perfect balance of wilderness and comfort.

Eel Creek Campground provides traditional camping options, including spaces for tents and RVs. Notably, there are no RV hookups, and the emphasis is on a natural camping experience.

Historical SignificanceJust beyond the dunes stands a beacon of maritime history – the majestic Umpqua River Lighthouse. First illuminated in 1857, this coastal guardian has weathered storms and guided countless vessels to safety. The current tower, built in 1890, continues its vigilant watch over the Pacific, offering visitors a tangible connection to Oregon's seafaring heritage and the generations of lighthouse keepers who called this rugged coastline home.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Oregon coast at Eel Creek. Summer brings golden days perfect for dune exploration, with warm temperatures and clear skies beckoning adventurers outdoors. As autumn arrives, the landscape shifts to a moodier palette, while winter storms showcase nature's raw power with wind and rain sculpting the ever-changing dunes. Spring awakens the coastal vegetation in brilliant greens, though visitors should note that mosquitoes make their presence known from April through August – a small price to pay for witnessing this dynamic ecosystem in full bloom.

ElevationPrepare for an elevation experience unlike any other as you ascend the magnificent dunes surrounding Eel Creek. These sandy giants climb to heights of 500 feet above sea level, rewarding intrepid hikers with panoramic vistas that stretch from dense coastal forests to the endless Pacific horizon. Each step up the shifting sands reveals new perspectives, making every climb a unique adventure where the journey truly becomes the destination.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape of striking contrasts where dense groves of rhododendrons and salal create intimate, secluded camping spots, while just beyond your site, vast expanses of sand invite exploration. The interplay of lush coastal vegetation and dramatic dune formations creates a photographer's paradise, with each turn of the trail revealing stunning vistas. Morning mist often cloaks the lower areas in mystery, while afternoon sun transforms the dunes into a golden sea of rippling sand patterns.

Geological RegionWelcome to one of North America's most remarkable coastal phenomena – the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Here, powerful Pacific winds have spent millennia sculpting sand into massive dunes that tower up to 500 feet above the ocean. This unique ecosystem represents the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, where ancient forests give way to shifting sands, creating a dynamic landscape that changes with every storm. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean ensures constant evolution, making each visit a chance to witness nature's ongoing masterpiece.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Exact check-in time is not provided.

Check-out

Exact check-out time is not provided.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. A maximum of 14 nights total is allowed within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site are not provided.

Groups

Group camping details are not provided in the available information.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into north and south loops, with an amphitheater between the two.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up sites are mentioned; all sites require online reservations.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the scheduled arrival date, subject to a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations for individual campsites (midnight one day before check-in) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in the official documentation or user reviews.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with pull-through options and areas large enough to accommodate tents and medium-sized RVs. Some sites are specifically noted for their spaciousness.

PrivacyPrivacy is a highlighted feature, with dense vegetation such as rhododendrons and salal providing natural barriers between sites. As one user stated, "Spacious sites with privacy backed up against the sand dunes.

Total Campsites51 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 7 or 8 for direct access to dunes or 42/43 for privacy and sand views. Larger families may prefer sites 5 or 6.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a range of outdoor activities, centering on hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the nearby dunes. The most popular trail is the John Dellenback Dunes Trail, which provides a 2.7-mile (one-way) trek to the Pacific Ocean. This trail is noted for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain, featuring tall dunes and soft sand. Some reviews highlight the absence of ATV activity in surrounding areas as a positive feature for guests seeking tranquility.

HikingThe John Dellenback Dunes Trail is a 2.7-mile (one way) trail that leads hikers through a conifer forest and across open dunes to the Pacific Ocean. Hikers often describe the trail as challenging but rewarding, with one user remarking, "Did the most spectacular dune hike right from the campground to the ocean."

FishingFishing opportunities are available nearby at Eel Lake and Tenmile Lake, though details about the types of fish or fishing quality are sparse.

BoatingBoating activities can be enjoyed at nearby lakes such as Eel Lake and Tenmile Lake, although the campground itself does not provide direct boating facilities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is frequently mentioned, with the campground providing a peaceful setting for birdwatching and observing other local fauna.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are prevalent between April and August. Windy conditions on the dunes may affect hiking.

Active AlertsFrequent issues with water availability and restroom closures have been reported.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in designated fire rings only. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent spreading invasive species.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Exact quiet hours are not provided but loud groups have been reported disturbing other campers.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be accessed in nearby towns, such as Reedsport, which has police, fire stations, and medical facilities within 10 miles.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available, but some user reviews report issues with overflowing dumpsters during peak times. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesClose to Tenmile Lake and Eel Lake, suitable for fishing and boating. No direct water features within the campground.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available but have mixed reviews regarding their helpfulness.

Weather at Eel Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3

328 reviews

Satisfactory

Eel Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Eel Creek Campground range widely, reflecting both high praise for its natural beauty and seclusion as well as criticisms regarding facility maintenance. Many reviewers highlight the privacy of the sites and the proximity to the John Dellenback Dunes Trail. However, complaints about water outages and restroom closures are prevalent.

Review Summaries

Based on 328 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the scenic beauty of the dunes, the privacy of campsites due to dense vegetation, clean restrooms (when operational), and friendly camp hosts. One user...

Based on 328 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints revolve around the inconsistency of water and restroom facilities, with several users reporting closures and the use of porta-potties. Another significant issue is the lack of...

Based on 328 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra water and verifying restroom and water availability in advance. Hikers are advised to carry plenty of water for the dune trails. A user suggested, "Call before you go...

Based on 328 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground receives the most praise during the off-season for its tranquility and lack of crowds. Peak summer months see mixed reviews due to higher visitor numbers and occasional noise...

Based on 328 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The trail from the campground to the beach is challenging but well worth it." "Bathrooms were clean! Campground hosts were friendly and offered advice on hiking trails." "Nice private sites. Call...

Based on 328 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback includes positive notes about sites 7, 8, 42, and 43, which are perched on the dunes. Complaints about site 13 reference a bright security light disrupting sleep.

Based on 328 reviews