The Dunes south of Winchester Bay are the most magnificent on the Oregon Coast.  They are also the most dangerous for riders. Steep hills, quicksand, and shifting winds make the area treacherous for even the most experienced riders. The Winchester Bay-Umpqua Dunes are situated south of Winchester Bay. This riding area has the tallest sand dunes in Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area.

This area can be accessed by Umpqua Beach. A ride to the top of the tall dunes offers an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. There is a sense of wonder and beauty found on these dunes.  A few miles south of “third beach” the dunes stretch for miles - a vast wonderland of isolation and peace. The campgrounds in this area are Discovery Point, Salmon Harbor Resort and Windy Cove.

A Dune Fest is held yearly in Winchester Bay in late July or early August. Some of the famous places in Winchester Dunes are:

1. Windy Cove Campground
This is a county park with 24 full hookup sites and 4 other sites with electric service only.  It is located on the south side of Salmon Harbor Drive, across from the Winchester Bay marina.  Facilities include rest rooms with flush toilets, picnic tables, grass and paved site pads. It is legal to drive your sand rail from this campground directly to the dunes but it is a couple of miles on the pavement.

2. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
This is on the hill above the dunes.  You will need to trailer back and forth to the dunes. Features include 22 full hookup sites, 42 tent sites, cabins/yurts, a freshwater lake with fishing, boating and swimming, and hiking trails.  The nearby lighthouse is operational and worth visiting.

3. Marina RV Resort
This is new, up-scale RV Park run by the Salmon Harbor Marina, designed primarily for motor homes.  There is not much room for trailers in the camp area.  Facilities include 56 full hookup sites, laundry, TV cable, waterfront view/fishing.

4. Salmon Harbor Marina  and RV
This place has 370 spots to park overnight on the pavement with showers, Deep sea charters, 700 boat slips and a boat launch but there are no tents and hookup available in this area. Fresh fish, oysters, pizza / beer are nearby.  There is room for the longest combined vehicle lengths. You will need to trailer back and forth to the dunes.

5. Half Moon Bay Campgrounds
This campground is located on Highway 101 three miles south from Reedsport to Winchester Bay. Here you will find 45 campsites and five group sites that can be reserved in advance.

These are some of the special features and places of Winchester Bay Dunes Area.

Tags: famous places in Winchester Dunes, sand dunes, winchester bay dune guide