Rules and Guidelines

An OHV permit issued by the State of Oregon is required if you want to operate your motorized on public land and even then, the land must be specifically designated for OHV use. On the Siuslaw National Forest, there are two areas that are designated OHV riding areas:

• Sand Lake Recreation Area
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Wondering if your off road vehicle permit from another state is valid in Oregon? See "Permits from Other States" information on the Oregon State Parks website for a list of states that have reciprocity with Oregon.

Remember! In addition to the OHV permit issued by the State of Oregon for your vehicle, the Siuslaw National Forest also requires recreation permits for most campgrounds and day use staging areas. Check the specific area where you will be riding for details.

To provide for a safer off-highway vehicle recreation experience, the Siuslaw National Forest bans alcohol possession in off-highway vehicle riding areas in the Sand Lake Recreation Area and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The prohibition also applies to designated sand campsites in the Oregon Dunes. 

ALCOHOL AND OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES DO NOT MIX. The maximum penalty for violation of the prohibition is $5,000 and/or not more than six months in prison.

Developed recreation sites (campgrounds and day use sites) within or near off-highway vehicle riding areas are exempt from this prohibition. 

Safety is the Forest Service's top priority. Please do not drink and drive.

Curfew and Portable Toilet Requirements for Sand Lake Recreation Area

• There is an OHV riding curfew at the Sand Lake Recreation Area between midnight and 6:00 AM. No off road riding is allowed between those hours except when establishing or vacating a dispersed campsite.
• Campers in dispersed areas of the Sand Lake Recreation Area must have and use a portable toilet. 

Spark Arresters

• Spark arresters are part of the muffler system and are required nation-wide on National Forest lands

Some of the most common infractions on the open sand are:

• Supervision: Under age 16 riding without supervision
• Helmets: Under age 18 without helmet (with chinstrap)
• Flags & Tags: No OHV decal on truck, car, motorhome. Red or Orange Flags (8”x 12”) must be displayed 9 feet above the ground on all vehicles
• Fire extinguisher: No fire extinguisher on truck, car, motorhome
• Sound Levels: Mufflers above the 97 decibel range (Sand Lake Recreation Area). Mufflers above the 93 decibel range (Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area)
• Lights: Lights must be used in limited visibility (before sunrise, after sunset, or when you cannot see clearly ahead for 100 feet).

Sound Levels

Increased OHV use and the popularity of aftermarket mufflers means more noise. Noise buffers are located between residential and recreational riding areas, and are closed to motorized travel. Vehicle sound is measured by a decibel meter positioned 20 inches and 45 degrees from the exhaust outlet. Have your vehicle checked! Forest personnel are equipped to provide sound checks. Vehicles operating over the decibel limit are subject to citation

• Decibel limit for Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is 93 decibels.
• Decibel limit for Sand Lake Recreation area is 97 decibels.

Why should I care about OHV sound?

Sound from OHV engines can disturb other recreationists, adjacent landowners, and wildlife. Because OHV recreation is not the only activity on the Oregon Dunes, the Forest Service has an obligation to consider the impacts of OHV sound on other uses and values. OHV recreationists play a key role in sound management; as an OHV rider, you can be a good steward and a good neighbor by knowing the volume of your vehicle, complying with the sound limit, and respecting other sound-related rules such as night riding curfews and closure areas.

What is the Oregon Dunes sound limit?

The Forest Service’s OHV sound limit on the Oregon Dunes is 93 A-weighted decibels (dBA). We measure an OHV’s sound output using the SAE J1287 sound testing protocol (see below). As a condition of providing OHV amenities, the Oregon Dunes Management Plan (1994) requires the Siuslaw National Forest to implement and enforce a sound limit for OHVs. The plan also requires the Siuslaw to monitor for sound limit compliance rates.

Sound enforcement checkpoints will be occurring throughout the season. OHVs that exceed the sound limit could be subject to citation!

In addition to the OHV sound limit, there are night riding curfews in the Oregon Dunes’ northern and southern riding areas. Several areas are also managed as “noise buffers;” these areas are out of bounds to OHVs. 

How do sound tests work?

We conduct sound tests using decibel meters and tachometers. An OHV’s sound output is measured while the vehicle is stationary. We use each OHV’s make, model, and year to determine the appropriate revolutions per minute (RPM) at which to conduct the sound test. The decibel meter is read when the OHV’s engine reaches the correct RPM; during the test, the decibel meter is held 20 inches away from the exhaust pipe at a 45-degree angle.

