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Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area - North

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a special place. One of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, the stark, mist-shrouded views of dunes, forests, and ocean in such close proximity to one another are rare and hauntingly beautiful. Many plants and animals, including some found in few other places, call this area home. In 1972, Congress designated this 31,500-acre portion of the Siuslaw National Forest as a National Recreation Area in recognition of its unique values. 

Adventure and solitude await! Among the tree islands, open dunes, wetlands, and beaches you will find Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) riding, hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, birding, camping, picnicking, sand play - the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has it all.

Be a Friend to Snowy Plovers! Share the Beach March 15 – September 15

During snowy plover nesting season (March 15 - September 15) we coordinate with Oregon State parks and beachgoers to protect these threatened birds during a very sensitive time. By following nesting season restrictions and sharing the beach, you can help ensure plover chicks survive to adulthood.

Dunes areas from north to south

  • South Jetty: South Jetty provides day use access to beach and dunes, with separate areas for OHV and non motorized use.
  • Siltcoos: Along the Siltcoos River are traditional campgrounds and easy trails along the river and to the beach. OHV users will find developed and dispersed camping opportunities.
  • Oregon Dunes Day Use: Miles from OHV recreation, this area provides exceptional opportunities to explore the dunes on foot.
  • Tahkenitch: With easy access off Hwy 101, traditional campgrounds provide lake access for boaters and dune access for hikers only.

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 31 results

Carter Dunes Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking
This is the trailhead for the Carter Dunes Trail #1384 and is located in Carter Lake Campground.

Carter Lake Campground

Site Closed
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Water Activities
Carter Lake Campground is a family favorite in the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area. Part of the campground is located on the dunes where children love to play in the sand, and the other half is located…

Carter Lake Day Use

Site Closed
Picnicking
Carter Lake Day Use is located in the Carter Lake Campground which is located next to Carter Lake in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Campsites are nestled among Shore Pine, Sitka Spruce…

Driftwood II Campground

Site Open
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking
Surrounded by shore pine, waxmyrtle, huckleberry and salal, Driftwood is a designated off-road vehicle riding campground that offers direct sand access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.…

Goosepasture OHV Staging Area

Site Open
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Horse Riding and Camping
Located less than a mile from Florence, OR, this popular OHV staging area can be accessed from South Jetty Road.This large paved parking area can accommodate longer trailers, but can often be full by…

Lagoon Campground

Site Open
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
At an elevation of 100 feet, Lagoon campground sits among shore pine and huckleberry perched beside a lagoon with access to the popular mile-long Lagoon Trail, is about 7 miles south of Florence.…

Lodgepole Picnic Area

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Lodgepole Picnic Area is located near the Siltcoos River on the Siltcoos Beach Access Road. It offers a large open site that is great for picnickers. 

Oregon Dunes Overlook and Day Use

Site Open
Picnicking Hiking
The Oregon Dunes Day Use Area is a great place to experience the ever-changing sand dunes. Take in great views of the dunes and Pacific Ocean from wheel-chair accessible viewing platforms or hike…

Siltcoos Beach Day Use OHV Staging

Site Open
Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) Picnicking Horse Riding and Camping
Siltcoos Beach Day Use and OHV Staging Area provides paved parking for direct pedestrian beach access, as well as off-highway vehicle (OHV) staging and access to the beach (via Coast Guard North OHV…

Last updated April 30th, 2025