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Eel Creek Campground sits among coastal shrubbery on the edge of the sandy dunes of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Eel Creek attracts campers who plan to do more than off-road vehicle riding during their visit to the dunes. Hikers and birders are attracted to the peaceful atmosphere of the campground. The most popular trail here is the John Dellenback Dunes Trail, which guides hikers through the scenic dunes to the Pacific beach. The section of dunes in the Umpqua Dune Area features spectacular heights, and the area is one of the easiest locations for pedestrian beach access. Recreation The John Dellenback Dunes Trail takes hikers on a 2.7-mile (one way) trek from a conifer forest across the open dunes to the beach on the Pacific Ocean. To private vistas of fresh water lakes like Threemile Lake. The trail finishes at a beach on the Pacific. This hike makes for an incredible workout, due to tall dunes and soft sand. Quality wildlife watching is also a feature of the campground. Facilities The campground is divided into a North and South Loop. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water and a self pay station. A campground host is on hand and an amphitheater sits between the two loops. This campground has 51 sites, 38 are reservable and the rest are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Natural Features Most sites are secluded and private due to dense shrubbery like rhododendrons and Salal. Sites 7, 8, 42 and 43 are perched on the sand of the dunes. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, in the southern end of Siuslaw National Forest, is known for its wind-sculpted sand dunes towering up to 500 feet above sea level. Nearby Attractions Visit Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, along Lake Marie. The Umpqua River Lighthouse stands on the site where the first lighthouse on the Oregon Coast was built in 1857. The current lighthouse dates back to 1890. ADA Access: N
From Reedsport, Oregon travel south 10 miles to the Eel Creek Campground. Campground entrance is located on west side of Highway 101 at mile post 222.
$22 per night for single unit, two vehicle limit
Right on the trailhead for John Dellenback Dunes trail. Took us about 5 hours round-trip to walk across the dunes, out to the beach, and back. Absolutely worth the effort, it's one of the coolest ~6 miles hikes I've ever been on, and few people walk the full ~2 miles across the dunes, so you'll likely have the huge beach at the end totally to yourself.
If you want a secluded campground THIS IS THE ONE! Campsites were very spread out and completely surrounded by trees and bushes. It felt much nicer and quieter than the campgrounds that pack in as many sites as possible. Also right next to the dunes with a trail leading up to them. I would definitely come back here.
Tugman campground is ok no sewer hookups but it does have a dump station. When we got to the campground someone was still in our spot. After check out time. Looked like he had by there for quite a while. Lots of junk laying around everywhere. We knocked on the door. When the man opened the door trash tumbled out as well. He had no tow vehicle either. So we found a park ranger who put us and our friends in a different site all next to each other. So grateful. That man did not leave until 10:30pm. To many homeless, don't care minded people are camping and vandalizing our beautiful state parks. They had to shut the restrooms down because of all the vandalism done. It's getting bad.
Campsites are well kept. We stayed 2 nights tent for $44. No wood for sale on site when we went. But clean bathrooms!!!! And a great hike walking distance close!!!!
