Despite its close proximity to Highway 101, Tugman State Park is relatively unknown -- a private hideaway on the wondrous south coast. The famous Oregon Dunes Recreation area is less than a mile away. Tugman is centrally located for visitors wishing to explore the Oregon coast from Reedsport to Coos Bay.

There's plenty of space for large and small groups to enjoy themselves. 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 lakes many inlets. Tugman offers 115 campsites with electric/water hookups tucked away in a mature stand of shore pines. The day-use area has a restroom and gazebo-style shelter surrounded by broad green lawns. 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.

Eel 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. All coho, even those under 15 inches must be released. 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.

Vital stats: The campground provides 115 electrical campsites (maximum site 50 feet) In addition the park offers 13 yurts and a hiker/biker camp. Camping is offered in 115 sites. 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 lakes many inlets.

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