mdi-tent Reserve

William M. Tugman
State Park

Near Florence, Oregon, United States
mdi-tent Reserve

Park Overview

Despite its close proximity to Highway 101, Tugman State Park is relatively unknown — a private hideaway on the wondrous south coast. Situated on Eel Lake near the community of Lakeside, Tugman offers campsites with electric/water hookups tucked away in a mature stand of shore pines.

Tugman is centrally located for visitors wishing to explore the Oregon coast from Reedsport to Coos Bay. The famous Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is less than a mile away. 

Eel Lake

The waters of Eel Lake are outstanding for fishing, swimming, canoeing, sailing and boating. A trail around the south end of the lake allows hikers to get away from the developed area of the park and explore the lake's many inlets. Maybe you'll catch glimpses of osprey, crane, eagle, deer and other forest creatures as you walk through forests of spruce, cedar, fir, and alder. 

The lake is brimming with fishing opportunities. The brush-lined shore, steep drop-off and underwater structure makes it the perfect lake for a bass boat and bass fishing. The lake has a good population of largemouth bass (some running up to five pounds), and other fish species include crappie, rainbow trout (which are stocked), steelhead, and coho salmon. There is a fully-accessible fishing dock at the day-use area near the boat ramp. Trout and bass are often caught from the dock.

Fishing regulations apply to Eel Lake. Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife southwest zone web page for the most current information and check posted signs at the boat launch

Day Use

The day-use area has a restroom and plenty of space for large and small group gatherings. A reservable gazebo-style shelter is surrounded by broad green lawns. The shelter is first-come, first-served when not in use.

Drive an electric vehicle?

Two EV charging stations are available at the day-use parking area. Learn more

Year-round Camping

Book reservations up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Reservations required for yurt stays. 

  • 93 electrical sites with water (2 have accessible design)
  • 16 yurts (3 have accessible design; 8 pet-friendly)
  • Flush toilets and showers (campers only)
  • Hiker/biker camp
  • RV dump station
  • Firewood for sale
mdi-alert-outline General Advisory
mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-tent Open for camping year round mdi-cellphone Call for reservations: 800-452-5687
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 541-759-3604
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Amenities & Features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline General

What if I have a reservation but I can't arrive until very late in the evening?

Tugman State Park entrace is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.  If you plan to arrive late in the evening your site will be waiting.

If you have reserved a yurt or a cabin, please refer to your confirmation email that contains the combination to the yurt or cabin you have reserved.

Where is the nearest RV dump station?

There is a dump station available just before the entrance of Tugman's overnight camp. We do suggest a $3.00 donation. 

Does Tugman State Park have wi-fi?

Wi-fi is not available at Tugman State Park.

mdi-help-circle-outline About Camping

Are there any campsites or yurts on or with a view of Eel Lake?

No.  However, Eel Lake/Tugman State Park Day Use is accessable by trail from the Tugman Overnight Campground.

Can I bring my own firewood?

Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by getting your firewood at the campground (firewood bundles can be purchased from the camp hosts), or close to it.  Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests.  You can make a difference.  For more information, visit dontmovefirewood.org.

 

I want to camp tonight, can I make a reservation?

Yes. Any available site can be reserved through an online reservation in advance of arrival or at the park via a digital device or with a park ranger if space is available.You can make a reservation up until 11:59 p.m. for tent and RV sites and 5:59 p.m. for cabin or yurt sites. For more information, please read the feature article on our website.

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Are ATV's allowed in the park?

ATV's are not allowed to be used in the park.

mdi-help-circle-outline Animals

Are pets allowed in the yurts?

Tugman State Park has 8 pet friendly yurts.  These are the only yurts that pets are allowed.  To reserve a pet friendly yurt please call Reservations Northwest  at 1-800-452-5687.

mdi-help-circle-outline Day use/Special Events

Do I have to pay a fee to park my car and have a picnic at Eel Lake Day Use Area?

Eel Lake Day Use Area is free.

For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

The park was acquired between 1962 and 1976 through gifts from the Oregon State Game Commission and purchase from private owners. The park protects the public access to and use of Eel Lake, which over many years had become partly filled with logging debris. The lake was cleaned out by the Game Commission prior to its transfer for park purposes. The area has been developed for camping and day use, including boating and swimming and fishing. The name commemorates William M. Tugman (1894-1961), prominent newspaperman of Eugene and Reedsport. Tugman headed Governor Paul Patterson's State Park Advisory Committee, which made the important citizens' report and recommendations on State Parks in 1956. He became the first chairman of the State Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, which was formed in 1957.

Brochures and Maps

mdi-file-pdf-box 2024 South Coast Tide Tables mdi-file-pdf-box Plover Management Areas – South Coast mdi-file-pdf-box William M. Tugman State Park campground map

Photos