Siltcoos Sand Camping
4.1531 reviewsOregon Dunes Visitor Center, 855 HIGHWAY 101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Siltcoos Sand Camping
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$20.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard Nonelectric and Tent-Only Nonelectric sites are $10 per night, while Group Standard Nonelectric sites are $20 per night. Additional fees such as reservation service fees may apply.
About this campground
Imagine camping where the ocean meets the sky, your tent pitched on towering sand dunes that shift and change with every breeze. Siltcoos Sand Camping offers an extraordinary adventure for those seeking the road less traveled—literally. This remote outpost within the magnificent Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area features 16 primitive campsites carved into nature's own sandbox, accessible only to those brave enough to navigate their 4x4 vehicles across the undulating terrain. Here, the roar of engines mingles with the distant crash of Pacific waves as off-road enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife watchers discover a playground unlike any other on the Oregon coast.
Siltcoos Sand Camping is a unique primitive camping destination that caters to off-road enthusiasts and offers standard, group, and tent-only sites.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping in a living museum of natural history. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area represents one of North America's most remarkable coastal phenomena, where wind and time have sculpted a landscape that defies expectations. This sandy wilderness serves as more than just a recreational paradise—it's a crucial sanctuary for the threatened Snowy Plover, a small shorebird that has called these dunes home for millennia. Your visit connects you to both the geological forces that shaped this coast and the ongoing conservation story of its most vulnerable inhabitants.
Weather and SeasonsThe Oregon coast reveals two distinct personalities throughout the year. Winter transforms the dunes into a dramatic landscape where Pacific storms roll in with heavy rains and bracing temperatures hovering around 53°F during the day and 45°F at night—perfect for those who find beauty in nature's raw power. Come summer, the dunes bask under clear skies and warm sunshine, creating ideal conditions for sand adventures and starlit nights around the campfire.
ElevationPrepare to be humbled by nature's architecture as windswept dunes tower hundreds of feet above the Pacific, creating an ever-changing topography that rivals any mountain landscape. These sandy peaks and valleys offer breathtaking vantage points where the forest meets the sea.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture your campsite perched directly on golden sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see, where each sunrise reveals a landscape subtly transformed by the night's winds. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area surrounds you with its dramatic contrasts—bare sand mountains give way to mysterious coastal forests, creating a mosaic of ecosystems. During nesting season, certain areas become sanctuaries for the endangered Snowy Plover, reminding visitors that this stunning playground is also a vital wildlife refuge where adventure and conservation exist in delicate balance.
Geological RegionWelcome to North America's largest expanse of coastal sand dunes, a 40-mile stretch of geological wonder within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This remarkable landscape formed over thousands of years as Pacific winds carried sand inland from ancient sea floors, creating a Sahara-by-the-sea that continues to evolve with each passing season. Here, geology comes alive as you witness the same forces that built these massive dunes still at work today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityPrimitive sand camping ensures minimal infrastructure, making accessibility challenging for individuals with mobility constraints.
Sites SizeStandard sites accommodate up to 20 people and five vehicles, while the group site accommodates up to 40 people and 10 vehicles. All vehicles and tents must be positioned within 150 feet of the site marker.
Sites PrivacyCamping sites offer varying levels of privacy, with some being more secluded while others experience frequent vehicle traffic. One user likened it to "camping in the middle of a playground" due to the openness of certain sites.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site 017 if using trailers due to difficult access. Consider sites 030 and 027 for families and larger groups.
Best CampsitesReviews suggest sites such as 030 and 027 offer privacy, proximity to water features, and good access for families.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- Maximum 14 nights during a visit
- rolling 30-day limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Standard sites accommodate up to 20 people, group sites up to 40 people.
