Top Ways to Experience the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Tue, May 20, 2025

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The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, a rare combination of forest, ocean, and desert, is one of our most unique and treasured natural destinations on Oregon’s Adventure Coast.

Whether you’re uncovering rare natural treasures on our undeveloped beaches , reeling in the catch of the day on a top-notch fishing expedition, enjoying a live musical performance at a local pub or gaming at one of our casinos, Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston offers visitors unique “under-the-radar” experiences you will never forget.

However, if there’s one thing that belongs on your Oregon travel bucket list, it’s a visit to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area , the largest stretch of coastal dunes in North America and our region’s most iconic landscape. Spanning 32,186 acres of dunes, forests, winding streams, and lakes from Coos Bay to Florence, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is built for adventure. Whether you’re tearing across the sand on a quad or ATV , hiking rugged trails , capturing amazing photos, or camping out, there’s something here for every kind of explorer.

Many visitors say the dunes are the highlight of their trip. Some even describe the experience as stepping into another world. Once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why.

With the 10th anniversary of UTV Takeover happening June 24 to 29, 2025, it’s the perfect time to spotlight this bucket-list destination.

WHEN TO VISIT

The best times to explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston are late spring through early fall, when the weather is mild and conditions are ideal for riding, hiking, and camping.

Late Spring (May–June) – Fewer crowds, but still some rain.
Summer (July–August) – Best weather but busiest season.
Early Fall (September–October) – Beautiful and less crowded, but nights are chillier.

TOP EXPERIENCES

Here are some recommended points of interest to help you get the full experience of the beautiful Oregon Dunes and build memories that last a lifetime:

#1 EXPLORE VIA OFF-ROAD VEHICLE

One of the more popular ways to explore the Oregon Dunes is on a thrilling ATV or OHV ride . If you don’t own one, there are multiple businesses that offer rentals. All you need is a driver’s license and a sense of adventure!

ATV Equipment Rentals and Tours

Here are some local businesses that have been recommended for ATV/UTV, Sand Board & Sled Rentals, and tours.

Dune Bug ATV Rentals- Behind Myrtlewood Factory at Hauser and Hwy 101, North Bend. www.oregondunebugrentals.com/home.htm
Spinreel Dune Buggy & ATV Rentals, Inc- 67045 Spinreel Rd, North Bend. www.ridetheoregondunes.com
Steve’s ATV Rental - 68512 US-101, North Bend. www.stevesatvrentals.com

North Bend offers the largest riding area on the Oregon Coast, stretching from Spinreel Campground to Horsfall Road, just north of Coos Bay. Here’s how to make the most of your ride:

Choose the right vehicle. Rental options vary, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or check reviews to find the best fit for your skill level and comfort.
Book a guided tour. First-timers consistently rave about Spinreel’s Follow Me Tours . You’ll drive a rented vehicle while following a seasoned guide on a curated route that highlights the best views and terrain. It’s a favorite splurge among TripAdvisor reviewers.
Ride to the beach. If you’re going unguided, head toward Horsfall Beach for wide-open sand, ocean views, and a nearly empty stretch of shoreline. Start from Box Car Hill to access the Horsfall Dunes—a spacious area perfect for riding with direct access to the beach.
Give yourself time. Plan for at least two hours of ride time. That’s usually enough for beginners to explore the dunes, reach the beach, and take in stunning views of the ocean, lakes, and forests. Be sure to budget extra time for check-in and safety orientation—your ride officially starts once rental location staff clear you to go.

Featured Event UTV TAKEOVER June 24-29, 2025

“This year, for our 10th anniversary, we’re pushing the boundaries even further, creating bigger, better experiences that will help build memories for generations to come.” - UTV Takeover

UTV Takeover is a family-friendly celebration of the off-road lifestyle happening June 24th through 29th at Boxcar Hill Campground . The annual event draws more than 30,000 attendees each year, bringing the ATV community, vendors, and sponsors together for a high-energy, adventure-filled experience on Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, and Charleston.

Launched in 2015 to create a family-focused off-road event, UTV Takeover has grown into the fastest-growing and most dynamic off-road series in the country.

