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.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Alcohol Prohibition
This order prohibits possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcohol beverage by State law. For the purposes of this section, possession of alcoholic beverage includes: containment within a motor vehicle, tent, or other structure, by the owner, operator, or other person, having the authority…
Road Status and Closures
Always use caution when driving on forest roads. Road conditions vary and may be impacted by weather events. Please report issues to the nearest district office. For highway conditions, visit TripCheck.com.Road ClosuresCascade Head Road (FSR 1861) Road Closure FSR 1633 Road Road Delays and…
Cascade Head Road (FSR 1861) Closure Feb. 23 - March 31, 2026
The Siuslaw National Forest has issued a closure order to restrict pedestrian, bike and other foot traffic on Forest Service Road (FSR) 1861, also known as Cascade Head Road, beginning on February 23 through March 31, 2026. Additionally, a separate Forest Order prohibiting motor vehicles along FSR…
Cascade Head Road (FSR 1861) Motor Vehicle Traffic Closure
A landslide occurred on Nov. 12, 2021 closing multiple sections of Forest Service Road (FSR) 1861.The first landslide occurred about 100 feet west of Highway 101 on FSR 1861. The road is impassible and closed to vehicles. Hart’s Cove Trail #1303 can be accessed by hiking the Rainforest Trail…
Forest Service Road 1633 Road Closure
A section of Forest Service Road 1633 is closed for public safety.
Forest Road 25, 5840, 2127, 5840 Traffic Delays
Forest Service Road 25 and 5840 will have intermittent delays through April 2026 due to restoration work with heavy equipment. Delays should be limited to 20 minutes and most of the work will occur on week days. There will also be heavy truck traffic on the 25 coming out the 2127 to Indian Creek…
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.More Information
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.Beachgoers will see ropes that identify sensitive plover nesting areas, as well as signs that identify restrictions to…
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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