William M. Tugman State Park

Despite its close proximity to Highway 101, Tugman State Park is relatively unknown — a private hideaway on the wondrous south coast.

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.

com . Reservations required for yurt stays.

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.

Eel Lake The waters of Eel Lake are outstanding for fishing, swimming, canoeing, sailing and boating.

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.

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.

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?

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.