About Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area
Overview Sandbeach Campground is ideal for off-road vehicle lovers, with year-round access to nearly 1,100 acres of coastal sand dunes. The 81-site campground is part of the Sand Lake Recreation Area and home to a sand dune playground. Parking aprons are paved. Campground amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, campfire rings and an off-road vehicle loading ramp. All sites during the summer season (May-October) are reservations ONLY!!During the winter season (November-April) sites 2, 8, 12-14, 24-29, 38-46, 66, 70, 80-81 flood frequently and will not be available to reserve during this time. They will only be open to first-come, first serve and if you wish to stay at one of these spots during this timeframe please use the credit card machine located in the West Winds Campground parking lot. All other sites not listed above will still be reservable during the winter.Please contact the Hebo Ranger Station if you have any questions (503) 392-5100 we are open Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4 PM except on federal holidays.Recreation Off-road vehicle riding is the primary attraction for campers. The nearby Sand Lake Estuary offers fishing, swimming, crabbing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The near-natural state of the 900-acre estuary provides a home to many species of waterfowl.Facilities Parking aprons are paved. Campground amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, campfire rings and an off-road vehicle loading ramp. There are 81 total sites, all of which are reservable during the peak season (May - October).Natural Features The climate has strong marine influences with cool summers and moderate winters. The Sand Lake Area includes 1,076 acres of open sand dunes, surrounded by forests, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (503) 392-5100.
How to Get There
To Access from Pacific City, OR: From Highway 101 take Brooten Road into Pacific City. Turn left onto Pacific Ave at the four way stop. Drive over the bridge and turn right onto Cape Kiwanda Drive. Follow Cape Kiwanda Drive for 2.3 miles and then bear left when it changes to Sandlake Road (County Road 871). Stay on Sandlake Road for 5.2 miles and then turn left onto Galloway Road. Follow Galloway Road for 2.3 miles and then turn left onto Forest Road 1131. Proceed for 0.2 miles; the entrance to Sandbeach Campground is on the right side of the road. To Access from Tillamook, OR: Follow Highway 101 south for 11 miles to Sandlake Road (County Road 871). Turn right onto Sandlake Road and travel 4 miles to a stop sign. Turn left to stay on Sandlake Road, and then travel for 1 mile to Galloway Road. Turn right onto Galloway Road and follow it for 2.3 miles to Forest Road 1131. Turn left onto Forest Road 1131 and proceed for 0.2 miles; the entrance to Sandbeach Campground is on the right side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area
Heading to Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231978) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area?
To Access from Pacific City, OR: From Highway 101 take Brooten Road into Pacific City. Turn left onto Pacific Ave at the four way stop. Drive over the bridge and turn right onto Cape Kiwanda Drive. Follow Cape Kiwanda Drive for 2.3 miles and then bear left when it changes to Sandlake Road (County Road 871). Stay on Sandlake Road for 5.2 miles and then turn left onto Galloway Road. Follow Galloway …
How do I contact Sandbeach Campground - Sand Lake Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: (503)392-5100.
References & Official Resources
