Waxmyrtle Campground
3.96189 reviews855 HWY 101, Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, Reedsport, OR, 97467, USA
Waxmyrtle 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
Peak season rates from May 1 to September 30 are $22 per night for standard non-electric campsites. Fees do not include taxes or discounts.
About this campground
Nestled where the Siltcoos River meets the sea, Waxmyrtle Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This coastal haven combines the raw beauty of windswept beaches and towering sand dunes with modern comforts, including flush toilets, fresh drinking water, and spacious paved parking aprons. Whether you're seeking adventure on nearby hiking trails or peaceful exploration of non-motorized dune areas, Waxmyrtle offers the perfect basecamp for your Oregon coast experience.
Waxmyrtle Campground caters primarily to tent camping and small RVs. Primitive camping options and group sites are not specifically mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle embrace of Oregon's coastal climate, where temperatures dance between the comfortable 50s and pleasant 70s throughout the year. The ocean's breath brings a refreshing humidity that keeps the landscape lush and green, punctuated by occasional Pacific showers that add to the region's mystique. From April through August, the warming weather awakens not just wildflowers but also mosquitoes, so pack your repellent alongside your sense of adventure.
ElevationElevation is not specified.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where coastal forest meets sandy wilderness, with each campsite cocooned in nature's privacy by aromatic shore pines and wild huckleberry bushes. Beyond your sheltered retreat, the legendary Oregon Dunes stretch skyward—massive sand mountains sculpted by Pacific winds into 500-foot monuments to nature's artistry. This dynamic landscape creates a mosaic of ecosystems, from dense coastal shrubbery to open dune expanses, supporting an incredible diversity of wildlife that calls this unique environment home.
Geological RegionDiscover a geological wonderland where the forces of wind and water have created one of North America's most spectacular coastal dune systems. At Waxmyrtle Campground, you're immersed in the heart of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where ancient sands have been sculpted into towering 500-foot dunes over millennia. The surrounding landscape tells a story of constant transformation—coastal forests of shore pine and huckleberry stand in dramatic contrast to the ever-shifting sands, while the nearby Siltcoos River Estuary provides a vital link between freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include paved parking aprons making it easier for vehicle access. However, no specific features for disabled campers were mentioned in official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites vary in size and suitability, ranging from small tent sites to spots that can accommodate trailers up to approximately 20 feet. Some sites were reported as being cramped or poorly designed.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy of campsites varies, with many sites surrounded by dense coastal shrubbery providing ample seclusion. However, certain spots are too close to neighboring areas, leading to a lack of privacy.
Total Campsites54 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid site 17 due to proximity to dumpsters and lack of privacy. Site 28 is spacious and sunny. Site 41 offers privacy and scenic views.
Best CampsitesSites 41, 2, and 8 are frequently praised for privacy and scenic proximity to the Siltcoos River.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is officially listed as 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially listed as 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights during any single visit, with a total of 14 nights allowed within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates up to 8 guests.
Groups
Details about group sites, including their capacity, are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are organized in loops with dense shrubbery providing privacy. Parking aprons are paved.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to September 30 annually for reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or by phone at 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo first-come, first-served sites available; all sites require reservations.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 fee. Late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and also lose the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Waxmyrtle Campground provides a rich array of outdoor activities. Campers can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking, and proximity to beach dunes ideal for photography. However, ATV noise can affect the tranquility.
Hiking
The campground is the starting point for the Waxmyrtle Trail, which follows the Siltcoos River to the Pacific Ocean. Additional trails nearby include the Lagoon Trail and Chief Tsiltcoos Trail. Many campers praised the trails for their scenic beauty.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at nearby Siltcoos Lake, where bass, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout can be caught.Boating
Kayaking and canoeing are popular along the Siltcoos River, and campers can paddle from the campground all the way to the ocean. However, access points to the river were described as muddy and challenging during high tide.Wildlife viewing
Waxmyrtle Campground borders the Siltcoos River Estuary, providing opportunities to observe birds like the Snowy Plover, river otters, and other wildlife. Some reviewers noted restrictions during the Snowy Plover nesting season.Beach activities
Activities include sunbathing and birdwatching along the beach. Access involves about a mile-long hike, with restrictions in place during the Snowy Plover nesting season.Winter Activities
The campground is reportedly quiet and pleasant in late autumn and winter, but specific winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are not possible here.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities on the Siltcoos River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits unless fire bans are in effect.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include mosquito activity (April-August) and noise pollution from nearby ATV trails.
Active alertsNo specific active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 97%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 14.8 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
The nearest emergency service facilities are in Florence, approximately 8 miles away, including hospitals, police stations, and fire stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 30
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling bins are available throughout the campground. Some reviews indicate issues with overflowing dumpsters and recycling bins being removed.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Siltcoos River and within walking distance to the ocean beach.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include noise from ATVs, lack of privacy due to exposed sites, and issues with campground cleanliness and maintenance.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, though reviews indicate they are sometimes unavailable.
Campground Map
855 HWY 101, Oregon Dunes Visitor Center, Reedsport, OR, 97467, USA
Driving directionsFrom Florence, OR, travel seven miles south on Highway 101 to the Siltcoos Beach Access Road. Turn right onto the Siltcoos Beach Access Road and proceed one mile west to Waxmyrtle Campground. Turn left (south) at the bridge; the campground entrance is across the bridge on the south shoreline of the Siltcoos River.
The campground is easily accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but there may be navigation challenges for larger RVs due to tight turns and narrow spots.Nearby places
Florence (8 miles, 15 minutes), Reedsport (20 miles, 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be purchased in Florence, 8 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.0
189 reviews
Waxmyrtle Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Waxmyrtle Campground receives mixed feedback from users. Positive reviews highlight the scenic location, privacy of sites, and proximity to hiking trails and the beach. However, common complaints include issues with cleanliness, noise pollution from ATV activity, and lack of enforcement of quiet hours.
Review Summaries
Based on 189 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers frequently praise the beautiful trails, private campsites with dense shrubbery, clean bathrooms, and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing. The campground's proximity to the...
Based on 189 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative aspects include noisy conditions due to ATV activities, lack of camp host availability, overcrowded or too-small campsites, maintenance issues, and poor restroom cleanliness. Problems with...
Based on 189 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest booking sites close to the river for added privacy and kayaking access, bringing your own firewood due to limited availability, and respecting Snowy Plover nesting areas. Some...
Based on 189 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
User experiences improve significantly in the autumn and winter months when ATV activity is reduced. Summer reviews are more critical due to noise from dune activities and overcrowded conditions.
Based on 189 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Had a great time staying here with a friend... Hiking around here is great!" - Connor Soejoto. "A clean campground with lots of pull-thru spaces and surprisingly quiet given its proximity to the...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 31 is located back from the loop and offers privacy. Site 24 is secluded and recommended for tent camping. Site 41 is described as private and close to the bathroom but reportedly sloped. Site...
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Accessibility Features
No specific user reviews address accessibility for disabled campers.
Based on 189 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Users caution that dogs are prohibited on the beach during Snowy Plover nesting season, but pets are otherwise allowed in the campground.
Based on 189 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025