South Jetty Sand Camping

3.89

102 reviews

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

Quick Facts

500 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Siuslaw National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

500 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Siuslaw National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

South Jetty Sand Camping

$10.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric campsites cost $10 per night. Group campsites are priced at $20 per night. Fees may not include...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$20.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-271-6000

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What Campers Say

3.89

Mixed Reviews

Based on 102 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

Some mention

noise

"Mixed reviews with an average sentiment of 3.29 for campground-specific experiences. "Great sites and relaxing environment..." versus "Could not find it." Users either praise the off-road vehicle opportunities and quietness or criticize the lack of accessibility and poor signage."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

South Jetty Sand Camping

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

Driving directionsFrom Florence, Oregon, travel south on Highway 101 for 1 mile to South Jetty Road. Turn right and proceed 1 ½ miles to the Goosepasture Staging area on the left.

Access to the campground is only via soft sand and requires a 4X4 vehicle. Seasonal conditions can make the sand even more challenging to navigate, as reported by users.

Nearby places

Florence (2 miles south), Reedsport (approximately 20 miles north), Siltcoos Lake Recreation Area (6 miles south).

Nearby supplies

Florence provides grocery stores, camping gear shops, fuel stations, and restaurants. Siltcoos Recreation Area, 6 miles south, offers additional recreational services.

Best Time to Camp at South Jetty Sand Camping

Mother Nature paints South Jetty with dramatic brushstrokes throughout the year. During peak season, comfortable temperatures hover between 44°F and 53°F—perfect for exploring without the scorching heat that plagues inland destinations. But don't let winter's reputation fool you; while storms roll in with commanding 33 mph winds and deposit nearly 2 inches of rain weekly, these powerful displays of nature create their own spectacle. The dunes transform under winter's touch, revealing fresh riding terrain and offering a raw, authentic coastal experience for those brave enough to embrace it.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season brings reservations, overcrowding and soft sand that complicates vehicle access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall is within the extended peak window; decent weather but still busier than off-season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Limited specific spring info; likely transitional weather with moderate activity and wind.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 5% in OR

Open year-round; winter is quieter though some activities are limited by weather.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 21 through December 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations are particularly challenging to secure during peak summer season, June through September.
Current Alerts: Winter conditions pose challenges: sand accessibility may worsen due to rainfall, and high winds increase risk. Snowy plover nesting season restricts beach access from March 15 to September 15.

About South Jetty Sand Camping

Where the roar of engines meets the whisper of shifting sands, South Jetty Sand Camping beckons thrill-seekers to Oregon's most adventurous playground. This isn't your typical campground—it's a raw, untamed landscape where 4X4 vehicles carve paths through wind-sculpted dunes and nights are spent under star-studded skies far from civilization. Here, primitive camping takes on new meaning as you create your own oasis in the sand, bringing water, portable facilities, and fire pans to craft your perfect basecamp. Every turn reveals new terrain to conquer, every sunrise paints the dunes in golden hues, and every moment reminds you why the call of the wild brought you here.

South Jetty Sand Camping offers primitive camping opportunities for off-road vehicle enthusiasts on dispersed sand sites. "Campsites are primitive and all campers must bring their own portable toilets and fire pans."

Historical SignificanceNestled within the legendary Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, South Jetty stands as a testament to nature's patient artistry. These aren't just sand hills—they're part of North America's most extensive coastal dune system, sculpted over millennia by relentless Pacific winds and ancient tides. This dynamic landscape has witnessed countless stories: from Native American gatherings to pioneer crossings, from early dune buggy pioneers to today's off-road adventurers who continue writing new chapters in the sand.

Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints South Jetty with dramatic brushstrokes throughout the year. During peak season, comfortable temperatures hover between 44°F and 53°F—perfect for exploring without the scorching heat that plagues inland destinations. But don't let winter's reputation fool you; while storms roll in with commanding 33 mph winds and deposit nearly 2 inches of rain weekly, these powerful displays of nature create their own spectacle. The dunes transform under winter's touch, revealing fresh riding terrain and offering a raw, authentic coastal experience for those brave enough to embrace it.

ElevationRising like golden mountains from the coastline, these magnificent dunes climb to breathtaking heights of 500 feet, creating a vertical playground that challenges even seasoned OHV riders. Each ascent rewards you with commanding views, each descent gets your heart racing, and the ever-changing topography ensures no two rides are ever the same. This dramatic elevation isn't just a number—it's your invitation to experience Oregon's coast from perspectives few ever witness.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine standing atop a 500-foot sand mountain, the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly before you while golden dunes ripple toward the horizon like frozen waves. South Jetty's landscape defies expectations—these aren't gentle beach dunes but towering monuments to wind and time, their faces carved with intricate patterns that change with each passing storm. Morning light transforms the sand into rivers of gold, while sunset casts dramatic shadows that highlight every ridge and valley. It's a photographer's paradise and an adventurer's dream, where nature's raw beauty meets the thrill of exploration.

