The Oregon Dunes is listed as a National Recreation Area is open to motorized vehicles for recreational use. There are 3 main areas that offer ATV riding opportunities, camping and staging areas. However, it is just as important to know where you can't ride as you don't want to be having a great time and then find out you're off the ATV trail in a restricted area.
These are not only multi-use ATV trails, they are busy ATV trails as well, especially on holiday weekends. Be aware and show up early to get a good spot if you're going to be riding your ATV on July 4th or Labor Day weekends especially. The campgrounds allow motorized sand access, but not all do - make sure by checking your map or reading the clearly marked signs to see where you can and can not go on your ATV.
As of January 2006, there are new rules for sand camping. Recreation passes are not valid for sand camping. Campsite fees change to $10/night for standard sites and $20/night for group sites. There is not trash pick up at most facilities, so if you bring it in with you, you must pack it out with you and keep the area as pristine as when you arrived. Please note that campsites are limited to 5 highway vehicles/20 people.
Make sure you have your spark arrestor and muffler in place as many beach areas have noise limits and they will pull you off the ATV trail for having a noise machine.
These trails are a great way to spend the way with your friends, if you don't normally wear goggles when you ride your ATV, do make it a point to wear them on this ride as with all the sand you are bound to get some kicked up in your eyes by someone's wheels, so be safe and err on the side of caution and have yourself a great time riding your ATV at Oregon Dunes!
