Umpqua Sand Camping

Star3.97
102 reviews
Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, 855 Highway 101, Reedsport, OR, 97467, USA

Quick Facts

500 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Siuslaw National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Umpqua Sand Camping
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $10 per night for standard and tent-only non-electric sites to $20 per night for group non-electric sites. Additional reservation...
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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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Provider
541-271-6000
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What Campers Say

3.97

Mixed Reviews

Based on 102 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"Reviews highlight the campground's unique location amidst towering sand dunes and its appeal to ATV enthusiasts, but also note significant issues with safety, accessibility, and campsite markings."

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Campground Map

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

Umpqua Sand Camping

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

Driving directionsFrom Reedsport, Oregon, travel about 3 miles south on Highway 101 to Winchester Bay. Turn right onto Salmon Harbor Drive. Proceed for 2.5 miles on Salmon Harbor Drive to the National Forest boundary. Vehicles can access the sand at the boundary, or from the two Umpqua Beach day-use/off-road vehicle staging areas. Umpqua Beach Staging Area #3 is at the end of the road, a total of 4 miles from the intersection with Highway 101.
Accessible only via 4x4 vehicles on soft sand roads. Seasonal rainfall may impact road conditions.
Nearby places
Reedsport (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Winchester Bay (2.5 miles, approximately 7 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Reedsport and Winchester Bay, approximately 3 miles and 2.5 miles away, respectively.

Best Time to Camp at Umpqua Sand Camping

Mother Nature paints each season with dramatic brushstrokes at Umpqua Sand Camping. Winter transforms the dunes into a wild, windswept wonderland where powerful storms roll in from the Pacific, bringing torrential rains and gales that reshape the sandy landscape overnight. As spring emerges, the weather gentles, and by summer, mild temperatures and cooling ocean breezes create perfect conditions for extended camping adventures. These temperate months draw crowds eager to explore when the dunes are at their most welcoming.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; best access and conditions though crowded and ATV activity increases.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with fewer crowds but variable weather; fewer facility issues than winter.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Spring can be wet with high water and soft sand; access and flooding are reported problems.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter storms, flooding and soft sand create significant access and safety issues.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations fill quickly during peak summer season.
  • Current Alerts: Snowy Plover nesting season restricts certain activities from March 15 - September 15. Seasonal flooding may affect site access.

About Umpqua Sand Camping

Venture into a landscape that feels more like another planet than the Oregon coast. Umpqua Sand Camping invites adventurous souls to pitch their tents among massive, ever-shifting sand dunes within the legendary Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This isn't your typical drive-up campground – reaching these primitive sites requires a capable 4x4 vehicle and a spirit of adventure. Here, where the roar of off-road vehicles mingles with ocean breezes, you'll discover a thrilling blend of rugged camping and adrenaline-pumping recreation that attracts sand sport enthusiasts from across the country.
Umpqua Sand Camping provides primitive camping options only.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is primarily focused on off-road vehicle riding due to its expansive sand dunes and open riding areas. Other activities include beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and swimming. Hiking is discouraged due to active ATV trails and safety concerns.
FishingFishing is not detailed in the authoritative sources, but nearby attractions such as Eel Lake may offer fishing opportunities.
SwimmingSwimming is possible in nearby lakes or the ocean, though specific facilities or safety measures are not mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible in the surrounding dunes and beaches. No specifics about species or peak viewing times are provided.
Beach activitiesBeachcombing and other activities are available along the Pacific Coast beaches near the campsite.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSoft sand requires advanced driving skills. Seasonal flooding and ATV activity pose risks.
Active AlertsSnowy Plover nesting season restricts certain activities from March 15 - September 15. Seasonal flooding may affect site access.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Umpqua Sand Camping

Reviews

4.0
102 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Umpqua Sand Camping has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's unique location amidst towering sand dunes and its appeal to ATV enthusiasts, but also note significant issues with safety, accessibility, and campsite markings.
Review Summaries
Based on 102 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the beautiful scenic location of the dunes, the ability to ride ATVs all night, and the primitive camping experience. For instance, one user said, "We love to camp out on the...
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Based on 102 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include poor campsite markings, flooding, difficulty accessing sites, and conflicts with ATV users. Users also complain about rude camp hosts and the lack of clear policies regarding...
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Based on 102 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring a 4X4 vehicle, portable toilets, fire pans, and an air compressor to manage tires on soft sand. Some users recommend reserving accessible sites upon arrival to avoid...
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Based on 102 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months present challenges such as flooding and accessibility issues due to soft sand and high water levels. Summer is the peak camping season, but reservations fill up quickly, and ATVs...
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Based on 102 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you like sand, this is the place for you! Primitive camping, but do not expect to sleep much; the noise goes on till 2-3 am." "Sand camping in Umpqua Dunes at 3rd beach is a great camping...
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Based on 102 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites such as Spot 49 were described as unsafe due to ATV traffic. Other sites were marked poorly, flooded, or inaccessible. However, some users experienced positive stays at sites like...
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Based on 102 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is severely limited due to the terrain, requiring a 4X4 vehicle and significant preparation. One reviewer stated, "It is virtually impossible to get to the campsite. Extremely soft sand...
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Based on 102 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews related to pet-friendly features are provided.
Based on 102 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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