Camping

Choices abound in this recreation-rich area. Just south of Winchester Bay [1] is Umpqua Lighthouse State Park [2] (460 Lighthouse Rd., Winchester Bay, 541/271-4118 information, 800/452-5687 reservations). The campground alongside Lake Marie has firewood, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, electricity, and piped water. The 20 RV sites go for $20; the 24 tent sites are $16; two basic yurts are $27; six deluxe yurts (with shower, small kitchen, refrigerator, microwave, and TV/VCR) are $66; and two rustic cabins are $35. The lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming. Trails from the campground lead to the highest dunes in the United States (elev. 545 feet), west of Clear Lake.

William A. Tugman State Park (541/759-3604 information, 800/452-5687 reservations) is eight miles south of Reedsport [1], in the heart of dune country. This larger campground, with 115 sites, has a similar range of creature comforts, price, and recreation. It sits on the west shore of Eel Lake, east of U.S. 101 across from the widest point of the dunes, two miles to the sea.

Windy Cove Campground (541/271-4138) is a county park with 24 full-hookup sites ($20) and four other sites with electric service only ($15). Located on the south side of Salmon Harbor Drive, across from the Winchester Bay marina, it has restrooms, picnic tables, grass, and paved site pads. No reservations are accepted. It is legal to drive your off-highway vehicle (OHV) from this campground directly to the dunes, but that requires a couple of miles’ drive on the pavement.

About nine miles south of Reedsport, set along Eel Creek near Eel Lake and Tenmile Lakes, is Eel Creek Campground, (877/444-6777 reservations, www.recreation.gov [3], mid-May–Sept., $17), a Siuslaw National Forest facility with 51 basic tent and RV sites; reservations are advised. The Umpqua Dunes Trail offers access to the dunes and the beach.

Eight miles north of Reedsport [1], the Tahkenitch Campground (877/444-6777 reservations, www.recreation.gov [3], mid-May–Sept., $17) is another Forest Service facility set among ancient Douglas firs and conveniently located near Tahkenitch and other lakes, dunes, and ocean beaches. A network of trails branch out through the dunes, along Tahkenitch Lake, and to the beach.

If you’re coming to the Dunes to play in the sand, consider spending the night at the all-in-one Discovery Point Resort (242 Discovery Point Lane, 541/271-3443, www.discoverypointresort.com [4], $260 and up) near Winchester Bay [1]. The resort offers OHV enthusiasts dune access and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rentals, and provides condos, 1–3-bedroom cabins (which sleep up to six) and 60 RV spaces. To get there from Reedsport, head two miles south on U.S. 101 to Winchester Bay, then turn right at Pelican Market onto Salmon Harbor Drive. Go one mile, and you’ll see Discovery Point Resort on the left. Reservations are strongly recommended.