Tahkenitch Campground
3.5066 reviews855 Highway 101, Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, Reedsport, OR, 97467, USA
Tahkenitch Campground
$22.00 - $44.00 / 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
Peak season rates (May 01 - September 30): Standard Nonelectric ($22), Tent Only Nonelectric ($22-$44). Additional reservation fees may apply ($8 online, $9 via contact center).
About this campground
Discover your perfect coastal retreat at Tahkenitch Campground, where 23 thoughtfully designed campsites await within the stunning Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Each site offers its own unique character—from intimate, secluded spots tucked beneath towering trees to more open areas where sunlight filters through the canopy. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural environment, featuring sturdy campfire rings for evening gatherings, convenient flush toilets, and picnic tables perfect for outdoor meals. Fresh drinking water flows throughout the campground, while smooth paved parking aprons make settling in a breeze. For RV travelers, the nearest waste station is conveniently located just 10 miles away at Honeyman State Park.
Tahkenitch Campground offers a mix of tent-only sites and standard non-electric campsites. Sites vary in size and setup, with some providing privacy and others closely packed.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the quintessential Oregon Coast climate during peak camping season from May through September, when mild temperatures create ideal outdoor conditions. Morning mist often blankets the campground, creating an ethereal atmosphere that gradually gives way to pleasant afternoons. As evening approaches, coastal fog may roll in, wrapping the forest in a mysterious embrace. Smart campers come prepared with layers for the damp morning air and quality rain gear for occasional showers. From April through August, mosquitoes join the ecosystem, so pack your favorite insect repellent to ensure comfortable evenings around the campfire.
ElevationPerched at sea level along Oregon's magnificent coastline, Tahkenitch Campground provides the perfect basecamp for beach adventures, dune exploration, and coastal forest discoveries. The gentle elevation makes it accessible for campers of all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient Douglas firs tower overhead, their branches creating a natural cathedral above your campsite. Wild berries dot the understory, offering seasonal treats for observant hikers. Just beyond the campground, the shimmering waters of Tahkenitch Lake invite paddlers and anglers, while the mighty Pacific Ocean beckons with its endless horizon. This diverse ecosystem serves as home to magnificent Roosevelt elk that may wander near your site at dawn, while bald eagles soar overhead and playful sea lions bark from distant coastal rocks.
Geological RegionSet within the world-renowned Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Tahkenitch Campground sits at the intersection of three distinct ecosystems. Here, dense coastal forests give way to rolling sand dunes that stretch toward the sea, creating one of the most unique landscapes in North America. The nearby Tahkenitch Lake, formed by ancient geological processes, adds a freshwater dimension to this coastal paradise, while the Pacific Ocean's constant presence shapes both the land and the camping experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites are available, and some campsites require a short walk for access. No specific ADA-compliant features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSites vary widely, with some very small spots only accommodating tents or a single vehicle, while others, such as site 4, can fit larger tents or setups.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels are reported. Some sites are secluded with thick shrubbery, while others are tightly packed with little privacy, especially near Highway 101.
Total Campsites23 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid campsite #22 due to lack of privacy and proximity to traffic from neighboring sites. Sites 1-4 are noted as noisy due to proximity to Highway 101.
Best CampsitesSpace #4: Large enough for two 10-man tents. Space #29: Long driveway suitable for RV setups. Site-specific feedback highlights privacy and layout variability.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in required within 24 hours of reservation start time.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity varies by site but reviews question suitability for 8 guests on smaller sites.
Groups
No specific group sites are mentioned, but some reviews imply close proximity of certain sites may accommodate larger groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged in a single loop, offering varying levels of privacy depending on vegetation density and proximity to the highway.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025 (reservable).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online or phone (877-444-6777).
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations required in advance.
