Guides/OHV areas
OHV area1,076 acresOpen dunes, ~3.5 miles of parabolic dune system trail midifficulty: difficult

Sand Lake Recreation Area

AgencyU.S. Forest ServiceLast verified—
Sand Lake Recreation Area — ohv area near Pacific City, Oregon
U.S. Forest Service - Siuslaw National Forest (A. Valladolid)
Area vitals8 facts
Size
1,076acres
Trail miles
Open dunes, ~3.5 miles of parabolic dune system
Technical difficulty
Difficult
Vehicle classes
4WD / SUV, ATV, UTV / Side-by-side, Sand rail / Dune buggy, Motorcycle
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Permit
Required
Fees
Day-use and camping fees at all developed sites. Open-sand fee at the day-use lots.
Cell coverage
Reliable at the campgrounds; intermittent in the deeper dune basins.
Take action
Plan in Epic PlansOpen in Google MapsOfficial site

Sand Lake Recreation Area covers 1,076 acres of coastal sand dunes on the Tillamook County coast, 15 miles southwest of Tillamook between Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. The Siuslaw National Forest manages the area, which sits between the 900-acre Sand Lake Estuary and the Pacific Ocean. Three developed campgrounds, a dispersed area, and two day-use staging lots provide access to the dunes year-round.

The Sand Lake dune system is open to street-licensed 4WD vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, sand rails, and motorcycles, with required Oregon ATV permits and whip flags. Tillamook County's Pacific City sits seven miles south for fuel and groceries; Tillamook is the closest larger town. The site stays open year-round, with peak weekends drawing crowds from spring through fall.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Rapid weather changes. Coastal fog and rain develop quickly. Visibility can drop to nearly nothing in minutes.
  • Buried obstacles. Storm-driven driftwood and debris bury under sand. Slow down through unfamiliar bowls.
  • Tide cycles. The beach access at the dunes' north end closes at high tide. Check tide tables.
  • Estuary closure boundaries. Tidal flats are closed to motor use to protect nesting habitat. Signed boundaries; respect them.
  • Sand collapse on steep faces. Avoid driving cross-grade on steeper slipfaces. Approach straight on.
  • Crowded weekends. Holiday weekends pack the staging lots. Reserve sites well in advance for July 4.

Area map

OHV area

Coordinates 45.29000, -123.96500

Area facts

6 fields
AgencyU.S. Forest Service
Nearest townPacific City, Oregon
PermitOregon ATV operating permit required (state-issued). Whip flag required on all vehicles in the dunes.
Agency contact541-750-7000
Websitewww.fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/recreation/sand-lake-recreation-area
Coordinates45.29000, -123.96500

Getting there

Directions

The Sand Lake Recreation Area sits along Oregon's north coast 15 miles southwest of Tillamook, between Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. Three developed campgrounds, a dispersed camping area, and a day-use staging area access the dunes and beach.

From Pacific City: From Highway 101, take Brooten Road into Pacific City. Turn left onto Pacific Ave at the four-way stop, cross the bridge, then right onto Cape Kiwanda Drive. Follow Cape Kiwanda Drive 2.3 miles; it changes to Sandlake Road (County Road 871). Stay on Sandlake Road 5.2 miles, then turn left onto Galloway Road. Follow Galloway 2.3 miles to Forest Road 1131 on the left.

From Tillamook: Head south on Highway 101 for 11 miles to County Road 871 (Sand Lake Road). Head west 4 miles to the stop sign, turn left on County Road 871 (Sandlake Road), continue 1 mile, then turn right on Galloway Road.

Photos

2 photos

Photos · 2

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The recreation area runs along Galloway Road on the Tillamook County coast. From US-101 at Hebo or Beaver, follow signed county roads west to Sandbeach Road. The three campgrounds — Sandbeach (81 sites), East Dunes (61 sites), and West Winds (18 sites) — line the access roads. Two day-use lots provide staging for vehicle riders without overnight stays. The Siuslaw National Forest's Hebo Ranger District manages the area.

What to Ride

The dune system is a parabolic field, with the wind constantly reshaping ridges and bowls. The northern end runs into open beach; the southern end abuts the Sand Lake Estuary's tidal flats. Most of the 1,076 acres is open to motor use, with a few signed closure zones to protect estuary nesting habitat. The primary attraction is open-sand riding rather than trails — the dunes refresh with each storm and there is no marked trail system inside.

Coastal weather is the operating constraint. Fog rolls in heavy summer mornings, lifts midday, and returns by evening. Winter storms drive sand inland and reshape the bowls. The site rides best in shoulder season — April through June and September through October — when crowds are lighter and weather is workable.

Camping

  • Sandbeach Campground. 81 sites with dune access; reservations through Recreation.gov.
  • East Dunes Campground. 61 sites with direct dune access from each loop.
  • West Winds Campground. 18 sites, smaller and quieter.
  • Derrick Road Dispersed. Walk-in or short-drive dispersed camping area.
  • Day-use lots. Two staging lots for non-camping riders.

Reserve early for July 4 weekend; the Forest Service requires advance reservations for July 3, 4, and 5 specifically due to crowds.

Permits and Rules

All vehicles in the dunes require an Oregon ATV operating permit (state-issued). Whip flags are required on all vehicles. Speed limits, helmets, and vehicle-modification rules follow Oregon ATV regulations administered by the State Marine Board. Day-use and camping fees apply at all sites including the open-sand area.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Air down for soft sand. Stock street pressures get stuck in minutes.
  • Watch the tide if riding the beach segment; some of the open beach access closes at high tide.
  • Fog can drop visibility to 50 feet midmorning. Stay close to your group and use whip flags.
  • The estuary's tidal flats are closed to motor use; signed boundaries are clear at the south end.
  • The dunes shift constantly; familiar lines from a prior visit may not run the same way after a storm.
  • Pacific City has the closest fuel; Tillamook has the closest hospital.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Sand Lake Recreation Area?
Sand Lake Recreation Area is rated difficult.
When is the best time to visit Sand Lake Recreation Area?
The best months are Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct.
Do you need a permit for Sand Lake Recreation Area?
Yes — a permit is required. It is managed by U.S. Forest Service — check the agency listing for current requirements and fees.
Is there cell service at Sand Lake Recreation Area?
Reliable at the campgrounds; intermittent in the deeper dune basins.