How do I find out if my OHV is legal?

If you’d like to find out the decibel level of your OHV, the Oregon Dunes staff offers complimentary sound tests. Simply flag us down, or call the Oregon Dunes Visitor Center at 541-271-6000 to schedule an appointment. If you are too loud, you are at risk of getting a citation, so know before you go!

What else can I do to manage the sound from my OHV?

Sound monitoring data suggests that OHVs with modified/after-market mufflers are much more likely to be over the sound limit than OHVs with stock mufflers. OHV sound monitoring data from 2015-2020 found that the average sound output for OHVs with unmodified (stock) mufflers was 93.4 dBA, whereas the sound output for vehicles with modified mufflers was 99.9 dBA. Please keep this in mind when outfitting your machine and bringing it to the Oregon Dunes.

Where can I go for more information?

• The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department also has helpful resources for OHV sound.
• The Siuslaw National Forest is considering changes to the management of OHV sound on the Oregon Dunes. View the project webpage.

Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM)

The Siuslaw National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map displays National Forest System routes (roads and trails) and areas that are open to motorized travel. Designated motor vehicle roads, motorized trails and motorized cross country travel areas are outlined in these maps. When traveling on the Siuslaw National Forest, it is the operator’s responsibility to use a current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) that shows the National Forest System roads, trails, and the areas designated for motor vehicle use. By your participation, you voluntarily assume full responsibility for damages, risks, and dangers.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area OHV Designated Routes

Starting in 2015, designated motorized travel routes were established for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. These designated routes are marked by new signs on designated trails, their intersections, and beginning/ending points; additional trail markers along the designated trails; new information boards with maps of the adjacent riding area; and new interactive, GPS-enabled maps to help guide you on the new designations.

Riding Area Maps

Geospatially enabled PDF (geoPDF) maps are available for download below. When you open a geoPDF, you can find locations, measure distances, and add location markers. You can also copy coordinates to the clipboard for use with a web mapping service.

To use a geoPDF on your computer you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, which can be downloaded for free. Once the map is open in Acrobat Reader DC you can view the geospatial measuring tools by choosing Tools > Measure.

You can also load these maps on to any GPS-enabled mobile device using an app such as Avenza Maps (we recommend carrying a paper map as backup). You can watch a short video about using the maps on your mobile device here.

To load the map in the app, copy the map url from our website, open the PDF Maps app and tap the + button at the top-right of the maps list. In the ‘From the Web’ box, paste the URL into the box to download and process the map. Once loaded, you can use your device's built-in GPS to track your location on the map, plot and record information about locations, import and export placemarks, measure distance and area, and even plot photos.

North OHV Riding Area Map – Siltcoos to South Jetty (16,086 kb)

Middle OHV Riding Area Map – Umpqua Dunes (10,322 kb)

South OHV Riding Area Map – Horsfall – Spinreel (20,691 kb)

Where Can I Sand Camp At The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area?

Sand camp sites are located directly on the sand, dispersed along the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Camping access is by 4X4 on soft sand only and is allowed by reservation only during peak season in designated campsites. Paved overnight parking or overflow parking is not available for vehicles unable to access the sand camping sites. The maps below shows the areas of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (NRA) that are open to motorized use and the location of the designated sites for sand camping.

Oregon Dunes Designated Routes Geospatially Enabled PDF (geoPDF) Maps

North OHV Riding Area Map – Siltcoos to South Jetty

• South Jetty Sand Camping
• Siltcoos Sand Camping

Middle OHV Riding Area Map – Umpqua Dunes 

• Umpqua Sand Camping

South OHV Riding Area Map – Horsfall – Spinreel

• Spinreel Sand Camping
• Hauser Sand Camping
• Horsfall Sand Camping

Sand Camping Regulations

• Comply with the regulations for vehicles operating off-highway in the State or Oregon. State of Oregon OHV permit required for off-road vehicle use
• Please bring all necessary equipment including water, portable toilets and fire pans. There is no drinking water, restrooms or fire rings; please bring all necessary equipment including water, portable toilets and fire pans
• Please bring garbage bags; this is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility
• Alcohol is prohibited
• Occupancy check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out time is 1:00 p.m.
• Sound limit at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is 93 decibels
• Camp only within designated sites, and within 150 feet of site posts.
• Drown campfires with water; do not burn cans or bottles.
• Standard sites are limited to 5 vehicles/20 people. Group sites are limited to 10 vehicles/40 people
• Site use is non-transferable, revocable and fee is non-refundable.
• Violation of conditions may result in a citation, fine and/or revocation of permit.

