Umpqua Lighthouse Campground Review

Campground:
Dog-Friendliness:

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground is located in Reedsport, Oregon, and offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and yurts. With Lake Marie nearby, a lighthouse to explore, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area just a short drive away, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the surrounding area.

If you’re considering camping here, here’s what you need to know about the campsites, hookups, amenities, and activities nearby.

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Campground Details

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park allows both tent camping and RV camping. The campground does not specify a maximum trailer length. Instead, it provides the exact length of each RV campsite.

The average RV campsite is approximately 42 feet long, and you’ll need room for both your trailer and tow vehicle. For this campground, we recommend a trailer under 24 feet long as a good target. This is an estimate based on the typical campsite length, not an official limit. Be sure to check the dimensions of your specific site to make sure there’s enough room for your entire setup.

The RV sites have paved parking pads and are fairly level, making it easier to park and set up camp.

In addition to tent and RV sites, the campground offers cabins and yurts. Both looked like nice options during our visit. The cabin we looked at had a beautiful view of the lake, while the yurts looked like a fun way to try something a little different from traditional tent or RV camping.

Cabin 42 at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

Hookups & Dump Station

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park has several hookup options for RV campers. There are eight full-hookup sites, along with eight sites that offer electric and water hookups.

Drinking water is also available throughout the campground, and there’s a water bottle refill station.

One thing to know before you arrive is that there is no RV dump station at this campground. There is, however, a sink waste drain where you can dispose of gray water.

If you need to empty your RV’s holding tanks, William M. Tugman State Park is approximately 5.5 miles south of Umpqua Lighthouse State Park and has an RV dump station.

Be sure to plan ahead if you need a dump station during your stay.

Campsite Layout & Amenities

The campsites at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park are fairly close together, so privacy is limited. If you’re looking for a secluded camping experience, this is something to keep in mind when choosing your site.

Each campsite has a picnic table and a tall metal fire pit, giving you a place to enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire.

Facilities & Supplies

The campground has several convenient amenities to make your stay more comfortable, including:

  • Flush toilets
  • Showers
  • Drinking water
  • A water bottle refill station
  • Trash dumpsters
  • Firewood for sale

There is no recycling available at the campground, so plan accordingly.

Firewood is available for purchase, but the campground doesn’t carry many other supplies. Fortunately, the town of Reedsport is only about five miles away and has several places to pick up anything you may have forgotten.

Cell service was limited during our visit. We had a weak internet signal with Verizon, and there was no campground Wi-Fi available. If you need a reliable connection for work or streaming, keep this in mind when planning your stay.

Trees & Animals

The campground has several types of trees, including large Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and shore pine. These trees give the campground a wooded setting and add to its natural Pacific Northwest feel.

During our visit, we primarily saw birds. However, there was also a sign indicating a recent bear sighting.

Activities

One of the best things about staying at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is the variety of activities available nearby. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, exploring local attractions, or spending time along the Oregon coast, there’s plenty to do.

Visit the Umpqua Lighthouse

The Umpqua Lighthouse is one of the highlights of the area, and we highly recommend taking the lighthouse tour.

The tour includes access to the lighthouse and its museum, where you can learn more about its history. One of the coolest parts of the experience is getting to look inside the lighthouse’s lens. It’s a unique opportunity and made the tour well worth doing.

The view from inside the Umpqua Lighthouse lens.

If you’re camping here, be sure to set aside some time to visit the lighthouse.

Hike Around Lake Marie

Lake Marie is located right at the campground and has a trail that loops around the lake.

The trail is about 1 mile long and is relatively easy, making it a great option for a casual hike with the family. We really enjoyed the walk. The scenery was beautiful, and it was an easy way to get outside and explore without having to drive anywhere.

Lake Marie at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

Go Fishing at Lake Marie

Lake Marie is also a good option for fishing. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout three times a year, making it a convenient spot to cast a line during your stay.

Since the lake is right at the campground, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy some time fishing.

Go Fishing or Crabbing at Salmon Harbor Marina

Salmon Harbor Marina is less than a mile from the campground, making it another convenient destination for anyone who enjoys fishing or crabbing.

The area is known for its crabbing opportunities, so this is worth checking out if you want to spend some time on the water.

Explore the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is another major attraction near the campground.

You can’t access the dunes directly from the campground, but there is an easy access point about a 10-minute drive away. This makes it a convenient destination for a day of exploring the dunes and experiencing one of the Oregon coast’s distinctive landscapes.

Take a Day Trip to the Sea Lion Caves

If you’re willing to drive a little farther, the Sea Lion Caves near Florence make a fun day trip.

The caves are approximately an hour from the campground. Visitors can take an elevator down to a viewing area where they can see the sea lions.

After visiting the caves, we continued into the town of Florence to explore and spend some time there as well. It made for a nice day trip and gave us another opportunity to enjoy the Oregon coast.

Camping Costs

The cost of staying at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park depends on the type of accommodation you choose. Tent sites are generally less expensive, while cabins and yurts cost more.

During our visit, RV campsite prices ranged from $33 to $53 per night.

Best Campsites

Our favorite campsites at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park were all tent sites. Here are the sites we recommend:

  • Sites 12, 21, and 24 (tent sites): These were our favorites because they had lots of nice greenery surrounding them. That made them feel more private and secluded.
  • Site 43 (RV): This site is a good option if you’re camping with someone staying in a cabin. It’s right next to cabin 42, which had a great view of the lake.
RV Site #43 at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

The RV sites all seemed fairly similar, and none really stood out for their size or privacy. If you’re RV camping, we’d recommend looking at the individual site dimensions and choosing one that best fits your setup.

Recap

Overall, Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is worth considering if you’re looking for a campground with convenient access to outdoor activities and coastal attractions. Lake Marie provides opportunities for hiking and fishing right at the campground, while the lighthouse, Oregon Dunes, Salmon Harbor Marina, and Sea Lion Caves offer plenty of options for exploring the surrounding area.

Here’s a summary of the items you need to know before visiting Umpqua Lighthouse State Park:

Tents AllowedYes
Trailers AllowedYes
Average RV Site Length42 Feet
Ideal Trailer LengthUnder 24 Feet
HookupsYes
Drinking WaterYes
Dump StationNo
Flush ToiletsYes
ShowersYes
InternetWeak
Cost$33 – $53 / night

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