East Dunes Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area
Open — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Sites 1-35 can be reserved up to 14 days in advance, while sites 40-61 can be reserved up to six months in advance. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days. During Fourth of July weekend, a special vehicle ticket system is required for Sand Lake Recreation Area.
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
East Dunes Campground is located in the Sand Lake Recreation Area within the Siuslaw National Forest, providing year-round access to nearly 1,100 acres of coastal sand dunes. The 61-site campground is designed primarily for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, with paved parking aprons and direct dune access making it ideal for OHV riders. The campground has a split reservation system: sites 1-35 in the Lower East Dunes area can be reserved up to 14 days prior to arrival, while sites 40-61 in the Upper East Dunes area can be reserved up to six months in advance. Sites 36-39 are first-come, first-served day-use sites only. All stays are limited to 14 days. The campground features drinking water, flush toilets, and campfire rings. Cell phone service is limited in the area. The Sand Lake Recreation Area sits adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and includes forests, dunes, and the Sand Lake Estuary. The estuary offers additional recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, crabbing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The climate has strong marine influences with cool summers and moderate winters. All motorized vehicles on sand must adhere to Oregon OHV regulations, and no OHV riding is permitted between midnight and 6 a.m. Note that during Fourth of July weekend, a special ticketing system is in place for the Sand Lake Recreation Area.
Directions
From Tillamook: Follow Highway 101 south for 11 miles to Sandlake Road (County Road 871). Turn right onto Sandlake Road and travel 4 miles to a stop sign. Turn left to stay on Sandlake Road, then travel 1 mile to Galloway Road. Turn right onto Galloway Road and follow for 2.3 miles to the entrance of Sandlake Recreation Area. Continue straight 282 feet and the entrance for East Dunes Campground is on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
- West Winds Campground 0.1mi
- Sandbeach Campground 0.2mi
- Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area 0.2mi
- Cape Lookout State Park 4.6mi
- Hebo Lake Campground 8.8mi
- Castle Rock Group Campground 10.0mi
- Devils Lake State Recreation Area 22mi
- Rocky Bend Group Campground 17mi
- Alder Glen Recreation Site 18mi
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (503) 392-5100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!