Camping near Siuslaw National Forest
Campgrounds along Oregon's central coast near Siuslaw National Forest range from established state parks to lakeside RV resorts. The region includes several year-round options like Eel Creek Campground in Lakeside and Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park near Florence. Many facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations also offering cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Sunset Bay State Park and William M. Tugman State Park provide electric hookups and showers, while Eel Creek Campground offers more primitive camping with drinking water and vault toilets but no hookups.
Access to many campgrounds requires advance planning, particularly during summer months when coastal sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, though amenities may be limited in winter. Several locations offer boat-in access in addition to drive-in sites, particularly those situated on coastal lakes like Tenmile Lake. Facilities vary considerably across the region, with state parks generally providing more amenities than forest service campgrounds. A visitor noted that "Eel Creek has been one of our favorite campgrounds over the years... the sites are amazing, the John Dellenback Dunes Trail is an absolute must, especially at Dawn or Dusk, it's an other-worldly experience."
The proximity to Oregon's dramatic dunes and coastal lakes represents a major draw for campers in this region. Waterfront access points at parks like Osprey Point RV Resort and Tenmile Lake County Campground receive consistently positive feedback. Campers report satisfaction with trails connecting campgrounds to the dunes, though hiking in sand can be challenging. Sites within Siuslaw National Forest typically offer more privacy between campsites compared to private RV parks. According to one visitor, "Eel Creek Campground was a pleasant surprise. Nestled among the giant sand dunes... sits this well-placed campground that has large, spacious and private campsites." Noise from OHV activity on the dunes can impact some campgrounds, particularly those near designated dune access points.
