Carter Lake Campground

Oregon's Best Camping

Carter Lake, Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon
Carter Lake, Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon

Carter Lake Campground

Siuslaw National Forest


Carter Lake Campground

Carter Lake is in the Siuslaw National Forest and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 11 miles south of Florence. A free boat launch ramp allows access to 28-acre Carter Lake. Fishing is good for rainbow trout. A day-use area is located at the campground, and a nearby sandy beach is a popular spot for swimming. Carter Lake Dunes Trail leads through the dunes to the beach.

Carter Lake Campground has 23 campsites. Three sites are designated for RVs or trailers only, while the rest can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Campsites are arranged in a single loop among shorepine, Sitka spruce, and Douglas fir. A good number of sites are along the lakeshore. A 2-night minimum stay is required for reservations on weekends and 3 nights on holiday weekends.

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Carter Lake Campground Basics
Carter Lake Campground Location: Off Hwy. 101, 11 miles south of Florence
Elevation: 10 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Eugene - 71 miles
Coos Bay - 38 miles
Number of Sites: 23
Open - Closed: May through October
Max. People per single site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per single site: 2
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by: Siuslaw National Forest:
(541) 563-8400
Information: Oregon Dunes NRA Visitor Center: (541) 271-6000

Carter Lake Campground Reservations
Reservations Available Reservations can be made for camping visits from May 1 through September 30; otherwise sites are first-come, first served.
Reserve campsites from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival.
Maximum vehicle length: 30 feet
Wheelchair accessible sites: None designated
Fees: $22 per night
Campground Reservations: Carter Lake Campground Reservations
$8 reservation fee
Campground Map: Carter Lake Campground Map
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Carter Lake Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, campfire ring; no hook-ups
Campground: Flush toilets, piped water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Area Trails Map: Carter Lake Area Trail Map
Attractions near Carter Lake Campground: Enjoy Carter Lake for boating, swimming, and fishing. A boat ramp is available. Visit nearby Taylor Lake. Hike out the Carter Lake Dunes Trail or the Taylor Dunes Trail. Explore the Oregon Dunes NRA. Head out birding.




Key Carter Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
  2. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  3. Help prevent the spread of invasive insects by obtaining firewood locally.
  4. Confine campfires to provided fire containers.

Check for any park or campground updates: Siuslaw National Forest: Carter Lake Campground

Carter Lake Campground, Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon

Carter Lake Campground

Carter Lake Area
Attractions and Activities