Camping cabins near Lakeside, Oregon offer visitors direct access to Tenmile Lake, Oregon's fourth largest freshwater lake spanning over 1,600 acres with nearly 42 miles of shoreline. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-55°F with high precipitation, while summer averages 60-75°F with significantly less rainfall. Many cabins in the area serve as convenient base camps for accessing the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which extends 40 miles along the coast.
What to do
Lighthouse tours: 5 miles from Lakeside at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground, visitors can explore maritime history. "The Umpqua Lighthouse is lovely. Museum and tours are great. Souvenir shop is unique and staff all over the park are informative and friendly," notes Laura H.
Fishing: Multiple species year-round at Tenmile Lake, which is accessible directly from several cabin properties. "Caught about a dozen fish in the lake!" reports Alicia and Cory S. from their stay at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.
Sand boarding: Rental equipment available at several locations near the dunes. "We rented sand boards for $10 a day and had a blast sand boarding," shares Carson C. from their visit to Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park Campground.
Lake activities: Rentals on-site at Tenmile Lake including kayaks, paddleboards, and boats. "Eel lake was a lot of fun!! Good fishing from the dock as well as from our kayaks and SUP boards," mentions Eric N. about their William M. Tugman experience.
What campers like
Hot showers: Free at many locations provide comfort regardless of weather conditions. "Showers were cleaned very frequently, which I found comforting given there's a pandemic," notes Kendra L. about her stay at William M. Tugman State Park Campground.
Privacy features: Natural barriers between sites at select campgrounds. "Our site had some lovely privacy hedges around it," Kendra L. adds about Tugman Park, while another camper mentions that Sunset Bay has "campsites fairly private, separated from each other by thick hedges."
Trails for all abilities: Various options including flat lake loops and coastal pathways. "Nice one mile trail around Lake Marie, perfect for my dog," writes Alicia and Cory S. Trails around Eel Lake are also described as "beautiful" by multiple visitors.
Indoor amenities: Available during poor weather at several locations with cabin accommodations. "The kitchen had an almost full sized fridge, a microwave, and a sink," explains Nancy H. about the deluxe yurts at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.
What you should know
Cabin reservations: Book early as availability becomes limited especially for specialized accommodations. A Sunset Bay visitor advises, "Beautiful and clean campgrounds. Lots of retirees in rvs. Showers are hot and nice. Big spaces but right next to each other. Also offer yurts."
Weather fluctuations: Coastal conditions can change rapidly, affecting camping comfort. "It was cold but we were much more prepared. The lighthouse is an awesome site," mentions Matt M. from Sunset Bay State Park Campground.
Site limitations: Variable levels of privacy depending on location and campground selection. "A bit surprised when we got there to find the tent site was very small, I mean small," reports Cliff M. about their Umpqua Lighthouse experience.
Noise factors: Location-dependent with some areas experiencing more activity. "We had some incredibly noisy neighbors," notes Melissa L. about Tugman, while others mention highway noise at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple locations offer dedicated children's areas near cabin accommodations. "The campground has a nice small loop with a hill that the kids loved to ride their bikes around and zoom by our site," reports John H. from Bastendorff Beach Park.
Junior activities: Ranger-led programs available seasonally at state parks. "This campground has everything and more! My only regret is making this the first campground in my family's camping experience, the bar was set way high!" exclaims Elly A. about Sunset Bay.
Learning opportunities: Nature and history exhibits provide educational components. "We did our annual dad camp with kids and no moms allowed here and really enjoyed it," John H. shares about Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.
Site selection: Reserve specific areas with family-friendly amenities. "It was great for kids. You can buy firewood. You are a little close to your neighbors, but I really enjoyed camping here," notes Danielle S.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: Various options available for those seeking structured accommodations. "This is a nice, clean, and quiet campground. Park staff was actually being very proactive in making sure park rules were followed, and helpful if we had any questions," shares Nick H. about Riley Ranch.
Hookup specifics: Electrical and water availability varies by location. "Stayed in site B33 for a few nights in July 2020. The sites are kind of small for tent camping, and a few are a little too open for my taste," mentions Kendra L. about Tugman State Park.
Leveling challenges: Bring equipment as some sites require adjustment. "Notice the asphalt spaces were not very level. Most RV/Campers had to use blocks to level out," advises Cindy U. regarding William M. Tugman State Park.
Cabin comfort: Heating options important during coastal seasons. "The large skylight had lovely star viewing when the clouds cleared. Since it was the middle of the week in February there was no noise from the surrounding ATV area," explains Nancy H.
