Escape Into Oregon's Sandy Dunes At This RV Park With Nearby Hikes, Beaches, And Seafood

Situated on the edge of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Umpqua Dunes RV Park in Winchester Bay offers a cozy retreat for those seeking adventure and stunning coastal beauty. This hidden gem lies within one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes worldwide, stretching 40 miles from Florence to Coos Bay. The park's unique location is a blend of sand dunes, forest, and oceanic landscapes that create a unique backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and RV travelers. 

In 2023, the RV park went under renovation adding new accommodations and amenities. Campers can choose from 62 full hook-up RV sites, three group camp sites, and five cabins. Cabins are equipped with modern amenities like electric fireplaces, mini fridges, microwaves, plentiful outlets, and can sleep up to eight people. With a pet-friendly policy, showers, a laundry facility, high-speed internet, and a convenience store on-site, Umpqua Dunes RV Park might make it hard to go elsewhere. Regardless of the length of your stay, the park offers a one-of-a-kind experience with direct access to Half Moon Bay Beach, the Umpqua River, and the sand dunes, and plenty of opportunities to escape into nature and explore the food scene.

If you're up for a coastal hiking adventure, hiking around the Oregon Sand Dunes is a unique and inspiring experience. Most of the recreation area within the dunes is designed for off-highway vehicles (OHVs), or dune buggies, and Umpqua Dunes RV Park is a chief jumping off point for the OHV community. If you don't have your own OHV but want to give this a spin, you can rent an dune buggy from Ridin' Dirty Rentals in Winchester Bay.

There are plenty of hiker-only trails offering peaceful exploration of the undulating, shapeshifting dunes and coastal forests. One of the most popular hikes is the Oregon Dunes Loop Trail, a 2-mile round-trip experience that leads to the beach and a scenic viewing area overlooking the Pacific Ocean. From here, hikers can choose their own adventure, either turning around and backtracking, or following the coast south for another 1.5 miles to an exit point leading back through the dunes to the trailhead. Since the sand dunes are constantly changing due to wind and natural elements, there isn't a permanent trial to follow. Instead, visitors can keep track of the large, wooden post markers stuck in the sand to keep them on track. Since the sand is soft, hiking might become strenuous and slow, so allow extra time for the experience and enjoy the slow pace of living along the beautiful Pacific Northwest coastline.

Other notable coastal hiking areas nearby include the John Dellenback Dunes Trail to the south, and the Tahkenitch Dunes to the north, both providing access to coastal habitats where visitors might encounter local wildlife like seabirds, gray whales, bald eagles, and Roosevelt elk. The Umpqua Dunes Area offers shoreline perfect for beachcombing, picnicking, and building sandcastles.

After a long day of hiking or playing in the sand, you'll likely work up an appetite and, fortunately, the local food scene does not disappoint. Winchester Bay and nearby coastal towns are home to some of the freshest seafood eateries. In the neighboring town of Reedsport, Big Fish Cafe is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Operating out of a repurposed coast guard ship, the menu features freshly-caught seafood and classic dishes. (Make sure you try their award-winning clam chowder!)

Further north in Florence, restaurants such as The Waterfront Depot elevate the dining experience with an upscale ambiance and creative coastal cuisine. Choose from fresh seafood like crab, calamari, ahi tuna, and more while you dine in this historic train station turned restaurant nestled against the Suislaw River. If an island twist is what you're after, head to The Hukilau, where Hawaiian island-style specialties make the menu, along with creative sushi rolls, and the classic burger and fries. For dessert or a refreshing treat on a hot day, check out BJ's Ice Cream Parlor for handmade, old fashioned ice cream, shakes, floats, and salt water taffy. With options ranging from seafood delicacies to island specialties, the area surrounding the Umpqua Dunes RV Park provides a culinary landscape sure to please any palate. If you're looking for a more luxurious RV getaway, this is a great option in the Northwest.