How much does camping cost at Big Elk Guard Station?

Camping fees at Big Elk Guard Station range from $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Elk Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Elk Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Elk Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Big Elk Guard Station has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Elk Guard Station?

Big Elk Guard Station is open May 21 to November 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Elk Guard Station?

Big Elk Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Big Elk Guard Station have?

Big Elk Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Elk Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Elk Guard Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Elk Guard Station?

Big Elk Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Elk Guard Station?

Popular activities at Big Elk Guard Station include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Elk Guard Station

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Elk Guard Station?

Fire policies at Big Elk Guard Station: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.75

12 reviews

PO BOX 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA

Top 9% in ORFall

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Oregon

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,770 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 17, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,770 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 17, 2025, t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big Elk Guard Station

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN ELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-865-2700

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Big Elk Guard Station

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Campground Map

PO BOX 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA

Big Elk Guard Station

PO BOX 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA

Nearby places

Butte Falls (~19 miles), Fish Lake Resort (~5 miles), Crater Lake National Park (~57 miles)

Driving directionsDrive east from Butte Falls on the Butte Falls-Fish Lake Highway (County Road #821) for approximately 19 miles to the junction with State Highway #140. Turn right, go 0.08 miles on Highway #140 to the junction with Forest Service Road #37. Turn left, and travel approximately 4 miles to the junction with the guard station driveway. The station is visible on the left from this location. Turn left, travel through the gate to the guard station. From White City, OR, for an alternative route to Big Elk Guard Station that bypasses the town of Butte Falls, take State Highway 140 traveling east to the Junction with Forest Road 37, or take State Highway 140 traveling west from Klamath Falls, OR to the Junction with Forest Road 37. Turning onto Forest Road 37 traveling south, follow directions as above to the guard station.

Weather at Big Elk Guard Station

Current alerts(7)

All garbage and food must be packed out
Entry through the access gate and to the cabin is by combination lock. The combination will be included in your confirmation letter. LOCK OPERATIONS: Once the combination has been entered, the shank of the lock must be depressed into the body of the lock, and then released…
Learn more about Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
Pets are welcome at the cabin

Best Time to Camp at Big Elk Guard Station

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable, crisp weather and spectacular color as quaking aspens and lodgepole pines turn golden; expect daytime highs around 45–65°F and cool nights often dipping near or below freezing. Trails are drier and mosquito-free, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography at the edge of Big Elk Meadow ideal, while crowds thin after Labor Day so the historic cabin feels truly solitary. Fall also avoids the spring flooding and the summer’s peak fire danger, but be‑ Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in OR

Fall touted as best: aspens turn gold, trails dry, mosquitoes gone and reviewers prefer fall.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to November 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 17, 2025, through November 4, 2025, with off-season closures.

About Big Elk Guard Station

Big Elk Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest near Butte Falls in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The Forest Service operates this historic rental cabin and small campground with electric hookups, vault toilets, and fire rings. Guests hike surrounding trails and enjoy solitude at the edge of Big Elk Meadow, though the cabin's condition has drawn mixed reviews.

Big Elk Guard Station supports multiple camping options, including cabin lodging and tent camping near the cabin.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of stable, crisp weather and spectacular color as quaking aspens and lodgepole pines turn golden; expect daytime highs around 45–65°F and cool nights often dipping near or below freezing. Trails are drier and mosquito-free, making hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography at the edge of Big Elk Meadow ideal, while crowds thin after Labor Day so the historic cabin feels truly solitary. Fall also avoids the spring flooding and the summer’s peak fire danger, but be‑ Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4770 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks Big Elk Meadow, a seasonal wetland that floods in spring and dries to grassland by summer. Ancient lava flows from Brown Mountain shaped the terrain here over 20,000 years. The surrounding forest mixes lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, Shasta red fir, and Douglas fir. Mt. McLoughlin rises on the horizon. Deer browse at dawn. The meadow's flood-and-dry cycle creates habitat that shifts dramatically through the year.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe primary accommodation is a rustic log cabin offering two upper-story bunkrooms with one queen bed and two twin beds, as well as a loveseat sofa and futon for additional sleeping arrangements. Reviewers often remark on the poor condition of mattresses and furniture. Tent camping is also available near the cabin.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 4 people comfortably, based on available bedding.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe cabin includes a main room, kitchen, and two bunkrooms. Tent camping is available near the cabin.

PrivacyThe campground offers solitude and remoteness, with limited signage and no cell service. User reviews describe the area as quiet and serene.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sufficient water for your stay (recommended: 1 gallon per person per day) and extra bedding for comfort. Prepare for mice with traps and bait.

Best CampsitesSite 001 is the only option. It's the cabin itself, which includes a main room, kitchen, two bunkrooms, and outdoor space for tents. Reviews suggest bringing your own bedding and mouse traps. Water must be hauled in. One gallon per person per day is recommended for cooking and washing.

Need help booking Big Elk Guard Station?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Elk Guard Station offers a variety of amenities suitable for those seeking a rustic and isolated camping experience. The cabin includes electric lights and heating via a wood stove; however, firewood supply is not guaranteed and may need to be split by campers. A kitchen is equipped with an electric range, refrigerator, and dry sink, but visitors must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing. Outdoor amenities consist of a picnic table and fire ring for dining. A vault toilet is available, along with tent camping spots near the cabin. Reviewers frequently mention cleanliness issues and mouse activity within the cabin, with some suggesting the cabin needs major maintenance, particularly for furniture and bedding.

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Big Elk Guard Station offers proximity to various recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and boating. Nearby trails include Fish Lake Trail, High Lakes Trail, Brown Mountain Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Sky Lakes Wilderness, and Mount McLoughlin Trail system.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are provided at this campground.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out by visitors.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Big Elk Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment toward Big Elk Guard Station is mixed. While some praise the cabin's remote and serene setting, many complain about cleanliness issues, poor furniture condition, and mouse activity.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

"Excellent secluded location, quiet and serene. Solitude maintained with limited signage." "The cabin is very nice, with a wood stove, but it took about 5 hours to get the chill out of the house."...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

"The mattresses look disgusting and blankets are not provided." "Filthy and the beds were not fit to sleep on." "Mouse issues all night, unless you leave a light on."

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is associated with the cabin and received mixed reviews, ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Negative reviews highlight issues with cleanliness, mice, and poor furniture conditions, while positive...

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra bedding, sheets, and pillows for a better sleeping experience. Bring mouse traps and bait to handle rodent issues. Prepare to haul water, with one gallon per person per day recommended...

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter usage is not permitted, but several reviewers mention wishing the cabin was open year-round. Fall reviews highlight snow and the cabin's ability to stay warm with the wood stove.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"You're getting what you pay for in terms of amenities. It's cheap, and you do the work yourself to clean, haul water, chop wood, and make your stay nice." "Cows are friendly but make mud boots...

Based on 12 reviews