Loon Lake Recreation Site

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Loon Lake Recreation Site

The Bureau of Land Management is a government agency within the Department of the Interior. Its mission is to preserve public lands for the recreational use and enjoyment of the general public and future generations. You'll find several million acres of BLM-managed lands within the state of Oregon, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and more. Among Oregon’s Bureau of Land Management camping sites, you’ll find Loon Lake Recreation Site. Located on a 260-acre lake, Loon Lake has 37 sites available for reservations from Friday through Sunday night during the open season, which lasts from spring into fall. You’ll find Loon Lake 20 miles east of Reedsport, in the state’s Coast Mountain Range. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is nearby, and Crater Lake National Park is only 188 miles away. Loon Lake Recreation Site has a lake and a sandy beach. This provides you with an opportunity to enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and other water activities. Hiking trails include one that goes to a lovely waterfall, and there’s an amphitheater complete with a projector screen.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Loon Lake Trail

This trail is perfect for walking or running. Leashed dogs are welcome. Plan on spending at least a half hour to fully explore the beautiful forest and sandy beach. Length: .9 miles Intensity: Easy

John Dellenback Trail

This trail near Lakeside, Oregon is a great spot for bird watching and exploring the area’s sand dunes, swamps, and beach. It’s open all year, and dogs are welcome. Length: 5.5-mile loop Intensity: Moderate

Siltcoos Lake Trail

Near Westlake, this trail is ideal for walking or running, and mountain bikers love the twists, bumps, and rideable climbs. The scenery is beautiful as you explore the forest, and many guests are surprised to find dispersed campsites along the lake. Length: 3.5 miles Intensity: Moderate

Tahkenitch Dunes Trail

This is a quiet and peaceful trail that winds through the desert dunes, into the forest, and along the ocean. While it’s rated as moderate, visitors find portions of the trail to be challenging. ATVs are allowed. Length: 6 miles Intensity: Moderate

Threemile Lake Trail

This trail is located near Gardner with sand dunes, a lush forest, and a sandy beach. It’s great for birding, and you’ll find several spots that are perfect for a secluded picnic. Length: 6.1 miles Intensity: Moderate

Wildlife Viewing

This area of Oregon is home to a variety of birds ranging from the small western snowy plover that loves the dunes to large ospreys, bald eagles, and raptors. The surrounding forests are home to black-tailed deer and bobcats, and you’ll find designated elk viewing spots in nearby Dean Creek.

Picnicking

There’s a main grassy area in Loon Lake Recreation Site where you’ll find several large picnic tables available to guests. Each campsite also includes its own picnic table and fire ring.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping within Loon Lake Recreation Site includes 37 campsites that are shaded by Douglas fir, red cedar, and western hemlock trees. Guests have access to horseshoes, hiking trails, and a playground. Each site can hold up to six people, and stays can last up to 14 days. You must make a reservation ahead of your arrival. Each standard nonelectric single-capacity site is $18 per night. Double-capacity sites are $36. There is a $10 fee if you cancel your reservation.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping at Loon Lake Recreation Site encompasses five designated sites found within the campground. These are walk-in sites for tent camping only.

RV Rentals Near Loon Lake Recreation Site Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Loon Lake Recreation Site BLM trip

Summer is the best time of year to enjoy the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds at Loon Lake Recreation Site. The warmer weather allows you to take advantage of all of the water activities on the lake. Average high temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 70s from June to September. You’ll need a jacket and warmer clothes for the evenings when temperatures drop into the 50s. Be sure to pack swimwear, and you’ll want your hiking gear so that you can explore the many trails in the area. You’ll want to bring food and supplies with you since this is a remote area. A fire ring and picnic tables are found near each campsite for preparing and serving meals, as well as making campfire snacks. Paved roads and flush toilets are among the many benefits of staying here. Dogs are welcome, but they need to be on a leash at all times. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

When taking advantage of BLM camping near me, remember to clean up after yourself. You need to do your part when it comes to preserving these lands for future generation. When leaving the campsite ready for the next guest, remember to follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. Do not damage any of the natural settings while visiting and exploring the area. The BLM does not have designated employees to clean up after each visitor. Before pulling out, check the campsite for any forgotten trash or equipment.

Loon Lake Recreation Site Location

From Reedsport’s US HWY 101, go east for 13 miles on OR-38 East to Loon Lake Road. When arriving from Oregon’s I-5, south of Cottage Grove, take Exit 162. Then, follow OR-38 West for 43 miles to Loon Lake Road. You’ll see Loon Lake Road Site signs between mileposts 13 and 14 on OR-38. After turning onto Loon Lake Road, drive seven miles to the entrance of the site, which will be on your right. Address: 7273 Loon Lake Road, Reedsport, OR 97467 Ready to visit Loon Lake Recreation Site? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.