Carter Lake
Open for the 2026 season from May 1 through September 30. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. 14-day camping limit per 30 rolling days across the Siuslaw National Forest. Beach restrictions in effect March 15 through September 15 to protect nesting western snowy plovers.
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 10 at 1:43PM PDT until October 12 at 2:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...A moderate risk for sneaker waves is expected. Short period north-northwest wind waves will interact with a building west-northwest long period swell. * WHERE...The beaches of Douglas, Coos, and Curry counties. * WHEN...From late Saturday night through Monday afternoon. The risk will be highest during Sunday morning. * IMPACTS...Sneaker waves can run up significantly farther on beaches than normal, including over rocks and jetties. These waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and sweep them into the ocean. The waves can also move logs or other objects which could crush or trap anyone caught underneath. * View the hazard area in detail at https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=mfr
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
About
Carter Lake Campground sits at 100 feet elevation on the shores of Carter Lake, a 28-acre lake perfect for fishing rainbow trout, canoeing, and kayaking. The campground offers 21 sites split between standard nonelectric sites and RV-designated nonelectric sites. Campsites are nestled among shore pine, Sitka spruce, and Douglas fir trees with hedges of native rhododendron providing privacy between sites. The Carter Dunes Trailhead is located within the campground, offering hikers direct access to the wind-sculpted sand dunes that tower up to 500 feet above sea level. Children particularly enjoy playing in the sand dunes adjacent to part of the campground. The Pacific coast is just a short drive away, and the area is famous for off-road vehicle riding trails, though OHV use is prohibited within the campground itself. Nearby trails include the Siltcoos Lake Trail and Threemile Creek Trail. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Oregon Dunes region, including Tahkenitch Lake, Siltcoos Lake, and the Pacific Ocean.
Directions
From Florence, Oregon, travel south on Highway 101 for 11 miles. Carter Lake Campground entrance is on the west (right) side of Highway 101.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 271-6000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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