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Frequently Asked Questions
make the most of your stay at
Winchester Bay
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Are more amenities planned for Winchester Bay?Yes. We’re always exploring ways to improve the visitor experience. Future projects depend on funding and community needs.
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Where can I buy fresh fish or crab?Sportsmen’s Cannery on Bayfront Loop is a great place to find fresh local seafood. During the season, you may also be able to buy directly from commercial boats at Breakwater Dock.
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Are there any boat rentals available?Not currently. If you’re interested in starting a boat rental business, contact the Salmon Harbor Marina Office at 541-271-3407.
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Is there a laundromat in Winchester Bay?Yes, at the Winchester Bay Beach Plaza in Umpqua Dunes Campground. It’s open to the public.
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Are there EV charging stations in Winchester Bay?Not yet. The closest public charging stations are located in Reedsport.
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Do property taxes fund Salmon Harbor or RV Resort projects?No. Salmon Harbor is self-funded through an enterprise fund. All revenue from camping, moorage, and leases stays within the harbor and is used locally—no tax dollars involved.
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Why is there a fee to launch a boat?Launch fees help maintain and improve harbor facilities. All funds stay within the Salmon Harbor budget to support local infrastructure.
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How do I get a permit for an event, filming, or vending?Email DiscoverWB@douglascountyor.gov and we’ll guide you through the permitting process.
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What happens if I don’t pay for moorage or camping?Guests are expected to pay for their stay. Failure to do so may result in fines or being asked to leave. Payments can be made at kiosks or at the marina office.
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How can I lease property to start a business in Winchester Bay?Salmon Harbor offers commercial lease opportunities that align with the area’s recreational and tourism goals. Call 541-271-3407 to learn more about available spaces and the application process.
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Can I ride my OHV to businesses on Beach Boulevard?No. OHVs must stay within designated areas and are not allowed past Ork Rock Road or across the Winchester Creek Bridge.
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Can I drive my OHV on the beach?No. Off-road vehicles are not permitted on the beach in Winchester Bay under Oregon State Parks regulations.
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What happened to the pay boxes at the Crab Dock and OHV Staging Area?In 2021, Douglas County removed all day-use parking fees at county parks. The fees were no longer needed, and parking at the Crab Dock, Dan Van Slyke OHV Staging Area, and other county parks is now free.
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Can I crab off any dock in Winchester Bay?Crabbing is only allowed at designated docks, including the Windy Cove Crab Dock and the last dock on Ork Rock Road near the boat launch.
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Can Winchester Bay host group camping events?Yes! We welcome group campouts and offer off-season discounts. Contact DiscoverWB@douglascountyor.gov for more information.
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Is self-contained camping by reservation or walk-in?Camping is first-come, first-served. Pay at the kiosk or marina office.
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Can I get mail delivered to a campground?No. Mail should be sent to the Winchester Bay Post Office using “General Delivery.”
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Can I have a fire at my campsite?Yes, in designated areas, unless fire restrictions are in place. Always check with camp staff or local authorities before starting a fire.
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Can I sleep in my vehicle or park overnight in a parking lot?Overnight camping is only allowed in designated camping areas. Self-contained camping is first-come, first-served.
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Are dogs allowed at the RV Resort and campgrounds?Yes, dogs are welcome! Please keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Some areas may have specific restrictions—check with the office if unsure.
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Why haven’t the docks between Coho Point and Bayfront Loop been repaired?Replacing docks is a major investment, and moorage demand has declined due to changes in the fishing industry and increased use of trailerable boats. The existing docks are left in place to preserve future permitting options. For now, we’re focusing on projects that strengthen Salmon Harbor’s finances so we can reinvest in improvements when the time is right.
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Are new docks or expansions planned?Yes, we have long-term plans to replace aging docks and improve moorage, depending on funding and permits. Keeping current docks in place helps maintain permitting options.
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Can I reserve a moorage slip?Moorage is first-come, first-served. Pay at the kiosk or at the Salmon Harbor Marina Office at 100 Ork Rock Road.
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Does Salmon Harbor have a fuel dock?Yes. We offer diesel and non-ethanol fuel at the dock, as well as non-ethanol gas and propane at our upland station.
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Can I live on my boat at Salmon Harbor?No. The harbor is for recreational use only, and a physical residential address is required to rent a slip.
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Will my Reedsport launch pass work in Winchester Bay?No. Launch passes are specific to each location and are not interchangeable.
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