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Camping

Established Camping

Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground

Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground, near Florence, Oregon, is a peaceful spot that invites you to unwind and soak in the beauty of nature. With designated sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s perfect for those cozy campfire evenings.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including restrooms that visitors appreciate. Many campers rave about the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a quiet getaway. One happy camper noted, “The campground was quiet and very relaxing,” which sums up the vibe here perfectly.

If you’re up for some adventure, there’s a lovely trail at the back of the campground that leads you all the way to the beach, where you can hunt for beautiful shells. Plus, the small lake is great for kayaking or just floating around, adding a splash of fun to your stay.

While the sites are on the smaller side, they offer just the right amount of privacy, and you won’t have to deal with noisy dune buggies like at some other spots. Whether you’re camping in a tent or RV, this campground is a solid choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quality time outdoors.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Siuslaw National Forest

Overview

Carter Lake Campground is a family favorite in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This campground is located on Carter Lake, perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating. The Carter Dunes Trailhead is located within the campground, and the Pacific coast is just a short drive away.

Recreation

Hike the Carter Dune Trail, which attracts campers and locals alike. Fishing for rainbow trout is a good way to pass the time, and canoeing and kayaking are excellent on Carter Lake. The dunes region is also famous for off-road vehicle riding trails.

Facilities

Hike the Carter Dune Trail, which attracts campers and locals alike. Fishing for rainbow trout is a good way to pass the time, and canoeing and kayaking are excellent on Carter Lake. The dunes region is also famous for off-road vehicle riding trails.

Natural Features

Campsites are nestled among shore pine, sitka spruce, and Douglas fir, with hedges of rhododendron. Carter Lake spans 28 acres at an elevation of 100 feet. The campground is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, known for its wind-sculpted sand dunes towering up to 500 feet above sea level.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 271-6000.

Nearby Attractions

Carter Lake Campground is located near several non-motorized hiking trails, including Siltcoos Lake Trail and Threemile Creek Trail. Visitors can also use the campground as a base to explore the area's waterways, including the Pacific Ocean, Tahkenitch Lake, and Siltcoos Lake.

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.__

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Location

Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Florence, travel south on Highway 101 for about 10 miles. The entrance to Carter Lake Campground is on the west (right) side of Highway 101.

Coordinates

43.8566667 N
124.1461111 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 26, 2023

Great quiet campground to relax!

We stayed at camp spot 8. It’s the closest spot to the lake. The lake is small but very beautiful and easy kayaking/floating. The campground was quiet and very relaxing. Restrooms were clean. Fire pit and picnic table at site. There’s a trail at the back of the campground where you can walk all the way to the beach and find beautiful shells! 100% recommend if your looking for nice quiet getaway!

Site8
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground by Lacey J., April 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground by Lacey J., April 26, 2023
  • Review photo of Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground by Lacey J., April 26, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2022

Nice spot for a stop

We enjoyed our stay here but it was nothing spectacular. Facilities we’re clean and our spot had a fire ring and picnic table. For the price we appreciated what it had to offer.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground by Riley N., October 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground by Riley N., October 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground by Riley N., October 1, 2022
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 22, 2021

Nice Spot

Get a site above the lake; great access and just the right amount of privacy. Unlike some camp sites in the area, this one doesn’t have dune buggy noise.

Month of VisitJuly
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Reviewed Aug. 2, 2018

Flush toilets, close to Oregon dunes!

Sites are small but there is plenty of wood to collect for a fire. No wood sold at the site, no soap in the bathrooms so bring Purell! Very convenient to hiking at the Dunes.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground by Lindsay M., August 2, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground?

    Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground?

    There are 21 campsites at Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts