Big Elk Guard Station

Star3.75
12 reviews
PO BOX 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA
Peace & Quiet

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

Opens Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Elk Guard Station
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin during peak season is $75. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-865-2700
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What Campers Say

3.75

Mixed Reviews

Based on 12 reviews

Most mentioned

quietlocation

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO BOX 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA

Big Elk Guard Station

PO BOX 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA

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.
The area is accessible via paved roads, but some user reviews have mentioned discrepancies in mileage and directions provided. It is reported that the cabin is closer than the stated 4 miles from Highway 140.
Nearby places
Butte Falls (~19 miles), Fish Lake Resort (~5 miles), Crater Lake National Park (~57 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available at Fish Lake Resort, located 5 miles from the guard station. The resort offers dining, boat rentals, firewood sales, a small store, and a boat launch.

Best Time to Camp at Big Elk Guard Station

Each season paints Big Elk in dramatically different strokes. Winter transforms the landscape into a pristine snowscape, perfect for cross-country adventures. Spring awakens the meadow with dramatic flooding that creates temporary wetlands teeming with life. Summer arrives with gentle warmth and endless blue skies, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. As autumn settles in, crisp air carries the promise of early snow while painting the aspens in brilliant gold.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer: golden meadow, trail and lake access make it a very good season for visits.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall reviews note snow and cozy stove use; scenic and comfortable in-season stays possible.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings temporary meadow lake and wildflowers; access before May 17 may be limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Cabin is closed for winter use (off-season); not rated for winter stays.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 17, 2025 - November 04, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 17, 2025, through November 4, 2025, with off-season closures.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were noted in the sources.

About Big Elk Guard Station

Step back in time at Big Elk Guard Station, where a century of forest history awaits within the weathered logs of this 1907 cabin. This authentic Forest Service retreat invites you to experience the solitary life of early forest rangers, complete with a warm wood stove crackling in the living room, a functional kitchen for preparing hearty meals, and cozy bunkrooms that have sheltered generations of wilderness guardians. Outside, a welcoming picnic area beckons for starlit dinners and morning coffee with mountain views.
Big Elk Guard Station supports multiple camping options, including cabin lodging and tent camping near the cabin.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 11 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe area is close to several hiking trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail, Sky Lakes Wilderness, and Mount McLoughlin Trail system, all less than an hour's drive away. Trails vary in length and difficulty, making them suitable for diverse hiking preferences.
FishingFish Lake, located nearby, offers fishing opportunities. No specifics about fish types or quality of fishing were mentioned.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Fish Lake, which is a short distance away from the cabin.
BikingFish Lake provides biking opportunities, but no details about trail difficulty or terrain were given.
BoatingFish Lake supports paddle and motor boating activities. No specifics about docking facilities or boat types were provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes blacktail deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, bald eagle, and other bird species. The meadow and surrounding forest offer excellent viewing opportunities.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards include black bears, mountain lions, and deer. Mice are commonly noted in guest reviews as a nuisance, requiring careful food storage.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were noted in the sources.
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.

Weather at Big Elk Guard Station

Reviews

3.8
12 reviews
Mixed 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."...
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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

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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback from users about accessibility features.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the cabin, and several reviewers appreciated being able to bring their dogs along for the stay.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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