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Siuslaw/Eel Creek Campground
Overview
Eel Creek Campground offers a serene escape within the Siuslaw National Forest, specifically tucked inside the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This is not a high-density resort; instead, it provides a quiet coastal experience surrounded by ancient forests and towering sand dunes. Visitors come here to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature along the rugged Oregon Coast. The park is managed by the Forest Service, ensuring a natural and well-preserved environment for those looking to experience the Pacific Northwest in its rawest form.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just off Highway 101 near Lakeside, the campground is immersed in a landscape of shore pines and rhododendrons. The environment is defined by its proximity to the Umpqua Dunes, offering a unique blend of forest shade and sandy expanses. Because this specific area is designated for non-motorized use, the atmosphere remains exceptionally peaceful, free from the roar of off-road vehicles found in other parts of the dunes. The coastal air and the sound of distant surf create a relaxing backdrop for any stay.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a dry camping facility, meaning there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs. Each site features a paved or gravel parking pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Facilities include vault toilets and drinking water stations distributed throughout the loops. The sites are generally spacious and private, carved into the coastal shrubbery to provide a sense of seclusion. While there are no showers or dump stations on-site, the large, well-spaced sites accommodate a variety of rig sizes, though smaller to mid-sized units find the best fit.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the John Dellenback Dunes Trail, which begins right at the campground and leads hikers through lush forest and across massive open dunes to the Pacific Ocean. Just a short drive away, Eel Lake at William M. Tugman State Park offers excellent opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming in calm waters. The nearby town of Lakeside provides basic services and access to the larger Tenmile Lakes system, which is popular for motorized boating and coastal recreation.
Who This Park Is Best For
Eel Creek is ideal for boondockers and nature lovers who value quiet and direct trail access over luxury amenities. It is a perfect fit for camper vans, truck campers, and smaller trailers looking for a tranquil basecamp to explore the unique ecology of the Oregon Dunes. If you prefer the sound of wind through the pines and starry night skies over the hum of a crowded RV park, this campground will perfectly suit your travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Gabriel Cabrejas
The most amazing place. Friendly staff, decent facilities (but no showers). The dunes nearby are absolutely surreal. I will be back.
simplelife_seeker
Great campground! Sydney, the host (Summer 2025) was so friendly! The grounds themselves were spotless and my neighbors were very respectful and quiet! 🙌 There are other campgrounds in the area with lots of ATVs…this was NOT one of them. There’s NO out-of-state fee for booking a site, but you must book online. I paid $22/night plus a one time reservation fee of $8 in the summer of 2025. No hook-ups, but there are several dumpsters, potable water spigots and flush toilet bathrooms scattered around the campground. During my 3 day visit, there were lots of tent campers and small RVs (under 25”). The sites are smaller and lots appear to be back in, I could imagine the large trees would make parking difficult for huge RVs with slides 🤷♀️ . **IF YOU NEED SOLAR** Sites 4, 5, 6, 9, and 46 seem to get a lot of sunlight. Otherwise the sites are shaded by beautifully established trees. I’ll attach some of the good “solar” sites for reference. Cell service: Verizon worked flawlessly throughout campground.
Laura H
Very quiet and relaxing. Each site is private with plenty of space. There are bathrooms. No hookups at the sites. $25 a night which is great when there is little to no boondocking in this area.
Greg Hj
First time camping here. Very nice little campground. The sites are very nice. Many sites have secluded firepits and tent areas. If you plan to hike over the dunes to the beach, e ready for a long hike in the sand.
M Will
We stayed for a week in our 30' class A, and it was what we expected. It was never too busy, and the site was plenty big enough for our vehicles to fit (although the side clearance was close with slides out). We really liked that every site was mostly private but several of the sites you can get through the bushes to your neighbor. The bathrooms were VERY clean, and the hosts kept everything orderly. The only suggestion I have for improvement would be to improve the road itself. There are many sizeable dips that flooded during our stay and left about 12" of standing water. If you want your own private access to dunes and a quick drive to most conevniences, this is a great campground. Highly recommend