The Oregon Dunes State Park and Oregon Dunes National Park are among the most unique features of the Oregon coast. Located near the beautiful coast, the sand dunes in Oregon are a favorite tourist spot because of the wide variety of recreational activities available and the unexpected beauty of the dunes. Suited for outdoor adventures, peaceful camping or retreating, or just enjoying natural surroundings, a trip to the Oregon Dunes complete any vacation to the Oregon coast.

WHAT ARE THE OREGON DUNES?

The Oregon dunes are a beautiful formation of shifting sand, often referred to as the American Sahara. They are caused by the extreme erosion and water evaporation over thousands of years. The Oregon coast dunes stretch over forty miles along the Oregon coast, beginning in the north with the Florence Oregon sand dunes and ending in the south at the Coos Bay dunes. The Oregon sand dunes are the largest coastal dunes in North America. Rising to up to 500 feet above sea level, this unusual formation is set against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful coasts in the Northwest. From the rising sand peaks to the island-like tree formations, the dunes in Oregon are one of the most ecologically diverse features in the United States. Combining shifting desert-type sands with coastal waters, lakes, streams and forests, the Oregon coast sand dunes are a must-see on any Oregon vacation.

OREGON DUNES CAMPING

There are three major sand camping areas on the Oregon dunes recreation facilities. The first is located in the north dunes called the Florence Oregon sand dunes. The two major camping sites in the Florence dune area are called Driftwood II and Honeyman State Park.

Driftwood offers 68 OHV slots for trailers or automobiles.

Honeyman boasts a close proximity to the ocean and dune access points as well as two freshwater lakes within its park borders.

Just south of Florence is the second major recreational area called Winchester Bay or the Umpqua Dunes. The largest camping area in the Winchester Bay dune area is called Discovery Point resort. The resort offers over 60 RV slots with complete hookups. Discovery Point is located just below the Umpqua lighthouse and very near the Umpqua dunes access point.

The southernmost Oregon dunes recreational area is located at Coos Bay. The Coos Bay dunes area offers several options for camping. The major camping areas are Spinreel OHV (Off-Highway motor Vehicle), Oregon Dunes KOA, Hauser Overflow OHV camp, Horsfall OHV, and Horsfall Beach OHV.

Spinreel OHV campsites are located eleven miles south of Reedsport and offer 36 auto, trailer, and tent sites.

Oregon Dunes KOA (Kampgrounds of America) is located further from the dune access than most of the other campgrounds, but boasts water, sewer, electric, and TV hookups on every campsite. Oregon Dunes KOA offers 62 large campsites that accommodate RV's and tents. Oregon Dunes KOA also has a selection of cabins available.

Hauser Overflow OHV is only used during Memorial Weekend, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day Weekend.

Horsfall OHV is located a mile and a half from North Bend. Horsfall OHV offers 70 OHV campsites.

Horsfall Beach OHV is also located a short distance from North Bend. Horsfall Beach consists of 41 OHV, automobile, and trailer sites.

Before planning a camping trip on the Oregon coast dunes, make sure to check out the local rules and regulations, costs, seasonal availability, and amenities. Also try to make reservations if possible. Many sand campgrounds do not accept reservations from October 1st to April 30th, and many sites require reservations during the summer months. Plan ahead to make sure and get the best camping site available. Check out the Internet websites for each campground to check out the cost, availability, reservation information, amenities and other particulars for each private campsite.

OREGON DUNE FEST

The Oregon Dune Fest is an annual event that usually takes place around the first week of August. This event is located on the sand dunes in Winchester Bay. During the day, Dune Fest has exciting racing and events for all ages, genders, and skill levels, such as moto-cross racing, barrel racing, dune drag racing, relay racing, and many more. Children can get involved, too. A variety of activities are available during the day just for children. One of the main activities for children involves a treasure hunt and dig on the dunes. At night, things heat up with concerts, dancing, and bonfires. Local DJs are invited to spin their stuff and acclaimed rock groups give a wild concert during the last night of the festivities. Every year the Annual Charity ATV Auction is held, raising money for various causes. More information about this year's event can be easily found on the Internet.

DUNES NATIONAL PARK

The Oregon Dunes National Park is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation

Area. The National Recreation Area consists of the sand dunes, coastal areas, rivers, lakes, streams, and forests located in the forty-mile stretch on the Oregon coast. Dunes National Park is only small part of the National Recreation Area established in Oregon. The Oregon Dunes National Park is a great place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, sand boarding, OHV use, and horseback riding. But the recreation area is also home to more solitary and relaxing pursuits, such as bird watching or trail walking. The National Park is shelter to many rare birds, such as endangered shore birds, osprey, bald eagles, and egrets. The ecological diversity found in the Dunes National Park creates a perfect sanctuary for many types of wildlife. Enjoy the conveniences of the local campgrounds and Oregon coast dune access points. Explore the natural wonder of the winding trails, and the beauty coastal waters. Camping is also available in the Dunes National Park. Campgrounds can be easily searched on the Internet and can accommodate most of the average vacation's camping needs. Campgrounds can be found that house RV parking and hookups, showers, water hookups, traditional tent camping, cabin camping, and nontraditional camping, such as teepees and covered wagon camping.