The Oregon dunes are found south of Florence and north of Coos Bay, Charleston and North Bend. The Siuslaw River marks the northern boundary of the dunes at Florence. The Umpqua River flows into Winchester Bay and the ocean, at the town of Reedsport, dividing the dunes stretch into two halves.

This largest area of Dunes in America lies between the Pacific Ocean and The Coast Mountains. In some places the dunes extend 2.5 miles inland and some are as high as 500 feet. Situated near the beautiful coast, the sand dunes in Oregon are a beloved tourist spot because of the wide variety of recreational activities available and the astonishing beauty of the dunes.

The Oregon Dunes State Park and Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are best for outdoor adventures, peaceful camping and retreating.

Features of Oregon dunes
The dunes are not made of just sand. There is water, coming down from the mountains, emptying into the ocean and creating marshy estuaries which harbor water birds and amphibians, among many other animals. The Oregon dunes are a stunning formation of shifting sand, often called the American Sahara. They are caused by the extreme erosion and water evaporation over thousands of years.

The Oregon sand dunes are the largest coastal dunes in North America. 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.

Camping Trip to the Dunes

There are three major sand camping areas on the Oregon dunes recreation facilities.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The southernmost Oregon dunes recreational area is located at Coos Bay. The Coos Bay dunes area offers several options for camping.

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.

Oregon Dune Festival
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 and relay racing.

Local DJs are invited to entertain 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.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes 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. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a great place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, sand boarding, OHV use, and horseback riding.

The Recreation Area is shelter to many rare birds, such as endangered shore birds, osprey, bald eagles, and egrets. The ecological diversity found in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area creates a perfect sanctuary for many types of wildlife.

These are some things that makes Oregon dunes a really adventurous and exciting destination for many tourists.

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