Eel Creek

Summary

Eel Creek Campground is located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. It offers a 2.7-mile John Dellenback Dunes Trail to the Pacific beach, and secluded sites among coastal shrubbery. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating at nearby Tenmile Lake and Eel Lake, or explore Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.

Overview

Eel Creek Campground sits among coastal shrubbery on the edge of the sandy dunes within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The campground provides a peaceful and attractive atmosphere for hikers and birders. The most popular non-motorized trail here is the John Dellenback Dunes Trail, which guides hikers through the scenic dunes to the Pacific beach. This section of dunes features spectacular heights and stunning, expansive vistas. 

Recreation

The John Dellenback Dunes Trail takes hikers on a 2.7-mile (one way) trek from a conifer forest across the open dunes to the beach at the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, hikers will be treated to expansive views of the surrounding landscape. This hike makes for an incredible workout, due to tall dunes and soft sand. Quality wildlife watching is also available at the campground.

Facilities

The campground is divided into a north loop and a south loop. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and a self pay station. A campground host is available and an amphitheater sits between the two loops. This campground has 51 reservable sites.

Natural Features

Most sites are secluded and private due to dense shrubbery like rhododendrons and salal. Sites 7, 8, 42, and 43 are perched on the sand of the dunes. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is known for its wind-sculpted sand dunes towering up to 500 feet above sea level.

Nearby Attractions

Visit Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, which features a historic lighthouse, camping, and hiking trails around Lake Marie. The Umpqua River Lighthouse stands on the site where the first lighthouse on the Oregon Coast was built in 1857. The current lighthouse dates back to 1890.

Boating and fishing are available at Tenmile Lake and Eel Lake.

contact_info

Charges & Cancellations

Campsites that are not occupied after 24 hours of arrival time will be considered as a "no show" and sites will be released for others to reserve. If campers will be arriving after 24 hours of their arrival time, they are encouraged to call the ranger station at 541-271-6000 to let staff know.