Many RV parks near Siuslaw National Forest offer lake-based camping alternatives to coastal locations. Tenmile Lake in Lakeside provides year-round freshwater recreation with several RV parks along its shores, while inland locations typically experience less fog and warmer temperatures than coastal campgrounds. Both lake and coastal campgrounds in the region typically fill to capacity during summer holiday weekends.
What to do
Crabbing opportunities: Visitors at Sun Outdoors Coos Bay can borrow crab traps and use dedicated cleaning stations. "They have crab nets you can borrow and a crab cleaning and cooking station to use," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenience of on-site crabbing amenities.
Beach exploration: The mile-long wide beach at Sun Outdoors Coos Bay provides easy access for walking and tidepooling. "At low tide you can walk out to the tide pools where you can see various marine life including starfish," explains a camper who visited with family.
Boating and kayaking: Osprey Point RV Resort offers direct lake access for water activities. "Great water access for boating, canoeing, kayaking," states one visitor, while another mentions "Fishing and boating at your door" as key advantages of this lakeside location.
Dunes recreation: Proximity to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area makes several parks popular with ATV enthusiasts. "Dune attractions and dune vehicle rentals nearby," notes a visitor to Winchester Bay, where many campers bring off-road vehicles for sand adventures.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: North Lake Resort RV Park & Marina offers premium lakeside sites with utilities. "You can get a spot right on the lake with water and electric for $38. Lots of sites have sewer," explains one camper who appreciated the lakefront access without sacrificing amenities.
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain well-kept shower buildings and restrooms. "Bathrooms are clean and well kept," notes a visitor to Osprey Point, while another camper at Salmon Harbor Marina mentions "clean bathrooms and showers, lovely host" as standout features.
Quiet atmosphere: Several parks maintain noise regulations that create peaceful environments. North Lake Resort RV Park is noted for being "private but nice because they have a no radio rule," creating a quieter experience than some neighboring facilities.
Marina proximity: Campgrounds near marinas provide convenient access for boaters. "Short walk to pizza, fish, and shops. Lots of grassy areas for dogs," explains a visitor to Winchester Bay who appreciated the walkability to harbor amenities.
What you should know
Site spacing concerns: Most RV parks in the region feature closely spaced sites. At Thousand Trails South Jetty, reviewers note "the spaces were rather small. There was just enough room for our trailer, and not much else," though some loops offer better separation than others.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region, especially at lake-based parks. Areas near Florence and larger towns typically have stronger signals than more remote coastal and forest locations.
Seasonal flooding: Winter rainfall can affect campground conditions. At Thousand Trails South Jetty, one visitor advised: "The Oregon Coast had had a ton of rain in the last few weeks, so parts of the campground were under water" and suggested exploring the entire campground to find drier sites during rainy seasons.
Public land alternatives: For those seeking more privacy, dispersed camping is available in some areas of Siuslaw National Forest, though most coastal camping requires use of established campgrounds due to environmental protection regulations.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access camping: Windy Cove Campground offers family-friendly amenities near the shore. "This site DOES have bathrooms, showers, and a large playground. There is no privacy between the sites, be forewarned," notes one family who visited with children.
Swimming areas: North Lake Resort features dedicated swimming zones safe for children. "Nice swim beach. Kayak and boat rentals, laundry and nice staff. Very quiet!" says a visitor who recommended the lake-based option for families seeking alternatives to ocean beaches.
Indoor recreation options: Some parks offer rainy-day alternatives. Osprey Point RV Resort provides "pizza and pub. Probably the best pizza we have ever eaten," according to a recent visitor, along with a recreation room and arcade.
Educational opportunities: The nearby Umpqua Lighthouse State Park offers interpretive programs and exhibits. Several campgrounds serve as good base camps for exploring marine life, tidepools, and forest ecology with children through ranger-led programs during summer months.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Choose your site carefully based on size requirements. A visitor to Osprey Point notes that "spaces are pretty close together and turns are tight. There are some big rigs here, so it can work for you big guys," but recommends requesting specific sites if arriving with larger motorhomes.
Interior road navigation: Many parks have narrow access roads that require careful maneuvering. One camper at Osprey Point mentions "narrow lanes are very narrow" as their main concern when positioning their RV.
Off-season advantages: Winter travelers find most parks remain open year-round with reduced rates. "Winter travelers should note that while most parks remain open year-round, some amenities may be limited during off-season months," though availability of utilities remains consistent in most locations.
Leveling considerations: Site levelness varies considerably across parks. "Our site was a little unlevel, but ok," mentions a camper at Osprey Point, suggesting bringing additional leveling blocks, especially for older parks with less maintained pads.
