Umpqua Lighthouse State Park: Where the Dunes Meet the Sea
Discover a hidden gem on the Oregon coast. Camp beneath towering pines, explore the historic Umpqua River Lighthouse, and wander through the vast sand dunes of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Why Visit Umpqua Lighthouse State Park? This park offers a unique combination of coastal forest, freshwater lake, historic lighthouse, and access to the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Whether you're an RVer, tent camper, or looking for a cozy yurt or cabin, this park has something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is located less than a mile from the famous Salmon Harbor on Winchester Bay [citation:2]. The campground and developed day-use areas are centered around beautiful Lake Marie, a small freshwater lake open for fishing and non-motorized boating [citation:2][citation:4]. The park sits in a stunning stretch of towering sand dunes protected by the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area [citation:2].
For those interested in similar coastal experiences, you might also enjoy exploring beach camping options along the Oregon coast. If you prefer a more rugged experience, primitive camping sites offer a different kind of adventure.
Camping & Accommodations at Umpqua Lighthouse
The campground at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is open year-round and offers a variety of options to suit different camping styles. The small, quiet campground provides RV and tent campsites, along with cabin and yurt options [citation:4]. Showers and restrooms are centrally located and available to registered campers from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. [citation:4].
🏕️ Tent & RV Sites
- 12 Full Hookup Sites (Water, Electric, Sewer) [citation:4]
- 8 Electrical Sites with Water [citation:4]
- 23 Tent Sites with water nearby [citation:4]
- Hiker/Biker Camp available [citation:1][citation:4]
- All sites include a picnic table and fire pit [citation:1]
- Most sites have good cell service with ATT, Verizon, and T-Mobile [citation:1]
Rates: Tent sites starting around $29, full hookup from $33 (prices subject to change) [citation:1].
🏠 Yurts & Cabins
- 2 Rustic Yurts (1 pet-friendly) [citation:4]
- 2 Rustic Log Cabins (1 pet-friendly) [citation:4]
- 6 Deluxe Yurts (3 pet-friendly) [citation:4]
- 1 ADA Accessible Deluxe Yurt (#16) [citation:4][citation:12]
- Cabins and rustic yurts sleep 4-5 and have covered porches overlooking Lake Marie [citation:2][citation:4]
- Deluxe yurts include private bathroom, shower, kitchenette (fridge & microwave), and outdoor BBQ grill [citation:4][citation:12]
All yurts and cabins require reservations. Call 1-800-452-5687 or book online [citation:4].
If you're looking for places to camp with more amenities, this park is an excellent choice. For those traveling with an RV, the RV camp sites here offer a comfortable base. You might also compare this to private camping sites in the area for additional options.
Things to Do: Lighthouse, Trails & Dunes
🚨 Umpqua River Lighthouse
The current 65-foot lighthouse was built in 1894 and features a distinctive red and white flash pattern visible 19 miles out to sea [citation:3]. Tours are available seasonally (May–October) and include access to the lens room [citation:1][citation:3]. The adjacent Coastal Visitor Center has exhibits on local maritime history and is open year-round [citation:3].
Tours: $8 per person [citation:1]. Call (541) 271-4631 for information [citation:2].
🥾 Hiking Trails
- Lake Marie Nature Trail: Easy 1-mile loop around the lake, great for families and wildlife viewing [citation:3][citation:6][citation:10].
- Hall Lake Loop Trail: Easy 0.8-mile loop through coastal forest and dunes [citation:6][citation:10].
- John Dellenback Dunes Trail: Moderate 5.1-mile out-and-back through the Oregon Dunes to the Pacific Ocean [citation:6][citation:14]. Note: A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking [citation:14].
Dogs are allowed on leash on most trails [citation:6][citation:10].
🏜️ Oregon Dunes & Wildlife
The park borders the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, offering non-motorized dune walking, sand sledding, and photography [citation:3]. The dunes within the park are non-motorized only; OHV riding is available at nearby Umpqua Beach #3 [citation:3][citation:4].
Whale Watching: Gray whales migrate along the coast during Winter (late December) and Spring (late March) Whale Watch Weeks [citation:3]. Resident whales can be seen year-round.
For those who enjoy state park camping, Umpqua is one of Oregon's hidden treasures. If you're interested in exploring other state parks, check out state forest campgrounds for more options. The park's location also makes it a great base for group camping sites if you're planning a larger gathering.
Planning Your Visit
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Winchester Bay, Oregon (southern Oregon coast) |
| Season | Open year-round for camping and day use [citation:4][citation:5] |
| Reservations | Call 1-800-452-5687 or book online at ReserveAmerica [citation:4] |
| Pet Policy | Pets allowed on leash (6 ft max). Pet-friendly yurts and cabins available with a $10/night fee [citation:4] |
| Dump Station | No dump station on-site. Available at William Tugman Campground, ~5 miles south [citation:4] |
| Weather | Summer: mid-60s°F. Winter: 50s°F with significant rainfall [citation:5][citation:9] |
Pro-Tip from Campers: "There is a really windy, less cool campground at the bottom of the hill near the entry to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. Go up the hill. It will be worth it." [citation:1]
The park is less crowded than many Oregon coastal destinations, making it a quiet and peaceful getaway [citation:1][citation:2]. Reservations are recommended for yurts, cabins, and RV sites, especially during summer and whale watch weeks [citation:4].
More Oregon Coast Camping Guides
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For those traveling with an RV, RV resort campgrounds offer additional amenities. If you're looking for waterfront RV park options, the Oregon coast has several excellent choices.
