Tahkenitch Campground

3.45

123 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$22 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open May 01, 2025 - ...

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

85 ft

Price

$22 - $44/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open May 01, 2025 - ...

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

Tahkenitch Campground

$22.00 - $44.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates (May 01 - September 30): Standard Nonelectric ($22), Tent Only Nonelectric ($22-$44). Additional reservation fees may apply ($8...

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

3.45

Mixed Reviews

Based on 123 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Tahkenitch Campground provide mixed sentiments, ranging from praise for its trails and natural features to complaints about site size, lack of privacy, and maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Tahkenitch Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Reedsport: Drive north for 8 miles on Highway 101. The campground entrance is on the west (left) side of the highway. From Florence: Drive south for 14 miles on Highway 101. The campground entrance is on the west (right) side of the highway.

The campground is accessible directly off Highway 101, a major paved highway. While the road is in good condition, some reviews note significant highway noise due to proximity.

Nearby places

Reedsport (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Florence (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and supplies available in Florence, approximately 14 miles south via Highway 101.

Best Time to Camp at Tahkenitch Campground

Experience the quintessential Oregon Coast climate during peak camping season from May through September, when mild temperatures create ideal outdoor conditions. Morning mist often blankets the campground, creating an ethereal atmosphere that gradually gives way to pleasant afternoons. As evening approaches, coastal fog may roll in, wrapping the forest in a mysterious embrace. Smart campers come prepared with layers for the damp morning air and quality rain gear for occasional showers. From April through August, mosquitoes join the ecosystem, so pack your favorite insect repellent to ensure comfortable evenings around the campfire.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep brings ideal weather but high traffic, mosquitoes and occasional maintenance problems.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is quieter and recommended by reviewers for more solitude and calmer conditions.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring (late/when open) noted as quieter and good for secluded visits; fewer crowds than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed outside May 1–Sep 30; winter use is not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025 (reservable).

About Tahkenitch Campground

Discover your perfect coastal retreat at Tahkenitch Campground, where 23 thoughtfully designed campsites await within the stunning Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Each site offers its own unique character—from intimate, secluded spots tucked beneath towering trees to more open areas where sunlight filters through the canopy. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring sturdy campfire rings for evening gatherings, convenient flush toilets, and picnic tables perfect for outdoor meals. Fresh drinking water flows throughout the campground, while smooth paved parking aprons make settling in a breeze. For RV travelers, the nearest waste station is conveniently located just 10 miles away at Honeyman State Park.

Tahkenitch Campground offers a mix of tent-only sites and standard non-electric campsites. Sites vary in size and setup, with some providing privacy and others closely packed.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the quintessential Oregon Coast climate during peak camping season from May through September, when mild temperatures create ideal outdoor conditions. Morning mist often blankets the campground, creating an ethereal atmosphere that gradually gives way to pleasant afternoons. As evening approaches, coastal fog may roll in, wrapping the forest in a mysterious embrace. Smart campers come prepared with layers for the damp morning air and quality rain gear for occasional showers. From April through August, mosquitoes join the ecosystem, so pack your favorite insect repellent to ensure comfortable evenings around the campfire.

ElevationPerched at sea level along Oregon's magnificent coastline, Tahkenitch Campground provides the perfect basecamp for beach adventures, dune exploration, and coastal forest discoveries. The gentle elevation makes it accessible for campers of all ages and abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient Douglas firs tower overhead, their branches creating a natural cathedral above your campsite. Wild berries dot the understory, offering seasonal treats for observant hikers. Just beyond the campground, the shimmering waters of Tahkenitch Lake invite paddlers and anglers, while the mighty Pacific Ocean beckons with its endless horizon. This diverse ecosystem serves as home to magnificent Roosevelt elk that may wander near your site at dawn, while bald eagles soar overhead and playful sea lions bark from distant coastal rocks.

Geological RegionSet within the world-renowned Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Tahkenitch Campground sits at the intersection of three distinct ecosystems. Here, dense coastal forests give way to rolling sand dunes that stretch toward the sea, creating one of the most unique landscapes in North America. The nearby Tahkenitch Lake, formed by ancient geological processes, adds a freshwater dimension to this coastal paradise, while the Pacific Ocean's constant presence shapes both the land and the camping experience.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in required within 24 hours of reservation start time.

