Bullrun OHV staging area and sand camping

Hello, fellow Oregonians! When the roar of an engine on vast open sand calls to your adventurous spirit, or perhaps the quiet solitude of a coastal walk is what you seek, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area offers a unique landscape unlike anywhere else in our state. For those of us living on the Oregon Coast, or indeed, anywhere in Oregon with a love for outdoor thrills, the Bullrun OHV Staging Area and its associated sand camping options near North Bend represent a premier destination. This isn't just a place to park your rig; it's a direct gateway to miles of exhilarating dunes and the serene beauty of the Pacific shoreline. Whether you’re an avid OHV rider or simply looking to explore the expansive dunes on foot, Bullrun is a key access point to one of Oregon's most iconic natural playgrounds.

We Oregonians cherish the diversity of our landscapes, and the Oregon Dunes offer a truly unique recreational experience that draws people from across the state. The Bullrun OHV Staging Area specifically caters to our desire for direct, easy access to thrilling off-highway vehicle riding, while also providing options for those who prefer to explore the dunes and beach on foot. It’s a testament to the fact that Oregon offers something for every type of outdoor enthusiast, blending high-octane adventure with opportunities for peaceful natural exploration, all within our beautiful coastal environment.

Bullrun OHV Staging Area and its associated sand camping are located within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA), part of the Siuslaw National Forest, near North Bend, Oregon. The address, North Bend, OR 97459, USA, places it in the southern section of the ODNRA, a renowned stretch of coastal dunes.

Accessing the Bullrun Staging Area is relatively straightforward, but reaching the dispersed sand camping sites from it requires a specific type of vehicle. To get to the Bullrun Staging Area, you typically travel 2.5 miles north of North Bend, OR on Highway 101, then turn west on Transpacific Parkway for 1 mile. From there, turn right onto Horsfall Beach Road and travel approximately 2.1 miles to the staging area on your right. This route is generally paved to the staging area itself, which provides paved parking. However, access to the "dispersed sand camping sites 126 through 138" from Bullrun Staging Area is by "4x4 vehicles only via soft sand routes." This means that while day-use parking at the staging area is easily accessible for most vehicles, campers intending to utilize the sand camping sites will need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle capable of navigating challenging sand conditions. Bullrun offers "quick access to the beach via Bull Run OHV Trail and open riding opportunities to the north," making it a strategic hub for dune and beach exploration. The area has a 12:00 AM (midnight) to 6:00 AM curfew for riding, and the staging area itself closes at 10:00 PM.

Bullrun OHV Staging Area and its associated sand camping sites are designed for a more rugged, self-sufficient experience, primarily catering to OHV enthusiasts. Services are minimal, requiring campers to come well-prepared.

• Paved Parking: The Bullrun OHV Staging Area provides paved parking for OHV staging and day use, offering a convenient starting point for adventures.

• Dispersed Sand Camping Sites: The area provides access to specific numbered dispersed sand camping sites (126 through 138), which are located directly on the sand. These sites are rustic and offer space for tents and vehicles (up to 5 vehicles and 20 people per standard site; group sites accommodate 10 vehicles and 40 people).

• Vault Toilet: At the Bullrun Staging Area, "one vault toilet" is available for visitors. It's important to note that the dispersed sand camping sites themselves typically do not have restrooms.

• Picnic Tables: "Several picnic tables are available" at the Bullrun Staging Area for day-use visitors. These may not be present at all individual dispersed sand camping sites.

• No Potable Water: Crucially, "potable water is not available at this site" (referring to the staging area and sand camping). Campers must bring all their own water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.

• No Fire Rings (at sand sites): The dispersed sand camping sites generally do not have designated fire rings. "Portable toilets and fire pans are highly recommended" for campers. All fire restrictions must be strictly adhered to, and fire pans are essential for preventing fires on the sand.

• No Trash Bins (Pack It Out): This is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility. There are no trash receptacles, so all garbage must be carried out by campers.

• OHV Permit Required: A State of Oregon OHV Permit is required for riding in the dunes. Recreation Passes (Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Passes) can be used for day-use fees at the staging area.

• Digital Reservation and Payment: All sand campsites require a digital reservation and payment, and reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as they can fill up quickly.

Bullrun OHV Staging Area and its associated sand camping options offer a unique set of highlights that make it a favorite for specific types of outdoor enthusiasts in Oregon.

