Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park sits just three miles south of Florence on Oregon’s central coast, where towering coastal sand dunes meet freshwater lakes in a landscape unlike anything else in the Pacific Northwest. The park borders the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and wraps around two swimmable lakes — Cleawox and Woahink — giving visitors the rare combination of dune exploration and calm, warm-water swimming in a single stop.

Cleawox Lake is the park’s centerpiece in summer. A sandy beach slopes gently into the water, making it ideal for families with young kids. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, or just float. From the lake’s western shore, sand dunes rise dramatically — scramble up for sweeping views of the ocean beyond. Woahink Lake, larger and deeper, draws anglers after stocked rainbow trout and largemouth bass.

The campground is one of the most popular on the Oregon coast for good reason. Nearly 200 sites are tucked among dense shore pines and rhododendrons, with full hookups available for RVs and a handful of yurts for those who prefer a roof. Reserve early for summer — sites fill months in advance, especially for July and August weekends.

Beyond the water, hiking trails wind through coastal forest thick with ferns and moss. The dunes themselves offer miles of open sand for exploration on foot.

Visit between June and September for the warmest lake temperatures and driest weather. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and thinner crowds — a worthy tradeoff for cooler water.

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