Cancellation PolicyModifications to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations will forfeit the first night's fees plus a $10 cancellation fee. Sites must be occupied within 24 hours of reservation start time.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tahkenitch Campground provides access to trails leading to ocean dunes, lakes, and forests, offering opportunities for hiking, sand play, and wildlife viewing. Boating and fishing are popular activities at nearby Tahkenitch Lake, and beach access is available.
Hiking
Three nearby trails, including Tahkenitch Dunes Trail and Threemile Lake Trail, offer scenic routes through conifer forests and dunes, ending at the Pacific Coast. User reviews describe these trails as 'bucket-list worthy.'Fishing
Fishing at Tahkenitch Lake may yield cutthroat and steelhead trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch. User reviews mention the lake as a relaxing spot for fishing.Swimming
Swimming spots are available, although specific details about safety measures and facilities are not included.Boating
Boating is popular at Tahkenitch Lake. No specific details on boat rentals or docking facilities are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as Roosevelt elk, pelicans, sea lions, and bald eagles are commonly sighted in the area.Beach activities
Beach access is available through trails leading to the ocean, providing opportunities for beachcombing and dune exploration.Winter Activities
No winter activities are described for this campground.Water Sports
Activities such as kayaking and canoeing are possible at Tahkenitch Lake, which spans 1,674 acres.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings provided at each site. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent spread of invasive species.
Hazards
General hazardsSafety concerns include highway noise, occasional homeless activity, and tree roots creating uneven ground at some sites. Mosquitoes are significant during warmer months.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 97%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 13.5 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
Nearest waste station: Honeyman State Park (10 miles north). Emergency services: Hospital in Florence (approximately 20 minutes away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 - September 30
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but user reviews suggest occasional litter due to lack of campground hosts during certain seasons.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Tahkenitch Lake and within walking distance to the Pacific Ocean.
Common complaintsCommon complaints focus on highway noise, cramped campsites, occasional restroom closures, and challenges with campsite size.
HostReviews mention mixed experiences with hosts. Some describe helpful and kind hosts, while others report rude or absent hosts.
Campground Map
855 Highway 101, Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, Reedsport, OR, 97467, USA
Driving directionsFrom Reedsport: Drive north for 8 miles on Highway 101. The campground entrance is on the west (left) side of the highway. From Florence: Drive south for 14 miles on Highway 101. The campground entrance is on the west (right) side of the highway.
The campground is accessible directly off Highway 101, a major paved highway. While the road is in good condition, some reviews note significant highway noise due to proximity.Nearby places
Reedsport (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Florence (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and supplies available in Florence, approximately 14 miles south via Highway 101.
Camper Reviews
3.5
66 reviews
Tahkenitch Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Tahkenitch Campground provide mixed sentiments, ranging from praise for its trails and natural features to complaints about site size, lack of privacy, and maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 66 reviews
What Campers Love
The trails to the dunes and ocean are frequently described as incredible and 'bucket-list worthy.' Many user reviews praise the campground's natural beauty and proximity to activities such as hiking,...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include small and cramped campsites, frequent road noise from Highway 101, lack of functioning bathrooms, and difficulties with reservation management. Several reviews also mention...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include avoiding sites close to Highway 101 due to road noise, bringing waterproof gear for damp conditions, and proactively scouting site sizes to ensure suitability for trailers or tents.
Based on 66 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months experience high traffic and mosquito populations, as well as occasional maintenance issues. User reviews highlight spring and fall as quieter seasons for a more secluded experience.
Based on 66 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The trail head is amazing. It's an easy walk, kid-friendly, and leads through the dunes and the ocean." "Bathrooms were closed during our visit. Portapotties only." "Site barely fit a small tent."...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 4 is noted to accommodate large tents. Site 29 is suitable for long RV setups, while site 22 lacks privacy and is described as a pass-through for neighboring visitors. Sites 1-4 are criticized...
Based on 66 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly detailed in user reviews, but some mention short walks required to access campsites. No specific ADA-compliant facilities are highlighted.
Based on 66 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is described as dog-friendly, with some concerns about unregulated pets causing disruptions.
Based on 66 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025