Half Moon Bay Campground

Hey there, fellow Oregon adventure seekers! If your idea of paradise involves the roar of an engine, the thrill of carving up sand dunes, and a no-frills camping experience right at the heart of the action, then Half Moon Bay Campground in Winchester Bay is calling your name. This isn't your quiet, secluded forest retreat; it's a vibrant, energetic hub for motorsports enthusiasts, offering unparalleled access to the legendary Oregon Dunes. As one passionate reviewer perfectly put it, it's "dirty, loud, smelly, and primitive... in other words, it's paradise!"

Half Moon Bay Campground is designed for those who love to play hard. Situated directly across the street from the world-renowned Winchester Bay dunes, it's the ultimate basecamp for ATV riders, dirt bikers, and anyone with a passion for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Imagine waking up, stepping out of your RV or tent, and being just moments away from miles of exhilarating sand dunes. This direct access is the campground's defining feature, drawing enthusiasts from all over Oregon and beyond who come to experience what many consider "the best dunes on the coast."

While the campground embraces a primitive style of camping, it provides the essentials for a comfortable stay. You'll find vault toilets for convenience, and while there are no hookups for RVs, it’s a perfect spot for dry camping, encouraging visitors to bring their generators for power. The ground is a mix of dirt and sand, reflecting its proximity to the dunes, and scattered trees offer some shade. It's a testament to the fact that for true adventure lovers, luxury amenities take a backseat to location and access to epic outdoor playgrounds.

The atmosphere at Half Moon Bay is undeniably lively, especially during peak seasons. Reviewers note that it can be "noisy and loud most of the time (day and night in the summer)," but for those who come for the motorsports, this is part of the experience. It's a place where fellow enthusiasts gather, share stories, and revel in the shared passion for the dunes. Beyond the OHV action, the campground also offers easy access to ocean beaches for a walk, and nearby Umpqua River provides opportunities for fishing and crabbing, ensuring there's something for everyone who loves the coastal outdoors. It's a place where memories are made under the vast Oregon sky, surrounded by the thrilling energy of the dunes.

Half Moon Bay Campground is located in Winchester Bay, OR 97467, USA. This places it directly on the scenic Oregon Coast, specifically within the renowned Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

For Oregonians, particularly those traveling from the Willamette Valley (Portland, Salem, Eugene), reaching Winchester Bay typically involves heading west towards the coast via highways like OR-38 or OR-126, then heading south on US-101. The drive is consistently scenic, offering a transition from lush inland forests to the rugged and beautiful Oregon coastline. From major cities, the journey can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on your starting point and traffic.

Once you arrive in Winchester Bay, Half Moon Bay Campground is conveniently situated. Its defining feature, as noted by visitors, is being "right across the street from Winchester Bay dunes," providing direct and effortless access for off-highway vehicles. This means you can often ride directly from your campsite onto the designated dune access points, maximizing your time on the sand.

As a county-run park, accessibility is generally straightforward, but it's important to remember that it is a primitive campground. While accessible by most vehicles, the "mix of dirt and sand" terrain means that larger RVs and trailers will fit, but drivers should be mindful of the ground conditions. The campground is open year-round, offering opportunities for dune riding in all seasons, though noise levels will vary. While there are no hookups, essential services like vault toilets are on-site, and the nearby town of Winchester Bay (a short drive) provides easy access to fuel, groceries, and other supplies. This combination of remote-feeling adventure with nearby conveniences makes it a highly accessible choice for many Oregon locals.

Services Offered:

• Individual and group campsites for RVs, pickup campers, and tents
• Non-hookup sites (dry camping)
• Vault toilets (basic restroom facilities)
• Picnic tables at each site
• Fire rings at each site (check for current fire restrictions)
• Direct access to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for OHV use
• Pet-friendly environment
• Open year-round
• Reservable and first-come, first-served options available (reservations are highly recommended, especially for peak season and group sites)
• Access to ocean beaches (short walk over dunes)
• Nearby opportunities for fishing and crabbing in the Umpqua River/Winchester Bay
• Some sites are pull-through, accommodating larger rigs

Features / Highlights:

• Unparalleled Dune Access: The absolute standout feature is its direct location "right across the street from Winchester bay dunes." This allows OHV enthusiasts to ride directly from their campsite to the vast Oregon Dunes, making it the premier choice for motorsports in the area.

• Motorsports Paradise: Described as a place where "If you love motorsports, you will love this place!" and boasting "the best dunes on the coast," it caters specifically to ATV, dirt bike, and dune buggy riders, creating a vibrant and action-packed atmosphere.

• Primitive but Functional: While "it does not have any hookups," it provides essential "vault type" toilets and designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings, offering a true dry camping experience for the self-sufficient adventurer.

• Lively and Energetic Atmosphere: Reviewers note it's "dirty, loud, smelly, and primitive.. in other words, it's paradise!" indicating a bustling, high-energy environment preferred by those who enjoy a communal and active camping experience.

• Spacious Sites for Large Rigs: The campground is designed to accommodate a mix of vehicles, with many sites large enough for "trailers and campers" and "the largest rigs," making it suitable for toy haulers and bigger RVs.

• Mix of Dirt and Sand Terrain: The ground is a blend of dirt and sand, characteristic of its dune-side location, adding to the authentic off-road camping feel.

• Trees for Shade: Despite the sandy environment, there are trees that provide some natural shade for campsites, a welcome amenity during sunny Oregon days.

• Proximity to Ocean and Bay: Beyond the dunes, campers have easy walking access to the ocean beaches and opportunities for crabbing and fishing in Winchester Bay and the Umpqua River, offering diverse recreational options.

• Year-Round Operation: Open throughout the year, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the dunes and coastal activities in all seasons.

Contact Information:

Address: Winchester Bay, OR 97467, USA

Phone: (541) 957-7001

Mobile Phone: +1 541-957-7001

For Oregon locals, Half Moon Bay Campground in Winchester Bay is an absolute must-visit if you're a fan of motorsports and a lively outdoor scene. We Oregonians love our diverse landscapes, and the Oregon Dunes offer a truly unique playground that's unlike anywhere else in the state. This campground puts you right at the heart of that action, making it incredibly convenient for those with ATVs, dirt bikes, or other OHVs.

The "primitive" nature of the campground, with its lack of hookups and vault toilets, resonates with a segment of our local outdoor community that values self-sufficiency and a more rugged camping experience. It's a place where you can truly embrace the "pack it in, pack it out" mentality while still having essential facilities available. For many, the energetic atmosphere and the sounds of motorsports are part of the allure, creating a sense of camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts.

Furthermore, its location on the Oregon Coast means that even if you're primarily there for the dunes, you're still within easy reach of the ocean beaches for a peaceful stroll or the Umpqua River for some excellent fishing or crabbing. This versatility allows for a multi-faceted outdoor adventure. If you're a local who thrives on high-octane outdoor fun, enjoys the company of fellow adventurers, and appreciates direct access to one of Oregon's most iconic natural playgrounds, Half Moon Bay Campground is undoubtedly your paradise along the coast.

Half Moon Bay Campground

Winchester Bay, OR 97467, USA