Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area

4.16

562 reviews

31525 Highway 22, Hebo Ranger District, Hebo, OR, USA, 97122

Scenic Views

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Hebo Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Hebo Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard sites are priced at $25 per night year-round. Discounts of 50% apply to pass holders like Interagency Senior Annual Pass and others....

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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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Provider

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What Campers Say

4.16

Satisfactory

Based on 562 reviews

221 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslocationbeach

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are polarized, with off-road vehicle enthusiasts praising the campground's proximity to dunes and spacious sites, while others find the noise disruptive. Cleanliness and rule enforcement also drew mixed reviews."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

31525 Highway 22, Hebo Ranger District, Hebo, OR, USA, 97122

Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area

31525 Highway 22, Hebo Ranger District, Hebo, OR, USA, 97122

Driving directionsTo Access from Pacific City, OR: From Highway 101 take Brooten Road into Pacific City. Turn left onto Pacific Ave at the four way stop. Drive over the bridge and turn right onto Cape Kiwanda Drive. Follow Cape Kiwanda Drive for 2.3 miles and then bear left when it changes to Sandlake Road (County Road 871). Stay on Sandlake Road for 5.2 miles and then turn left onto Galloway Road. Follow Galloway Road for 2.3 miles and then turn left onto Forest Road 1131. Proceed for 0.2 miles; the entrance to Sandbeach Campground is on the right side of the road. To Access from Tillamook, OR: Follow Highway 101 south for 11 miles to Sandlake Road (County Road 871). Turn right onto Sandlake Road and travel 4 miles to a stop sign. Turn left to stay on Sandlake Road, and then travel for 1 mile to Galloway Road. Turn right onto Galloway Road and follow it for 2.3 miles to Forest Road 1131. Turn left onto Forest Road 1131 and proceed for 0.2 miles; the entrance to Sandbeach Campground is on the right side of the road.

Accessible via paved roads; no issues reported for major roads leading to the campground. Forest Road 1131 may be slightly less maintained but manageable.

Nearby places

Pacific City: 7.5 miles (approximately 15 minutes), Tillamook: 11 miles (approximately 20 minutes), Cape Kiwanda: 5 miles (approximately 10 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Tillamook offers grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies approximately 11 miles away. Essential commodities also available in Pacific City, 7.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area

The Pacific Ocean's powerful presence shapes every season at Sandbeach, wrapping the campground in refreshing marine air that keeps summer temperatures delightfully cool—perfect for all-day outdoor adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a moody, rain-kissed wonderland, though Mother Nature occasionally flexes her muscles with seasonal flooding that may temporarily limit site availability. This dynamic coastal climate creates an ever-changing backdrop that makes each visit unique.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Bustling season with full access to dunes, beach and estuary; popular but noisy and crowded.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Should be quieter with good coastal conditions and access to dunes and estuary activities.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Transitional season with good access to dunes and estuary; variable weather and crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but seasonal flooding Nov–Apr limits site availability; quieter but risk of closures.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season spans January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal flooding affects site availability during winter months (November-April).
Current Alerts: Winter flooding limits reservation availability for certain sites.

About Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area

Nestled within the sprawling Sand Lake Recreation Area, Sandbeach Campground serves as your gateway to an adrenaline-fueled adventure along Oregon's dramatic coastline. Here, where towering coastal sand dunes meet the thundering Pacific, outdoor enthusiasts find their paradise. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with raw natural beauty—paved parking aprons lead to well-appointed sites featuring drinking water, flush toilets, and fire pits perfect for evening gatherings. The campground's dedicated off-road vehicle loading ramp puts you mere moments from exploring miles of rideable dunes, while the nearby estuary offers a peaceful counterpoint to the high-octane thrills.

Sandbeach Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. It is a dry camping area without utility hookups.

Historical SignificanceWhile the sands here hold their secrets close, the timeless rhythm of wind and waves continues to shape this coastal playground just as it has for countless generations.

Weather and SeasonsThe Pacific Ocean's powerful presence shapes every season at Sandbeach, wrapping the campground in refreshing marine air that keeps summer temperatures delightfully cool—perfect for all-day outdoor adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a moody, rain-kissed wonderland, though Mother Nature occasionally flexes her muscles with seasonal flooding that may temporarily limit site availability. This dynamic coastal climate creates an ever-changing backdrop that makes each visit unique.

ElevationSet at sea level where the continent meets the endless Pacific, the campground offers the unique experience of camping at the edge of the world.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the distant roar of Pacific breakers while surrounded by a landscape that seems torn from an adventure novel. Massive open sand dunes stretch toward the horizon, their wind-sculpted peaks and valleys creating a natural playground that shifts and changes with each passing storm. Dense coastal forests frame this sandy expanse, their emerald canopy providing shelter for wildlife and a stunning contrast to the golden dunes. The ever-present marine influence paints the air with salt and mystery, while cool ocean breezes carry the calls of seabirds overhead.