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity varies by site but reviews question suitability for 8 guests on smaller sites.

Groups

No specific group sites are mentioned, but some reviews imply close proximity of certain sites may accommodate larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in a single loop, offering varying levels of privacy depending on vegetation density and proximity to the highway.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online or phone (877-444-6777).

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations required in advance.

Cancellation PolicyModifications to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations will forfeit the first night's fees plus a $10 cancellation fee. Sites must be occupied within 24 hours of reservation start time.

AccessibilityAccessible sites are available, and some campsites require a short walk for access. No specific ADA-compliant features are mentioned.

Site SizeSites vary widely, with some very small spots only accommodating tents or a single vehicle, while others, such as site 4, can fit larger tents or setups.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels are reported. Some sites are secluded with thick shrubbery, while others are tightly packed with little privacy, especially near Highway 101.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid campsite #22 due to lack of privacy and proximity to traffic from neighboring sites. Sites 1-4 are noted as noisy due to proximity to Highway 101.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Tahkenitch Campground provides access to trails leading to ocean dunes, lakes, and forests, offering opportunities for hiking, sand play, and wildlife viewing. Boating and fishing are popular activities at nearby Tahkenitch Lake, and beach access is available.

HikingThree nearby trails, including Tahkenitch Dunes Trail and Threemile Lake Trail, offer scenic routes through conifer forests and dunes, ending at the Pacific Coast. User reviews describe these trails as 'bucket-list worthy.'

FishingFishing at Tahkenitch Lake may yield cutthroat and steelhead trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. User reviews mention the lake as a relaxing spot for fishing.

SwimmingSwimming spots are available, although specific details about safety measures and facilities are not included.

BoatingBoating is popular at Tahkenitch Lake. No specific details on boat rentals or docking facilities are provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as Roosevelt elk, pelicans, sea lions, and bald eagles are commonly sighted in the area.

Beach activitiesBeach access is available through trails leading to the ocean, providing opportunities for beachcombing and dune exploration.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSafety concerns include highway noise, occasional homeless activity, and tree roots creating uneven ground at some sites. Mosquitoes are significant during warmer months.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings provided at each site. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent spread of invasive species.

Emergency ServicesNearest waste station: Honeyman State Park (10 miles north). Emergency services: Hospital in Florence (approximately 20 minutes away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but user reviews suggest occasional litter due to lack of campground hosts during certain seasons.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Tahkenitch Lake and within walking distance to the Pacific Ocean.

Camp HostReviews mention mixed experiences with hosts. Some describe helpful and kind hosts, while others report rude or absent hosts.

Weather at Tahkenitch Campground

Reviews

3.5

123 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Tahkenitch Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Tahkenitch Campground provide mixed sentiments, ranging from praise for its trails and natural features to complaints about site size, lack of privacy, and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 123 reviews

What Campers Love

The trails to the dunes and ocean are frequently described as incredible and 'bucket-list worthy.' Many user reviews praise the campground's natural beauty and proximity to activities such as hiking,...

Based on 123 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include small and cramped campsites, frequent road noise from Highway 101, lack of functioning bathrooms, and difficulties with reservation management. Several reviews also mention...

Based on 123 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include avoiding sites close to Highway 101 due to road noise, bringing waterproof gear for damp conditions, and proactively scouting site sizes to ensure suitability for trailers or tents.

Based on 123 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months experience high traffic and mosquito populations, as well as occasional maintenance issues. User reviews highlight spring and fall as quieter seasons for a more secluded experience.

Based on 123 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The trail head is amazing. It's an easy walk, kid-friendly, and leads through the dunes and the ocean." "Bathrooms were closed during our visit. Portapotties only." "Site barely fit a small tent."...

Based on 123 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 4 is noted to accommodate large tents. Site 29 is suitable for long RV setups, while site 22 lacks privacy and is described as a pass-through for neighboring visitors. Sites 1-4 are criticized...

Based on 123 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not explicitly detailed in user reviews, but some mention short walks required to access campsites. No specific ADA-compliant facilities are highlighted.

Based on 123 reviews