How to Get a Sand Camp

Sites are reservable online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1.877.444.6777. All Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area developed campgrounds and sand campsites require a digital reservation and payment. 

Tip: When reserving a site through Recreation.gov, request the site by access area plus "sand camp." For example, to request a site located in the Umpqua Access area, request or search for "Umpqua Sand Camp." For the Hauser Access area, "Hauser Sand Camp," for Siltcoos Access, "Siltcoos Sand Camp."

Group Sites

Group sites can be reserved online year round at www.recreation.gov or phone 1.877.444.6777. 

Where Can I Sand Camp at Sand Lake Recreation Area?

Sand camping is allowed at Sand Lake Recreation Area in areas open to motorized use. Most people sand camp just off the West Winds area in the flats or along the tree line. There are no designated campsites or reservations.

How Do I Get A Site?

Reservations are not needed or available for sand camping at the Sand Lake Recreation Area. Camping is strictly on a first come, first served basis.

Do I Need Any Passes or Permits to Camp?

All motor vehicles (trucks, cars, buses, motorhomes, OHVs) involved in sand camping must have a red whip flag and the Oregon ATV permit.

A valid recreation pass is required for day parking or sand camping. Any of the day use passes will cover the fee.

The Siuslaw National Forests offers a variety of types of camping. Different rules and guidelines apply to the different types. We've listed some general guidelines below. You can also check our Camping & Cabins page for more related information.

Please be alert for the following special situations: 

• When weather conditions create a high fire danger in summer, special regulations for camping may be enacted.
  • Check our Fire Information page for details.
• Please be alert for special regulations covering specific areas, for example seasonal closures to protect wildlife, area curfews, alcohol use and others. These regulations are noted for the sites affected and are typically posted on the ground. 

Developed Campground Camping

The Siuslaw National Forest has close to 40 developed campgrounds. Campsites typically include a table, a fire grate, and a tent or trailer space. Electric hookups and showers are not generally available, although most campgrounds have water and vault or flush toilets.

Most overnight sites require a user fee. You may camp a maximum of 14 days out of every 30 on the Forest. 

Some campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many sites and group areas are on a nation-wide campground reservation system. For reservations, call 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov.

• For additional information, contact any of the Siuslaw National Forest offices.

Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Camping

Some campgrounds are especially designed for Off Highway Vehicle use. OHV Sand Camping is also allowed in some OHV riding areas.

Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. By applying Leave No Trace practices, you will ensure a safe, clean and positive experience for your family and the environment.

Where Can I Camp?

Some roads are closed to protect wildlife or because they are not safe for travel. You can find out about road closures by using the Motor Vehicle Use Maps and by calling the local ranger station. Dispersed camping is generally allowed anywhere except where posted closed, where overnight parking is prohibited, or within 200 feet of developed road, trail or facility such as campgrounds, picnic areas or trailheads. Camping outside of developed campgrounds is limited to no more than 14 days during any 60 consecutive day period.

You can disperse camp anywhere in the sand dunes following the guidelines above unless you are accessing your site via OHV. If traveling via OHV, see OHV sandcamping guidelines in the sections above.

Choosing a Campsite

If you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick an established "hardened" site. Many existing "campsites" - areas where others have camped before you - are located near water on riverbanks and lakeshores. Whether you are using an existing site or camping in an area where camping use is not evident, it is important to follow these steps:

Camp, on bare, or compacted soil when possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Keep activity on durable ground to prevent site expansion.

Park vehicles on roads and barren ground to avoid disturbing vegetation. Some roads are closed to protect wildlife or because they are not safe for travel. You can find out about road closures by using the Motor Vehicle Use Maps.

When camping at existing sites near water, be prepared to wash dishes and to bathe well away from your campsite to avoid polluting streams and lakes.

Select a campsite with good natural drainage to eliminate the need to trench or level tent sites.

Avoid creating new "roads" to access your campsite.

Refrain from cutting or damaging vegetation, including standing dead trees. Use removable ropes instead of nails to hang things from trees.

Campfires

Many wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are generally allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping.

Campfire Tips:

Use camp stoves for cooking, to minimize the use of down wood for fuel. Animals, insects and micro-organisms need downed, rotting wood to survive.