Geological RegionSandbeach Campground sits at the heart of the remarkable Sand Lake Recreation Area, where 1,076 acres of living sand dunes create one of Oregon's most distinctive landscapes. These ancient dunes, constantly reshaped by Pacific winds, form a unique geological wonderland where forest, sand, and sea converge. The surrounding coastal forests stand as silent sentinels, marking the boundary between the stable land and the ever-shifting sands that stretch to meet the infinite Pacific.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out ends at 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard site accommodates up to 8 guests.

Groups

Information on group-specific sites is unavailable.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout81 paved sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Some sites prone to flooding during winter months.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov and via its app. Phone and in-person reservations also supported.

Walk-in AvailabilityWinter season (November-April) has limited first-come, first-serve availability for flood-prone sites like 2, 8, 12-14, 24-29, 38-46, 70, 80-81.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before the check-in date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations (day before check-in) forfeit the first night's fee. No-show fees are $20 plus forfeiture of the first night’s fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly provided.

Site SizeSites are large and can accommodate RVs and multiple tents. Specific descriptions include 'spacious sites,' and 'large campsites with plenty of driveway space.

PrivacySites offer limited privacy, as several users mentioned: 'Sites are spacious but not very private.' Another noted the lack of seclusion: 'Privacy not so well; you are facing 3 other campsites.

Total Campsites81 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for sites on the edge of the campground to minimize noise from ATV activity. Sites closer to the estuary offer quieter experiences.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sandbeach Campground offers a range of recreational activities, from off-road vehicle riding—its primary draw—to fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the nearby Sand Lake Estuary.

HikingHiking opportunities are available within the Sand Lake Recreation Area and to the beach. Trails through shore pines and dunes are accessible and scenic.

FishingFishing is available at the Sand Lake Estuary, which is home to various species of waterfowl and marine life. Crabbing is also popular here, as noted: 'The beach is a great spot for clamming and crabbing.'

SwimmingSwimming opportunities exist in the nearby estuary and in designated areas along the beach.

BoatingKayaking and other non-motorized boating activities are popular in the estuary. 'The bay is excellent for kayaking,' noted one user.

Wildlife viewingWildlife can be observed in the estuary, including waterfowl. 'A great spot for bird watching and encountering local species.'

Beach activitiesBeach-related activities include walking, sunbathing, and wildlife exploration. Reviewers noted finding sand dollars and enjoying the scenic views.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent flooding in winter months affects sites like 2, 8, 12-14, 24-29, 38-46, 70, 80-81. Campsites prone to noise from ATV activities.

Active AlertsWinter flooding limits reservation availability for certain sites.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated fire pits. Firewood should be sourced locally to prevent spread of invasive species.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital is Adventist Health Tillamook, located approximately 11 miles away in Tillamook, OR. Police services available in Tillamook County.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided, with dumpsters located throughout the campground. However, issues with litter at campsites were often noted: 'Bottle caps & bits of trash all around & the fire pit was a trashy mess.'

Water FeaturesClose to the Sand Lake Estuary for fishing and kayaking; direct access to dunes and ocean.

Camp HostCampground hosts reportedly helpful and available. Some complaints about enforcement of rules.

Weather at Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.2

562 reviews

Satisfactory

Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are polarized, with off-road vehicle enthusiasts praising the campground's proximity to dunes and spacious sites, while others find the noise disruptive. Cleanliness and rule enforcement also drew mixed reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 562 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include 'spacious campsites,' 'clean bathrooms,' and 'easy access to dunes and the beach.' Enthusiastic mentions of staff friendliness and the campground's location were common:...

Based on 562 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints center on noise from ATVs, lack of privacy, and cleanliness issues during peak periods. 'Bathrooms needed cleaning,' and 'rules are not enforced consistently,' were frequent...

Based on 562 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs for noise levels, especially if camping near ATV users. Plan stays during weekdays for fewer crowds. Complete grocery shopping before arrival, as noted by a reviewer: 'Bring all...

Based on 562 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer months, the campground is bustling with ATV activity and peak crowds, while winter offers quieter conditions but risks of flooding in specific sites.

Based on 562 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Loved camping here!!! We had a blast!' 2. 'If you're into riding ATV, this is the place to be.' 3. 'Don't stay here unless you have an ATV!' 4. 'Spacious camp spots, clean bathrooms, easy...

Based on 562 reviews