The Oregon Dunes are accessible to the public all along the Oregon coast. The dunes provide access to four wheeled vehicles, ATV's - All terrain vehicles of all types including motorcycles, three and four wheeled recreational bikes, and sand and dune buggys. Rentals are available all around, and there are also numerous campsites which welcome and support all forms of off-the-road vehicles. It's very common to see groups of recreational vehicle enthusiasts grouped together (as in the picture below) enjoying a days outing of sand riding, barbecueing, and enjoying all that the beach has to offer.
The Oregon Dunes K.O.A. located just outside of the city is the only privately owned camping and ATV area in the South Dunes. The campground offers direct access to the dunes, offers level sites, full-hookups, water, electric, tent sites, pull throughs, Cabins, rest rooms, hot showers, laundry, playground, grocery store, gift shop and LP gas. The site is open year round and you may reach them at (541) 756-4851.
As you head further North you will find many public campgrounds which also provide access to the dune's area. Again, you will find many ATV outfitter's that will be happy to accommodate your needs. You can find more about the Dune Festival here.
How the Oregon Dunes were Formed
The Oregon Dunes started forming nearly 60 million years ago. It was not until 6,000 years ago that the dunes settled into the landscape we now see. The dunes were formed by Glacier activity and erosion along the coast and Cascade Mountain ranges. The rivers washed down large amounts of silt and sand into the ocean. The wind and currents moved the sand to the south in the summer and towards the north during the winter. It is still changing as the winds blow the sand and the currents move it to the beach. The wind carries the sand inland forming the dunes.
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