Great location for tent camping families, if RVs don't bother you
This review is about tent camping. We were two families with children between the ages of 5 and 10, occupying 2 adjacent sites. The campgrounds are shaded, clean and kid friendly, in that there are loops for bikes and easy access to the centrally located bathrooms. Vehicles move slowly on the one way loop roads. There were minimal bugs and no poison oak.
The weather was much cooler than expected. it was foggy and in the 50s-60s for the most part. When the sun did come out, it was glorious and in the 70s - perfect!
There are hookups for RVs at which we could plug in our cell phone chargers. The spigots and water dump drains are generously sprinkled between the campsites.
Sites were on the small side. While we did fit one medium and two small tents, there was pretty much no other flat space. The small sites means that neighbors are close. However, this campground is popular with RVs. We were just about the only families without an RV. The largeness of the RVs everywhere made it feel a bit crowded too, but on the upside - RV families didn't use the campground bathrooms and so there was never a line, and it was perfectly quiet at night as everyone retired into their vehicles. No rowdy college-aged crowds here - just families.
Bathrooms were very clean as far as campgrounds go, and always stocked with toilet paper and paper towels. Showers were also clean, and FREE and HOT. In regards to the women's showers, the water temperature varied between luke warm and hot, so test them out before committing.
The community was very friendly, with camp hosts and employees calling hello. We are an Asian American family and in this day and age have concerns about being on the receiving end of prejudice during travels. However we felt safe and welcome here, though we did stand out as the only people of color.
Dogs are also welcome! There are dog poop bag dispenser stands everywhere, as well as special disposal buckets.
The lake is within walkable/ bikeable distance. There is a small cove blocked off with logs, with shallow water and a beach which is perfect for kids. The lake has a jetty off which one can fish. The fish are pretty small though. One can also catch salamanders, of which there are plenty. Put a worm in a net and they will swim right in to eat the worm. The lake is kayak, boat, paddle board etc friendly.
The adjacent part has a playground and a large grassy area including a volleyball net. There are picnic tables and a large shaded gazebo. And a dog run area! It is not enclosed, but it is a very large space. There is 3 mile (one way - need to retrace steps for a 6 mile hike) around the side of the lake. it is a beautiful hike without much elevation change. Shaded, with views of the lake and lots of green for the plant enthusiast. About 2.5 miles in, the shrubbery grew too thick to proceed without scratches, but up til then, the trail was very well maintained.
Do NOT come here during Dune Buggy Fest (I'm sure there is a formal name). We were there the last weekend of July/ first weekend of August, which was Dune Buggy Fest in the nearby dunes. That meant that we could hear the engine revving all day and into the night. Also meant that the neighboring towns were busier than normal, with restaurant wait lists etc in Winchester (fishing town nearby).
Winchester is good for crabbing, and has many fish n chip type places to eat. South, there is North Bend and Coos Bay just 20-30 mins away with supermarkets and restaurants. The nearby lighthouse by Lake Marie has clam chowder. And Lake Marie is a 1 mile loop hike, great for kids.
Overall an enjoyable, safe and comfortable stay.
