How much does camping cost at Big Pine Campground?

Camping fees at Big Pine Campground range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Big Pine Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Pine Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come, first-served. No sites are reservable.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Pine Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Pine Campground 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 Pine Campground?

Big Pine Campground is open Memorial Day weekend through October.. 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 Pine Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Big Pine Campground?

Fire policies at Big Pine Campground: Campfires permitted only in developed fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Pine Campground have?

Big Pine Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Pine Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Pine Campground. 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 Pine Campground?

Big Pine Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Pine Campground?

Popular activities at Big Pine Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Pine Campground

3.82

11 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Tent Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Pine Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $5 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $2 per vehicle per day

Standard Site Fee$5.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Big Pine Campground

42.4586, -123.6760

Nearby places

Merlin, OR (approximately 17.8 miles from Grants Pass)

Weather at Big Pine Campground

Current alert: Temporary closure due to hazardous trees.

Best Time to Camp at Big Pine Campground

Summer brings the warmest and driest conditions, with daytime highs around 70–85°F and nighttime lows dipping to 45–55°F at this elevation. Trails and forest roads are fully accessible, and the weather makes for comfortable overnight camping beneath the pines. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends but plenty of solitude mid-week. Fire restrictions and occasional smoky conditions can affect summer visits. Early mornings and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Deciduous understory provides "brilliant autumn contrast," making fall attractive for color viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through October, weather-dependent. Temporary closure due to hazardous trees.

About Big Pine Campground

Big Pine Campground sits at 2,100 feet in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest near Merlin, offering 13 primitive sites beneath towering fir and Ponderosa pines. The campground runs $5 per night and provides a peaceful, private retreat among some of southern Oregon's most impressive forest giants.

Big Pine Campground offers a rustic camping experience primarily catering to tent and small trailer campers. There are no RV pull-through sites or modern glamping accommodations, but the tranquil forest setting appeals to campers seeking solitude and nature immersion.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest and driest conditions, with daytime highs around 70–85°F and nighttime lows dipping to 45–55°F at this elevation. Trails and forest roads are fully accessible, and the weather makes for comfortable overnight camping beneath the pines. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends but plenty of solitude mid-week. Fire restrictions and occasional smoky conditions can affect summer visits. Early mornings and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing.

ElevationPerched at 2,100 feet above sea level, the campground sits in a sweet spot where mountain air meets forest grandeur. This elevation creates an ideal climate for the majestic old-growth forest that envelops the camping area, offering cooler temperatures in summer and a crisp, pine-scented atmosphere that refreshes the soul.

Natural Features and SceneryMajestic fir and Ponderosa pine groves dominate the landscape here, their massive trunks creating a cathedral-like atmosphere that draws photographers and nature lovers. Deciduous trees fill the understory, providing natural privacy between sites and a brilliant autumn contrast to the evergreens. The campground sits within one of North America's most botanically rich temperate forests, where southern Oregon's complex geology has created ideal growing conditions. The setting is scenic and quiet, with wildlife most active at dawn and dusk.

Geological RegionThe Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest provides a dramatic backdrop for Big Pine Campground, where the complex geology of southern Oregon has created the perfect conditions for these forest titans to thrive. This diverse ecosystem represents one of the most botanically rich temperate forests in North America, where the campground's majestic fir and Ponderosa pine groves stand as testament to the region's extraordinary natural heritage.

Scenic ViewsSeveral campsites back up to Myers Creek, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this location.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

14 days

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground follows a single loop through the forest. Sites are standard-sized and suitable for tents and trailers, though some parking aprons aren't level. Fair to good privacy thanks to the deciduous trees. The vault toilets are dated and draw complaints from visitors.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served. No sites are reservable.

AccessibilityThe toilets are wheelchair-accessible, but no additional accessibility features are detailed in the provided materials.

Site SizeThe sites are described as standard-sized, suitable for tents and trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are rated as fair to good, with deciduous trees enhancing seclusion. One review highlights the privacy positively, stating: 'There is plenty of privacy.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Amenities available

Big Pine Campground offers a rustic camping experience with 12 campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground is located amidst a majestic stand of fir and Ponderosa pine trees, including what was once the world’s tallest ponderosa pine tree (now the second tallest). A hand pump provides drinking water, and there are three vault toilets available. Garbage disposal is provided during the open season. While there are no modern amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, or Wi-Fi, the tranquil and scenic environment contributes to the campground's charm. One user review notes: 'It’s so peaceful and there is plenty of privacy.' However, the bathroom facilities were criticized as subpar unless improvements have been made since the user's visit.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The activities at Big Pine Campground focus on hiking and enjoying the natural, untouched environment. The Big Pine Loop Trail is a highlight, offering scenic exploration opportunities through the majestic pine forest. Wildlife viewing is likely, given the natural setting, but specifics are not detailed. Fishing, swimming, and other recreational water activities are not available.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are the only restroom facilities.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

