The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management camping ("BLM camping") is special due to the time and effort the federal organization puts into picking and maintaining the public land so that everyone can enjoy it. When you visit BLM sites, you contribute to the preservation of these, and other natural locations, at risk of succumbing to deforestation without the BLM's efforts.
You can find Bureau of Land Management campgrounds throughout the country. One of them is a natural beauty found in Oregon, The North Spit. It occupies the southwest portion of the Beaver State in between the Pacific Ocean and Coos Bay, allowing visitors to experience sand dunes, wetlands and a lush forest in one geographically diverse national park. While you’re in the area, you may want to make the drive to Redwood National Park, which is in California three hours and 45 minutes south of The North Spit, or Crater Lake National Park, four hours to the southeast.
Located 10 minutes northeast of The North Spit in the Siuslaw National Forest, Bluebill Trail #1331 is a one-way loop around Bluebill Lake. Since this is a seasonal lake, be aware that it can be dry in the summer and experience high water in the winter. While traversing the trail, you will see salal bushes, western hemlock trees and huckleberry.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Easy to intermediate
Travel 25 minutes north of The North Spit to reach Lake Marie Trail, which is in the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. This is another one-way loop around a lake. It features a dense, wooded canopy of western hemlock, Douglas fir and western red cedar. You will also pass through a dark tunnel of evergreen huckleberry.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Also located in the Siuslaw National Forest is the John Dellenback Dunes Trail #1339. It starts in a conifer forest, proceeds through dunes and then terminates at the ocean beach. Hikers can choose between an easy loop or a difficult route to the beach.
Length: 2.7 miles
Intensity: Easy to difficult
One of the main points of interest at The North Spit is the boat launch in the northern part of Coos Bay. It is a convenient spot to rest and fill your water bottles and go to the bathroom after a hike. You'll get to watch the boats as they take off from the full-size boat ramp. You may even be able to take a boat out onto the water yourself. If you plan to fish at Coos Bay, you can potentially catch salmon, halibut and trout. Don't forget your fishing licenses are required in Oregon for all anglers over 12 years old. The North Spit boat launch is also a great place for RVs to park.
During your trip to The North Spit, you may encounter various critters associated with the Pacific forests, such as deer, squirrels and raccoons. The area is also home to the beautiful beach bird known as the western snowy plover. However, the western snowy plover is currently considered "threatened." Since they nest in the sand, restrictions are enacted on the dry sand on the ocean shore between May 15-September 15 while the birds are nesting.
You will find picnic tables scattered throughout The North Spit for when you need to take a break and re-energize with some food.
You have a few options if you would rather go RV camping at a developed, rather than primitive, campground. For example, just 14 minutes southeast of The North Spit is The Mill Casino RV Park. There are extra-wide, full-hookup RV sites on paved spots. There is also cable TV, Wi-Fi, and on-site showers and laundry facilities. You can also take the free shuttle service to the casino. Kelley’s RV Park, 20 minutes south of The North Spit, provides 39 full-hookup RV sites. Other amenities include restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, and more.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is allowed at The North Spit for up to a maximum of 14 days. You can park your RV at the boat launch during your visit. There are sites available at Horsfall Beach Campground, but there are no RV hookups. There are 34 sites, drinking water, flush toilets and a picnic area. Box Car Hill Campground offers the best of both worlds with dry camping areas and RV sites with hookups. There are restrooms and showers on-site.
The North Spit offers a wide variety of geographic features and activities. Pack your sneakers for the forest as well as swimming attire if you plan to take advantage of the lake or the ocean. The area experiences all four seasons, so check the weather to verify the temperature in advance.
Plan your trip dates carefully as The North Split puts numerous seasonal restrictions in place based on the fire season and the nesting season of endangered species. Anyone familiar with the Pacific forests knows about the dangers of wildfires. For this reason, open flames, such as campfires, are prohibited during the fire season (July 1-September 30). During this time, you can use a gas-powered portable stove as long as the fuel is stored in a safe container, meaning you can still camp on-site all year.
Before you head out on your trip, research "BLM camping near me," or check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Respect public space by cleaning up after yourself as stated in the Leave No Trace principles. Humans tend to wreak havoc and assume dominance over the land. Suppress those instincts, and put effort into cleaning up after yourself and not disturbing the natural ecosystem or the plants and wildlife that survive thanks to that ecosystem.
You can easily access The North Spit from Highway 101 by exiting at the Transpacific Parkway and driving six miles. Stay to your left to access the boat ramp staging area.
Ready to visit The North Spit? 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 of 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.