Use existing fire rings whenever possible. This minimizes the scarring of new rocks, soil and plants and prevents campsite expansion.

Bring plenty of garbage bags to pack out all of your garbage, including food scraps. Burning garbage is unacceptable.

Select an area for your campfire away from meadows, and trees with low, overhanging branches, AT LEAST 100 feet from any water sources.

Use a fire pan, or learn how to build a Leave No Trace  mound-fire.

If you don't bring your own firewood, collect only dead and downed wood that is on the ground, wrist size or smaller. Branches on live trees should be left in tact. If a popular camping area does not have dead and downed wood, bring your own firewood and use a camp stove. Burn the wood completely to ash.

NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED.

You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR CAMPFIRE, MAKE SURE IT IS DEAD OUT. It should be cool enough to the touch that you could put your whole hand into the ashes.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Visitors who don't properly manage human waste, washing or garbage contaminate water and attract animals to campsites.

To dispose of feces, dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 100 feet from any water source, campsites or trails.

When you're done, fill the hole with the dirt you dug up and place your toilet paper in a sealed self-sealing type baggie for disposal in a proper waste container.

Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.

Waste Water and Washing

Do all washing and dispose of waste water at least 100 feet from any water source. Dig a small hole to act as a "sump" for dishwater.

Use small amounts of biodegradable soap.

Treating Your Water

Increased visitation to our National Forests has lead to the contamination of water sources by invisible, micro-organisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporium. These organisms can lead to serious illness when consumed by humans. No untreated water source can be considered safe for consumption.

Be prepared to treat undeveloped water sources or bring your own water. Heating to a rolling boil, using purification tablets or a filter, can all effectively treat water. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use.

Camp Waste

Pack it in, Pack it out. This mantra applies to your camp waste as well as the waste left behind by previous campers. Be prepared to pack out all garbage, including tin, glass, plastic, paper and food scraps such as peels and bones.

Remember, your fire ring is not a garbage receptacle. Well-intended campers often consolidate their garbage in a fire ring expecting the following camper to burn or dispose of it properly. Garbage that is left behind is typically dispersed by animals making the cleanup job much more difficult and creates unwanted behaviors in birds, squirrels and bears. Yellow jackets are attracted to meat juices and sugars and can render a campsite unpleasant and unsafe for future use.

Respect Your Neighbors

Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing other campers and recreationists in the area. If you bring pets, keep them in control at all times. Also, respect private landowners and refrain from camping and trespassing on private lands.

Have Fun!

If you follow the tips above, you can have a safe, low impact, primitive camping experience. Thank you for helping care for YOUR National Forest!

For additional information, contact any of the Siuslaw National Forest offices.

Camping outside of developed campgrounds and designated campsites is prohibited:

• In all areas posted closed
• Within 200 feet of any developed road, trail or facility

Posted Areas Closed to Camping

The following areas are closed to camping in order to provide resource protection.

• Within Cascade Head Scenic-Research Area and Experimental Forest.
• Within Mt. Hebo Special Interest Areas.
• All area within the Marys Peak Scenic Botanical Special Interest Area (T12S, R7W, Sections 19, 20, 21, 28, and 29) other than Marys Peak Campground (when open.)
• All area within the boundary of the Corvallis Watershed.
• The area posted south of Tahkenitch Landing Campground, east of Highway 101 and west of Tahkenitch Lake.
• Within 200 feet of Loon lake, T 19 S, R 12 W, NW 1/4 of Section 4.
• The posted area west of Driftwood II Road, North and east of Siltcoos Road and east of the Coast Guard Sand Road.
• Outside designated sites in the areas of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area managed for motorized recreation.
• The area of National Forest land within the established boundaries of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: T15S, R12W, Sections 9, which is west of Highway 101 and east of the Pacific Ocean.
• Fairview Mountain Meadows: T16S,R11W,Section 8, SW 1/4, which encompasses the Fairview Mountain Management Area for the Silverspot Butterfly.
• Rock Creek Meadows: T16S, R12W, Section 15, NW 1/4 which encompasses the Rock Creek Management Area for the Silverspot Butterfly.
• Big Creek Meadows: T16S, R12W, Section 15, SE 1/4 which encompasses the Big Creek Management Area for the Silverspot Butterfly.

Wilderness Regulations & Guidelines

Stock use and mechanized equipment is prohibited on the Siuslaw National Forest wilderness areas. Drones are considered "mechanized" equipment and are prohibited from taking off and landing in wilderness areas.

