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
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
Drinking water and flush toilets are available and each site has a campfire pit, picnic table, and trash. Parking aprons are paved.
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.
Location
Siuslaw National Forest Carter Lake Campground is located in Oregon
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
Detours Nearby
Tyee Campground (umpqua River)
1 hr 4 min away
Royal Heart Hill
1 hr 30 min away
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 users- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 users
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
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
