About ALDER DUNE
Overview Alder Dune Campground sits in a lush coastal forest between Alder and Dune Lakes in western Oregon. The campground, in the Central Coast Ranger District, boasts 39 campsites with privacy created by walls of beautiful native shrubbery.Recreation The quiet ambiance at the campground is ideal for wildlife viewing. Both Alder and Dune Lakes are stocked with rainbow trout several times a year for enjoyable fishing. A trail system starting at the day-use area leads guests through an easy to moderate journey around Alder Lake and over sand dunes, where it connects to Sutton Trail and heads to a Pacific Coast beach.Facilities The day-use area is nearest to Dune Lake, and the northern loop of the campground runs along Alder Lake. Pit toilets and drinking water are available at the nicely shaded campground. Roads are paved.Natural Features Alder Dune sits in the Siuslaw National Forest. The forest is located in the coast mountain range of Oregon and is one of the two forests in the continental United States bordering the Pacific Ocean. Thick Douglas fir forests contrast sharply with miles of open sand dunes, beaches and freshwater lakes. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (801) 226-3564. Nearby Attractions Heceta Beach is located nearby, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Pacific Ocean.
How to Get There
From Florence, Oregon, drive 6 miles north on Highway 101. The campground is located on the west side of the highway.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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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 ALDER DUNE
Heading to ALDER DUNE? 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 ALDER DUNE?
No central reservation system listed for ALDER DUNE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234502) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ALDER DUNE?
From Florence, Oregon, drive 6 miles north on Highway 101. The campground is located on the west side of the highway.
How do I contact ALDER DUNE?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-997-2526 or email: Help.Siuslaw.CentralCoast@AmericanLL.com.
References & Official Resources