• Direct Dunes and Beach Access: The primary highlight is the "quick access to the beach via Bull Run OHV Trail and open riding opportunities" on the vast Oregon Dunes. This is a dream come true for OHV enthusiasts, offering wide-open spaces for thrilling rides.

• OHV Riding Paradise: This area is predominantly used by off-highway vehicle enthusiasts, providing the "Oregon Dunes' largest and most diverse riding area." Thrill-seekers can ride on designated routes like the Bull Run Sand Route or cruise through open riding zones.

• Dispersed Sand Camping: The opportunity to camp directly on the sand is a unique experience. Sites are identified by numbered posts, allowing campers to set up within 150 feet of their marker, providing an immersive dune environment.

• Proximity to Pacific Ocean Beach: Beyond the dunes, the Pacific Ocean beach is easily accessible. While OHV use on the beach is generally seasonal (October 1 to April 30), it provides opportunities for scenic walks and exploration.

• Unique Natural Features: The campsites are located on the sand at the southern edge of the ODNRA, featuring "tall sand dunes surrounded by coastal forest." The area is also home to various water bodies like Horsfall Lake and Jordan Cove, adding to the scenic diversity.

• Wildlife Viewing: A wide variety of wildlife, including coyote, black bear, elk, mink, porcupine, and otter, are present in the area, offering opportunities for observation.

• Hiking Opportunities (Limited): While primarily OHV-focused, one reviewer mentioned coming to "wander around with the dogs and explore without a vehicle." The nearby Bluebill Trail (1.2 miles around Bluebill Lake) offers a dedicated hiking option in a non-motorized area.

• Scenic Views: From the tops of the dunes, visitors can enjoy "prime views of the Pacific Coast to the west and the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range to the east."

Bullrun OHV Staging Area and the associated Horsfall Sand Camping are managed by the Siuslaw National Forest. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to contact the managing office for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Address: Bullrun OHV Staging Area is located off Horsfall Beach Road, near North Bend, OR 97459, USA, within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Oregon Dunes Visitor Center (Siuslaw National Forest):

855 Highway 101
Reedsport, OR 97467

Phone: (541) 271-6000 (This is the primary number for campground inquiries and general information about the Oregon Dunes.)

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)

Siuslaw National Forest Supervisor's Office:

3200 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331

Phone: (541) 750-7000 (For broader forest information.)

Online Reservations: Sand camping sites require digital reservations. You can book through Recreation.gov by searching for "Horsfall Sand Camping."

Recreation.gov Website:

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234200

It is highly recommended to call the Oregon Dunes Visitor Center or check the Recreation.gov website for the latest information on sand conditions, access, permit requirements (especially for OHVs), fire restrictions, and any seasonal closures, as conditions in the dunes can change rapidly.

For us Oregonians, Bullrun OHV Staging Area and its accompanying sand camping options represent the thrilling, untamed side of our state's diverse outdoor offerings. This is a truly unique destination that caters directly to our adventurous spirit, particularly for those who own and love off-highway vehicles. The "clean easy access to the dunes and the beach" is a major draw, providing an unparalleled opportunity to immerse ourselves in the dynamic landscape of the Oregon Dunes.

While a reviewer noted that it's "definitely setup for dune riders," the fact that it's also a place where you can "wander around with the dogs and explore without a vehicle" highlights its broader appeal. This duality allows for both high-octane fun and quieter moments of natural appreciation, catering to various local preferences. The experience of camping directly on the sand, with the vast expanse of dunes as your backyard and the sound of the Pacific Ocean in the distance, is something truly special and distinctly Oregonian.

We understand that this isn't a campground with traditional amenities like potable water or flush toilets at every site, but for the prepared Oregonian, that's part of the authentic wilderness experience. The requirements for 4x4 access to sand camping sites and the need for OHV permits are simply part of engaging responsibly with this powerful landscape. For locals seeking the ultimate dune riding adventure, a unique sand camping experience, or simply a wild coastal escape where the horizon stretches endlessly, Bullrun OHV Staging Area and its sand camping opportunities are an absolute must-visit. It’s a place where adrenaline and awe go hand in hand, creating unforgettable memories right here in our home state.

Bullrun OHV staging area and sand camping

North Bend, OR 97459, USA