Here are some of the reasons why it’s a can’t-miss event:

Epic competitions like Huckfest, Wheeliefest, Rallyfest, short course racing, rock crawling, and expanded sand drags
Laid-back fun including mini-games, blind bandit runs, tire toss, treasure hunts, and tailgating
Vendor Row is packed with top off-road brands and gear
Daily thrills for all skill levels with activities for the entire family
Support for veterans through partnerships with organizations like the American Legion, AMVETS, and Fishing Veterans of America
And of course, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, with miles of dunes and beach access, makes it one of the most unforgettable places to ride, camp, and explore.
Get the full schedule and start planning your trip: UTV Takeover Coos Bay Activities

#2 EXPLORE THE DUNES BY BIKE OR ON FOOT

Hiking and/or biking through sections of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a one-of-a-kind experience, where shifting sands, forested paths, and sweeping ocean views come together. Here are some of the top trails and destinations to explore on Oregon’s Adventure Coast:

Bluebill Trail- North Bayside, OR Bluebill Trail is a 1.25-mile loop and is the southernmost trail in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Horsfall Beach- North Bend, OR Located along the Oregon National Recreation Area, Horsfall Beach is a haven for locals and visitors alike. Miles of open sand, flooded deflation plain wet lands, beach, and inland dunes can be found here.
John Dellenback Dunes Trail- Lakeside, OR The only non-motorized portion of the Dunes, the trail is a favorite for hikers looking to experience the raw beauty and diverse ecosystems of the dunes without the buzz of motorized vehicles.

#3 CAMPING IN THE OREGON DUNES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

Planning to go camping and RVing on Oregon’s Adventure Coast? These campgrounds offer easy access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area’s trails, ATV routes, and unforgettable adventures just steps from your campsite

Box Car Hill Campground (North Bend) - Box Car Hill Campground features 60 spacious RV sites with full hookups or water and electric service, free Wi-Fi, and site sizes ranging from 60 to 75 feet long; guests enjoy direct access to over 6,000 acres of dunes and sandy beaches.
Bluebill Campground (North Bend) - Located in the Horsfall Area just north of North Bend, Bluebill Campground offers easy access to off-road vehicle trails, Pacific beaches, and the Oregon Dunes, with amenities including drinking water, vault toilets, campfire pits, and dumpsters.
Horsfall Beach OHV Campground (North Bend) - Ideal for off-road vehicle riders and beachgoers, this campground offers flush toilets, drinking water, a picnic area, an accessible beach viewing platform, and easy access to dune trails and open riding zones just north of the site.
Duneaway Park (North Bend) - One of our newest RV campgrounds is located on the edge of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, offering quick and easy access. With affordable full-hook-up sites and a warm shower, Duneaway Park has grown into a popular basecamp for dune explorers.
Myrtlewood Factory RV Park (North Bend) - For RV travelers seeking direct access to the Oregon Sand Dunes, Myrtlewood Factory & RV Park offers 86 paved campsites just 2/10th of a mile from the riding area, conveniently located at the Hauser Staging Area off Highway 101 in North Bend. This dry campground provides portable restrooms on-site, competitive rates, and no hidden fees.
Oregon Dunes KOA Kampgrounds (North Bend) - This versatile campground accommodates RVs of any size and also offers tent sites, cabins, and a vintage caboose, with amenities including 50-amp full hookups, ATV access to the dunes, drinking water, a convenience store, playground, common cooking area, fire pits, herb gardens, high-speed internet, and pet-friendly policies.
Riley Ranch County Park (North Bend) - Riley Ranch provides direct ATV access to the dunes along with campsites, cabins, restrooms, showers, lake fishing, and recreation opportunities. Butterfield Lake is open to boats with size limits and electric trolling motors only. Dogs are allowed at Coos County Parks but must be on leash and owners must pick up their pets’ waste. All reservations are a two-night minimum, year-round.
Spinreel Campground (North Bend) - Spinreel Campground, located along Tenmile Creek in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, is an ATV rider’s dream with prime access to extensive off-road trails, offering amenities such as potable water, restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables.

Leave no trace. It is up to us to be good stewards of the land. If you see wildlife, please appreciate it from afar and do not attempt to touch or interact with it - this is, after all, their home. All visitors are responsible for their own actions, and we ask that they take special care and follow our Leave No Trace principles .

For more tips on how to get the most out of your Oregon Dunes Adventure, please visit these resources:

Want more ideas? Be sure to follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok and subscribe to our e-newsletter for travel ideas and inspiration, delivered right to your inbox! Visit our featured adventures page and our trip ideas page to find more travel ideas and inspiration, and/or contact the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau.

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COOS BAY, NORTH BEND & CHARLESTON ADVENTURES

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