Groups
The group site accommodates up to 40 people and 10 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIndividual sites are spaced within 150 feet of designated markers. Group sites accommodate up to 40 people.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations required for all sites at all times of the year.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and cancellations made within 24 hours of check-in time result in forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Activities you can enjoy
Siltcoos Sand Camping offers a variety of activities centered around its unique natural features. Off-road vehicle riding is the primary attraction, complemented by hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include the accessible Lagoon Trail, the longer Waxmyrtle Trail that follows the Siltcoos River to the beach, and nearby trails such as Siltcoos Lake Trail, Taylor Dunes Trail, and Tahkenitch Creek Trail.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing includes seasonal whale-watching and birding. "A variety of shorebirds are often spotted on the shore" and the area is home to the threatened Snowy Plover during its nesting season.Beach activities
Beachcombing and playing in the surf are popular activities. Seasonal closures apply in areas designated as habitats for the Snowy Plover.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not highlighted in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding were not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be contained in portable fire pans; burn bans may apply during dry seasons.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsNavigating soft sand roads can be challenging. Seasonal restrictions apply to protect nesting Snowy Plovers. High decibel sounds exceeding 93 dB are prohibited.
Active alertsSeasonal closures due to Snowy Plover nesting occur March 15 - September 15 annually. Oregon dunes have the highest off-highway vehicle incident rates in the state.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 96%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 17.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Foggy
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
Hospital: PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center, Florence, OR (~7 miles)
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31, 2025 (Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' facility. One camper shared, "Try to leave it cleaner than it was when you got there. We are always picking up previous persons' trash that gets lost in the sand; it happens!" Dumpsters are available at staging areas on the way out.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Siltcoos River and nearby lakes such as Carter Lake and Sutton Lake.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention difficulty accessing sites due to unclear navigational directions and poor campsite management. Complaints also include overcrowding and loud disturbances.
HostHosts are typically praised for their welcoming attitude but may not always be available.
Campground Map
Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, 855 HIGHWAY 101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Driving directionsFrom Florence, Oregon, travel about 7 miles south on Highway 101 to the Siltcoos Beach Access Road. Turn right (west) onto the Siltcoos Beach Access Road and proceed 1.3 miles to the Driftwood II Campground entrance. Turn right onto the access road and continue straight to reach the sand (do not turn into the campground). Off-road vehicle trails can also be accessed from the Siltcoos Beach staging area, which is another 0.3 miles further west on the Siltcoos Beach Access Road.
Accessible only via a 4x4 vehicle on soft sand roads. Seasonal closures may apply due to Snowy Plover nesting.Nearby places
Florence, OR (7 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies available in Florence, OR (7 miles)
Camper Reviews
4.2
31 reviews
Siltcoos Sand Camping is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Siltcoos Sand Camping vary widely, with some campers praising the unique sand camping experience and off-road opportunities, while others express dissatisfaction due to lack of facilities, safety concerns, and difficulties in locating campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users enjoyed the secluded nature and spaciousness of the sites, as well as the proximity to off-road vehicle trails and dunes. Positive sentiments include comments like "the dunes are our...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticism centers on lack of facilities (e.g., water, toilets), difficulties accessing sites, and noise from other campers. "Worst camping experience... loud, drunk neighbors" and "there's literally...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend arriving prepared with all necessary supplies, including water and portable toilets. "Do your homework before you go. Make sure you have the mandatory equipment before driving on the...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Positive reviews often highlight summer visits as ideal for enjoying the dunes and trails in good weather. Complaints about crowded conditions and lack of enforcement of rules also peak during peak...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Love the sand sites!" "A great ORV park and I would say in the top 2 for Oregon coast." "We always love our trips there and can't wait for our next."
Based on 31 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 17 is noted as difficult to access, particularly for trailers. Site 18 is secluded but incurs ATV traffic. Site 30 offers large spaces and proximity to dune access.
Based on 31 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews highlight challenges due to the primitive nature of the campground, including lack of accessible facilities.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and users recommend being cautious during busy times. One review emphasized, "I did not feel that it was a safe place for my children or dogs."
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025