Overview
The Siltcoos sand camping area is located about seven miles south of Florence. This unique area is an off-road enthusiast's dream: Several designated off-road vehicle routes crisscross the dunes and forests, and there is also a large open riding area to the north of Siltcoos Beach Road. In addition to off-road vehicle riding, visitors can enjoy beachcombing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Siltcoos is located within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
These sites are only accessible to 4X4 vehicles on soft sand. Please plan accordingly.
Recreation
Off-road vehicle riding is the primary attraction in the Siltcoos area, with miles of designated trail and a large open riding zone. Elsewhere, Stagecoach Hiking Trailhead provides access to several non-motorized trails, including the accessible Lagoon Trail and the longer Waxmyrtle Trail. The Waxmyrtle Trail meanders through coastal shore pine forests and follows the Siltcoos River to the beach.
Visitors also enjoy playing in the surf and birding at the beach. A variety of shorebirds are often spotted on the shore. Seasonal whale-watching is also a popular activity.
Facilities
There are 16 sand campsites in the Siltcoos area. The campsites are year-round and can only be accessed by 4X4 vehicles. Standard sites accommodate up to 20 people and five vehicles. The group site accommodates up to 40 people and 10 vehicles. This is a popular facility and reservations are required for all sites at all times of the year. Within each campsite, all vehicles and tents must be positioned within 150 feet of the campsite marker post.
This camping area is primitive and provides no water, restrooms, or campfire rings. Visitors must bring their own water, portable toilets, and fire pans.
Natural Features
Campsites are located directly on the sand. The dunefield is known for its wind-sculpted sand dunes towering hundreds of feet above sea level. Throughout the Siltcoos area, open sand dunes are interspersed with coastal forest. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area features the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America.
Snowy plovers, a threatened species of small coastal bird, have a designated nesting habitat on Siltcoos Beach. Seasional closures apply.
Nearby Attractions
Additional nearby hiking opportunities include Siltcoos Lake Trail, Taylor Dunes Trail, and Tahkenitch Creek Trail. For a change of scenery, off-road vehicle enthusiasts can check out the riding areas at South Jetty. For boating and fishing, visit Siltcoos Lake, Carter Lake, or Sutton Lake.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area