Umpqua Sand Camping

Campground · Oregon · 27 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Tenmile Roadless Area (Roadlessarea Rule (2001)) · Open Access

27
Bookable sites
100 ft
Max rig length
up to 40
People per site
21 ft
Elevation
A large expanse of flat sand, some grass covered dunes and conifer covered hills in the background under blue sky.
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Overview

Umpqua is home to the tallest sand dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Off-road vehicle riding is a popular activity here, and visitors are rewarded with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean from the tops of the dunes.

These sites are only accessible to 4X4 vehicles on soft sand. Please plan accordingly.

Recreation

The main attraction is off-road vehicle riding. The Umpqua area features a large open riding zone with expansive sand dunes and stunning vistas of the ocean and the surrounding topography.

Each year, the Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce hosts the summertime Dunefest event for riders of all ages. Dunefest provides opportunities for motocross racing, treasure hunting in the sand, freestyle riding shows, and more.

Facilities

Sand campsites can only be accessed by 4X4 vehicles. No water is available so campers should bring an ample amount. Campsites are primitive and all campers must bring portable toilets and fire pans. Seasonal rainfall may temporarily affect certain campsites; contact the Oregon Dunes Visitor Center for seasonal information. 

Standard sites fit 5 vehicles and up to 20 people. The group campsites fit 10 vehicles and 40 people. Campsites are available year-round (by reservation only) and reservations may fill up quickly in peak summer season. Within each campsite, all vehicles and tents must be positioned within 150 feet of the campsite marker post.

Natural Features

Campsites are dispersed amongst the dunes along the Pacific Coast. The Umpqua River is a short drive north and Eel Lake is a short drive south. The sand camping area is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which is known for its wind-sculpted sand dunes towering up to 500 feet above sea level.

Nearby Attractions

Visit Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, to the north of the Umpqua sand camping area. The Umpqua River Lighthouse stands on the site of the first lighthouse built on the Oregon Coast in 1857. The current lighthouse dates back to 1890.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 271-6000.

Charges & Cancellations

Campsites that are not occupied after 24 hours of arrival time will be considered as a "no show" and sites will be released for others to reserve. If campers will be arriving after 24 hours of their arrival time, they are encouraged to call the ranger station at 541-271-6000 to let staff know. 

The facts

  • 27 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 100 ft
  • Up to 40 people per site
  • Loops: AREA UMPQUA ODNRA

Site types

  • 21 Standard Nonelectric
  • 4 Tent Only Nonelectric
  • 2 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

27 campsites at Umpqua Sand Camping

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 1:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
031AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
032AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
033AREA UMPQUA ODNRAGroup Standard Nonelectric——100 ft40 🐾
034AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
035AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
036AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
037AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
038AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
039AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
040AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20
041AREA UMPQUA ODNRATent Only Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
042AREA UMPQUA ODNRATent Only Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
043AREA UMPQUA ODNRATent Only Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
044AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
045AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
046AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
047AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
048AREA UMPQUA ODNRATent Only Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
049AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
050AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
051AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
052AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
053AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
054AREA UMPQUA ODNRAGroup Standard Nonelectric——100 ft40 🐾
055AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
056AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾
057AREA UMPQUA ODNRAStandard Nonelectric——100 ft20 🐾

Getting there

From 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.

43.63139, -124.21194 · 43°37'53.0"N 124°12'43.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 71°F in Sep, down to 53°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F545556596366707071655853
Low °F393940424649525250464239
Precip in————————————

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Umpqua Sand Camping

Can you reserve a site at Umpqua Sand Camping?
Yes, Umpqua Sand Camping is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Umpqua Sand Camping have?
27 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Umpqua Sand Camping?
100 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Umpqua Sand Camping?
Yes, pets are allowed at Umpqua Sand Camping.
Are campfires allowed at Umpqua Sand Camping?
Campfires are allowed at Umpqua Sand Camping. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Umpqua Sand Camping

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.