Geological RegionWelcome to North America's premier sand playground—the extraordinary Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. South Jetty sits at the heart of this geological wonder, where massive dunes tower up to 500 feet above the crashing Pacific waves. Born from ancient rivers carrying sand to the sea, then sculpted by persistent coastal winds, these formations represent one of Earth's most dynamic landscapes. Every grain tells a story millions of years in the making, every dune a testament to the powerful forces that continue shaping this remarkable coastline. Here, geology isn't just science—it's the canvas for your next adventure.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 10:00 AM.

Check-out

Before 6:00 PM.

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard campsites accommodate up to 20 people, group campsites up to 40 people.

Groups

Group campsite accommodates up to 10 vehicles and 40 people. "The group campsite fits 10 vehicles and up to 40 people."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are dispersed directly on the sand and organized within a 150-foot radius of site marker posts.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov or via the contact center at 877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot available. Reservations are mandatory for all sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled less than 24 hours before the check-in date. Late cancellations for a group site incur additional penalties.

AccessibilityThe campground is not accessible for individuals without 4x4 vehicles, nor families with small children or individuals with disabilities due to the requirement of navigating soft sand and remote locations.

Site SizeStandard campsites fit up to 5 vehicles and 20 people. Group sites accommodate up to 10 vehicles and 40 people.

PrivacyMixed reviews on privacy. Some users noted that sites are quiet and calm at night, but others reported lack of privacy due to public paths leading directly to campsites.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for sites closer to the beach for scenic views and quieter surroundings. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for sand driving.

Amenities available

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

South Jetty Sand Camping is a hub for off-road vehicle riding. Visitors can also enjoy hiking on the nearby non-motorized beach sections, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing. "Off-road vehicle riding is the largest attraction here, with designated routes and miles of open riding areas on the sand."

HikingHiking options include exploring miles of open beach from the nearby South Jetty Day-Use Area. These trails offer opportunities to view seabirds, dune formations, and even whales during migration seasons.

Wildlife viewingVisitors may spot migratory whales during certain times of the year and observe local seabirds. "During certain times of year, whales may be spotted in the ocean."

Beach activitiesThe campground provides access to non-motorized sections of beaches ideal for beachcombing and walking.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMajor hazards include soft sand requiring 4X4 access, high wind speeds, heavy mosquito presence, and the potential for vehicles getting stuck in sand.

Active AlertsWinter conditions pose challenges: sand accessibility may worsen due to rainfall, and high winds increase risk. Snowy plover nesting season restricts beach access from March 15 to September 15.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFire pans are mandatory. Campfires must be kept within designated pans and are subject to seasonal restrictions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Florence, which offers full-service medical facilities, including PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center, police, and fire stations.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are required to pack out their own trash and recycling. "Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility."

Water FeaturesClose to the Pacific Ocean and several lakes including Siltcoos, Carter, and Sutton Lakes.

Camp HostHosts are available year-round near bathroom facilities but have been noted as unavailable during peak issues like stuck vehicles.

Weather at South Jetty Sand Camping

Reviews

3.9

102 reviews

Mixed Reviews

South Jetty Sand Camping has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed reviews with an average sentiment of 3.29 for campground-specific experiences. "Great sites and relaxing environment..." versus "Could not find it." Users either praise the off-road vehicle opportunities and quietness or criticize the lack of accessibility and poor signage.

Review Summaries

Based on 102 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include access to dunes, quiet evenings, and proximity to the ocean. "Excellent place to visit, and camp. One of the best places in the world to go sand boarding."

Based on 102 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints involve poor signage, difficulty accessing sites without proper 4x4 vehicles, and lack of privacy. "If I could give 0 stars I would. It never said when we booked it all sites were...

Based on 102 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a proper 4x4 vehicle and reduce tire pressure for driving on the sand. "Don’t try cheating make sure you reduce the tire pressure down to 10 lbs."

Based on 102 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees peak reservations but also issues with overcrowding and softer sand that makes vehicle access challenging. Winter may offer quieter experiences but limited activities.

Based on 102 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Requires ZERO experience to have a full day of fun sand boarding." "Could not find it." "Great place but please follow the rules to make it enjoyable for everyone."

Based on 102 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 006: "Terrible site and lack of privacy." Site 001: "Absolutely loved it. Direct access to riding on the dunes." Site 011: "Not family friendly."

Based on 102 reviews