Carter Lake
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from May 1 through September 30. Reservations required via Recreation.gov when open.
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.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
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.
Tickets/reservations required for Sand Lake July 3, 4, and 5
Sand Lake Recreation Area will have ticket system July 3 – 5, 2026. Visitors will need a vehicle ticket or a reservation at a developed campground. For developed campgrounds, campsite vehicle parking limits will be strictly enforced during Fourth of July weekend.
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center closed mid-Dec.-May for remodeling
The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center will close from December 16, 2025 through mid-May 2026 for an extensive remodel. This includes modernizing aging infrastructure, updating interpretative displays and expanding the gift shop.
Geotechnical drilling and testing on Marys Peak and Mt. Hebo
Beginning December 8, 2025 geotechnical drilling and testing will be conducted on Marys Peak (Central Coast Ranger District) and on Mt Hebo (Hebo Ranger District) near established communication sites.
Homestead Trailhead Closure
The Homestead trailhead accessing the Sweet Creek Trail (#1319) is closed until further notice due to significant damage to the boardwalk. The Sweet Creek Trail is accessible to the south via the Sweet Creek Falls Trailhead.
Forest-Wide Camping Restrictions
The following acts are prohibited in the areas described by this order within the administrative boundaries of the Siuslaw National Forest. This order will become effective upon signature and shall be in effect May 2nd, 2025, through May 1st, 2027 or until rescinded.
Beach restrictions in effect March 15 - Sept. 15 to protect nesting western snowy plover
Beachgoers are urged to help recovery efforts of the threatened western snowy plover by staying on the wet sand at snowy plover beaches during nesting season, March 15 – Sept. 15.
Road Closure on Forest Service Road (FSR) 1861
A landslide occurred on Nov. 12, 2021 closing multiple sections of Forest Service Road (FSR) 1861.
Alcohol Prohibition
This order prohibits possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcohol beverage by State law.
About
Carter Lake Campground is a family favorite destination in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, offering a unique camping experience where sand dunes meet a serene freshwater lake. Located on 28-acre Carter Lake at 100 feet elevation, the campground features campsites nestled among shore pine, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and native rhododendron hedges. Part of the campground is situated directly on the dunes where children love to play in the sand, while other sites provide lakeside access perfect for fishing, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the diverse landscape of the Oregon Dunes. The Carter Dunes Trail begins within the campground and leads hikers through wind-sculpted sand dunes that tower up to 500 feet above sea level before reaching the Pacific coast. Rainbow trout fishing is popular on Carter Lake, and the area is famous for its off-road vehicle riding trails. Nearby non-motorized hiking trails include Siltcoos Lake Trail and Threemile Creek Trail. Each campsite includes a campfire pit and picnic table, with paved parking aprons. Flush toilets and drinking water from a hand pump are provided.
Directions
From Florence, travel south on Highway 101 for 11 miles. Carter Lake Campground entrance is on the west side of Highway 101.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $22 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| 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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