Eel Creek Campground
4.45110 reviewsEel Creek Campground, Siuslaw National Forest
Eel Creek Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single site overnight use costs $22 per night with a two-vehicle limit. Day use costs $5 per vehicle per day. Interagency Senior and Access Passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Discover a coastal paradise at Eel Creek Campground, where 53 thoughtfully arranged sites await in the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Split between intimate North and South loops, each campsite is embraced by windswept coastal vegetation and rolling dunes that whisper tales of the Pacific. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with nature here—flush toilets and fresh drinking water ensure convenience, while the self-pay stations honor the independent spirit of coastal camping. A friendly campground host stands ready to share local insights, and the centrally located amphitheater serves as a gathering place where stories of the day's adventures unfold beneath starlit skies.
Eel Creek Campground caters to various camping styles, including tent and RV camping. While there is no primitive camping, the campground offers combined sites for flexible use.
Historical SignificanceEel Creek Campground serves as your gateway to the legendary Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a landscape that has captivated adventurers and nature lovers for generations. This protected stretch of coast represents one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, offering a unique ecosystem where hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore ever-shifting sandy peaks and hidden valleys that have inspired countless stories of discovery.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Oregon's coastal climate, where temperatures remain refreshingly mild throughout the year and ocean breezes carry the scent of salt and adventure. Peak camping season stretches from May through September, when golden afternoons give way to cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings. Even summer's occasional fog adds mystique to morning walks, while light coastal rains create a soothing soundtrack that only enhances the camping experience.
ElevationPerched at a gentle 100 feet above sea level, the campground offers the perfect vantage point where coastal breezes meet terrestrial comfort, creating an ideal microclimate for year-round camping adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a enchanting coastal ecosystem where vibrant rhododendrons burst with color against emerald carpets of Salal berries. Ancient shore pines, draped in delicate lichen like nature's lace, stand as weathered sentinels throughout the campground, their twisted forms telling stories of countless storms weathered and seasons passed. This natural tapestry creates intimate, secluded spaces within each campsite, offering privacy while maintaining connection to the wild beauty of the Oregon coast.
Geological RegionPositioned at the dramatic threshold where forest meets sand, Eel Creek Campground occupies a unique geological transition zone within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Here, ancient coastal winds have sculpted massive dunes that rise and fall like frozen waves, while resilient vegetation clings to the margins, creating a dynamic landscape where the forces of wind, sand, and sea continue their eternal dance of creation and change.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair accessible to some extent, but the dunes and trails leading to the beach are not entirely wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some being large enough to accommodate big rigs and RVs, while others are smaller and more suited for tent camping.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as secluded and private due to dense vegetation and shrubbery between sites. Some sites, such as #44, are less desirable due to issues like sand encroachment.
Total Campsites53 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #44 should be avoided due to sand dune encroachment. Not all sites are suitable for solar panels or large RVs.
Best CampsitesSites 7, 8, 42, and 43 are recommended for their location on the dunes. Sites 12, 16, 19, 24, 26, and 31 are noted as pull-throughs and close to the dunes.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in generally begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles per site with no specified guest limit.
Groups
No specific group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into North and South loops, with sites surrounded by trimmed shrubs resembling hedges for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonMain loop open year-round, South Loop open seasonally from May 1 to September 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Reserve America.
Walk-in AvailabilityMost sites require online reservation; first-come-first-serve availability not guaranteed.
Cancellation PolicyReservations required through Reserve America. Cancellation policies not explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Eel Creek Campground is noted for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The John Dellenback Dunes Trail is the most popular hiking destination leading from the campground to the Pacific beach. The proximity to sand dunes offers unique recreational opportunities such as dune wandering. However, there are no water-based activities like swimming, fishing, or boating directly accessible from the campground.
Hiking
The John Dellenback Dunes Trail is a favorite among visitors, presenting a scenic route to the beach. The trail involves hiking through the dunes and is considered strenuous by some users due to the soft sand. It is approximately 2-6 miles round trip, depending on how far hikers venture.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife like chipmunks, squirrels, deer, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds can frequently be observed in and around the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits available at each site; regulations on fire usage not explicitly stated.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include highway noise and occasional theft reported in user reviews. The dunes can be strenuous for hiking due to sandy terrain.
Active alertsNo active alerts reported.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 92%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13.4 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available in North Bend and Coos Bay, approximately 20 minutes away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30 for South Loop.
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are located near the restrooms for camper convenience, and the campground is consistently noted as clean and well-maintained.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the dunes leading to the Pacific Ocean beach; no direct lake or river access.
Common complaintsComplaints include issues with water availability, occasional theft, road noise, and dips in pavement causing flooding during heavy rains.
HostA volunteer host is available onsite, providing assistance and maintaining cleanliness.
Campground Map
Eel Creek Campground, Siuslaw National Forest
Driving directionsFrom North Bend, OR, take US Rt. 101 north for 12.6 miles to campground sign. Turn left into campground.
Campground entrance is located on west side of Highway 101, easily accessible by paved roads.Nearby places
North Bend (12.6 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Coos Bay (approximately 20 minutes), Reedsport (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A Dollar General store is located about a quarter of a mile down the road from the campground entrance. Additional supplies can be found in Coos Bay and Reedsport.
Camper Reviews
4.5
110 reviews
Eel Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beauty, privacy, and proximity to the dunes as major advantages. The campground's cleanliness and the quality of maintenance are frequently praised. However, the absence of showers and the occasional issue with water availability and theft are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 110 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the secluded and private campsites, clean restrooms, and the beautiful natural surroundings, particularly the proximity to the dunes and the John Dellenback Dunes Trail. Many...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include the lack of shower facilities, occasional theft (e.g., stolen coolers), and temporary maintenance-related restroom closures. Some campers reported highway noise and difficulties...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and supplies, as there are no camp stores on-site. They also advise reserving sites in advance due to limited availability and selecting sites based on rig...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is generally described as peaceful and quiet during off-peak times, with increased activity during weekends and holidays. Summer is a popular season due to pleasant weather and the...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The campsites are very well spread out and private due to shrubbery." "The John Dellenback Dunes Trail is an absolute must!" "The campground was peaceful and clean, but be mindful of road noise...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #44 is noted as problematic due to encroaching sand. Sites 12, 16, 19, and 24 are praised for their pull-through convenience and proximity to the dunes.
Based on 110 reviewsAccessibility Features
Users highlight that while the campground is generally accessible, the trails and dunes are not wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 110 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and many campers bring their dogs, who enjoy exploring the surroundings. However, hikers should be aware that dogs are not permitted on the beach.
Based on 110 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025