Tahkenitch Campground

Gardiner, OR

4.1(66 reviews)

Start of the 360 degree virtual tour of Tahkenitch Campground

About this campground

Tahkenitch Campground in Gardiner, OR is a beautiful camping destination located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 8 miles north of Reedsport. The campground offers some very secluded sites surrounded by local coastal shrubbery, with some other sites that are more open. Three hiking trails can be accessed next to the campground, leading to Threemile Lake and the Tahkenitch Dunes. Across the road is Tahkenitch Lake. The name Tahkenitch means "lake of many fingers." Fishing here can be relaxing and rewarding.

This facility has 30 campsites and 1 host site. All sites are currently available by reservation only. The campground is equipped with campfire rings, drinking water, flush toilets, and picnic tables. Parking aprons are paved and the nearest waste station is at Honeyman State Park, about 10 miles north of campground. No electric hookups are available.

The campground is within reach of coastal forests, expansive dunes, Tahkenitch Lake, and the Pacific Ocean. Many sites are heavily wooded and secluded, separated by a thick understory. Douglas fir and wild berries are can be seen throughout the campground. The lake spans 1,674 acres. Roosevelt elk, pelicans, sea lions, and bald eagles are just some of the wildlife that live in this area.

The adjacent day use area serves as the trailhead for Tahkenitch Dunes Trail, Threemile Lake Trail, and Threemile Lake South Trail. All three trails are good for sand play and scenery. Tahkenitch Dunes Trail goes through a mile of conifer forest, opening onto the dunes with views of the ocean. The trail then enters a smaller stand of shore pine and completes its journey at the Pacific Coast. Boating and swimming are popular at nearby Tahkenitch Lake. Fishing may yield cutthroat and steelhead trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch.

What campers say

Small, wooded campground with good trail access to beaches, dunes and a lake. Sites vary widely in size and layout; many are compact and tightly spaced, and a few require a short walk from parking. Highway 101 traffic can be noticeable at some sites. Restroom facilities have been reported as inconsistent, with vault toilets or porta-potties sometimes in use, so plan accordingly. Picnic tables and fire rings are serviceable though a bit worn, and amenities like water may be limited at times. Overall, a scenic, convenient base for exploring the nearby coastline if you’re okay with close quarters and occasional road noise.

Our summary of 66 traveler reviews.