Guidelines for Visiting Wilderness

Group Size
The activities of large groups can affect the solitude of others and can increase impacts in and around campsites and near water.

• Visit wilderness in the smallest groups possible.
• Large groups should split to conform to group size limits (no more than 12 people) and plan on traveling and camping separately.
• Make extra effort to minimize all unnecessary noise and impacts from large groups.

Length of Stay
The Wilderness Act defines wilderness as a place where "man is a visitor who does not remain."

• The Drift Creek, Cummins and Rock Creek Wilderness Areas are very small and best preserved by short stays or day use.
• Experience wilderness as a visitor whose presence is temporary.

Camping
Aquatic habitats and riparian ecosystems immediately adjacent to water are sensitive to human-caused impacts and critical to the survival of native species in wilderness. Lakes and streams are enjoyed by both overnight and day users, and camps placed too close to the water can block access to others. Trail corridors are the means of travel for those seeking wilderness solitude, and camps placed along side the trails can add to a sense of crowding in popular areas.

• Camp away from lakes, streams, and trails to minimize resource impacts and allow others to experience recreation and solitude in wilderness. Limit the length of your stay and restore your campsite when departing to remove evidence of your visit.

Human Waste
Improper disposal of human waste can cause water pollution, harm wildlife and fish, and affect the wilderness experience of others.

• Bring the necessary and appropriate tools and equipment, such as a spade, small trowel, waste disposal bag, or portable toilet, to be able to dispose of waste properly.
• Locate 'cat holes' or group latrines at least 200 feet away from water, camps, and trails.
• Never leave waste or toilet paper exposed on the ground.

Campfires
Woody debris is an important part of the soil's nutrient recycling process to help maintain natural conditions. Where visitors' use of the firewood supply exceeds what is available, significant and long term impacts can occur, such as removing limbs and stripping bark from live trees, and removing woody material used as habitat by wildlife. Evidence of campfires, such as blackening of rocks, is one of the longest lasting, most visible, human impacts to the wilderness resource.

• Use a stove, lantern or candle. When campfires are permitted and needed, keep fires small, limit the use of firewood to just what is necessary, and gather at a distance from your site.
• Use fire pans or fire blankets to reduce impacts to your campsite.

Dogs
Loose dogs can harass wildlife and pose a potential risk to wilderness visitors and recreation livestock. In addition, loose dogs can become lost, injured, or attacked by predators in wilderness.

• Consider leaving your dog at home.
• Keep dogs on a leash, or under voice control.

Bear Protection
Improper food storage practices can attract bears and other wildlife into camps and create an unsafe situation for visitors, recreation livestock, and the bears. Bears that become habituated to human food often need to be destroyed.

• Learn and use safe food storage techniques.

Competitive Events
Competitive events are not allowed in wilderness because they typically are not a wilderness dependent activity. This activity is inconsistent with providing opportunities for primitive recreation or solitude, as required by the Wilderness Act, and there is potential for unnecessary increases in resource impacts and large groups affecting the wilderness experience of others.

• Contact the local national forest office to determine if there is a non-wilderness location on the national forest suitable for the competitive event.

Wagons, Carts and Other Vehicles
Wagons, carts, and other vehicles are considered forms of mechanical transport and therefore included in the 'Prohibited Uses' section of the Wilderness Act. The exclusion of mechanical transportation equipment is consistent with the concept of primitive recreation, meaning human or animal-powered transportation without the use of a wheel as a mechanical advantage. The one exception to this definition, by law, is wheel chairs. If they are suitable for indoor pedestrian use, they are allowed in wilderness.

• Plan to visit wilderness on foot, skis, or non-motorized watercraft.

Short Cutting Switchbacks
Cutting switchbacks, or not staying on trails, causes unnecessary erosion, additional repair work for trail crews, and affects the wilderness experience of others.

• Where trails are provided, confine travel to existing routes to limit unnecessary impacts and encourage others to do the same.

Litter and Debris Disposal
Littering in wilderness affects the experiences of other visitors and the health of wildlife.

• Pack out what you pack in and help preserve wilderness character by packing out the litter of others too.

Bottles or Cans
In certain environments, such as river/lake-based wilderness, disposal of bottles and cans in the water can be a significant hazard to humans and aquatic life.

• Refrain from bringing bottles and cans into the wilderness by re-packaging food into light-weight, reusable containers that are packed out when empty.