11 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Big Pine Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews underscore the peaceful and private atmosphere of Big Pine Campground, with highlights including the natural beauty and historical significance of the site. However, some users expressed dissatisfaction with the outdated facilities, particularly the vault toilets. The emotional connection to the site was noted by a reviewer who reminisced about family camping trips in earlier years.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

- Peaceful and private environment - Majestic, scenic location among towering pine trees - Good opportunities for photography and enjoying nature

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

- Vault toilet facilities are substandard - The campground is currently closed, and the closure has upset long-time visitors

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are highlighted in user reviews; however, some sites back up to Myers Creek, adding to the tranquil experience.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Consider visiting during the opening season for optimal access to facilities. - Bring your own drinking water as facilities are limited to a hand pump. - Explore the Big Pine Loop Trail for a...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through October, weather permitting. Summer months are most favorable for visits. There are no reviews describing winter usage.

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'It’s so peaceful and there is plenty of privacy.' 2. 'Great place for taking outdoor photos too.' 3. 'Bathroom sucks though unless they’ve done some work since I was there.' 4. 'This is a place...

Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but no other accessibility features are mentioned in reviews or official sources.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences or amenities.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Hikers and photographers who want serious forest solitude on the cheap. The Big Pine Loop Trail starts right here, and creek-side sites along Myers Creek justify arriving early on summer weekdays.

Skip if

The campground is currently closed due to hazardous trees, and no reopening date is confirmed. Even when open, vault toilets draw consistent complaints, and there are no hookups, showers, or cell signal clarity.

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Meyers Camp offers two primitive tent sites tucked into an old-growth forest in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest near Merlin-Galice. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Vault toilets are available, but there's no water or trash service. Access is challenging: the road is narrow and winding, and recent reviews mention fallen trees blocking the route.

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Sam Brown Campground, Wild Rivers Ranger District, Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon

Sam Brown Campground sits in a meadow ringed by fir and pine at 2,000 feet in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, near where Briggs Creek meets the Illinois River. The 19 primitive sites run $5-10 per night and offer space but limited privacy due to sparse understory. It's a no-frills base for trails, mountain biking, and creek access, though visitors note maintenance can lag.

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Onion Mountain Lookout

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Sixmile Campground sits along the Illinois River in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, about 15 miles from Selma. This small walk-in campground has four primitive sites scattered along Six Mile Creek, where it meets the Wild and Scenic Illinois River. Sites cost $5-10 per night and fill a niche for paddlers, anglers, and hikers looking for quiet access to river country.

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Campgrounds

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Big Pine Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Big Pine Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p><a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/rogue-siskiyou/?cid=STELPRD3808104">Temporary Closure Order</a> due to hazardous trees.</p><p>These sites are located in a rustic camp. Campsites are suitable for tents and trailers. This site is home to what was once the world's tallest ponderosa pine tree--it is now the second tallest!</p><h2>Facilities</h2><ul><li>12 campsites with picnic tables, and fire pits</li><li>Drinking water (hand pump)</li><li>3 vault toilets</li><li>Garbage disposal (during open season)</li></ul>

About the campground

The elevation is 2,100 ft. The campground is a single loop through a beautiful, majestic stand of fir and Ponderosa pine trees. Most of these trees are big and grand specimens, giving the campground lots of character. A variety of deciduous trees provide fair to good privacy and nice fall colors. Several campsites back up to Myers Creek and some parking aprons are not level making leveling RVs a challenge. The campground has a tranquil, elfin feel. Exploring the Big Pine Loop Trail is a must do. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open Memorial Day weekend through October - weather dependent NOTE: 2015 Campground closed due to camper safety concerns; contact ranger district office for status.

Facilities

The water spigot is a handpump.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt. Grey water disposal sites are located throughout campground.

Directions

From Merlin, OR, at intersection of Merlin, Galice, and Pleasant Valley Roads, take Galice Rd. 8.5 miles to Forest Rt. 25 sign. Turn left at sign onto Rt. 25 (Briggs Valley Rd.) and go 12.4 miles to campground on right. NOTE: Forest Rt. 25 is a paved, single-lane road with turnouts.

National Forest: Siskiyou National Forest
Ranger District: Wild Rivers - Galice Office
Elevation: 2100
Rate: $5 per day - May through June 2 no charge - June 3 through October
Maximum Stay: 14