How much does camping cost at Sunshine Bar Campground?

Camping fees at Sunshine Bar Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Are there showers at Sunshine Bar Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Sunshine Bar Campground?

Fire policies at Sunshine Bar Campground: Campfires are restricted to developed fire pits only. Fireworks are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sunshine Bar Campground have?

Sunshine Bar Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sunshine Bar Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sunshine Bar 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 Sunshine Bar Campground?

Sunshine Bar Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sunshine Bar Campground?

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

Sunshine Bar Campground

Q: Is Sunshine Bar Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sunshine Bar Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 5 first-come, first-served campsites; user Patricia Ryan mentioned that "4 are equipped for trailers/RVs and one is a walk-in campsite right on the river."

3.72

32 reviews

Top 9% in ORFall

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Oregon

Quick Facts

499 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

499 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Sunshine Bar Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground is free of charge as confirmed by user reviews such as Patricia Ryan who called it a "FREE campsite."

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Sunshine Bar Campground

42.7121, -124.3109

Nearby places

Port Orford is the closest city, approximately 19 miles away (about one hour due to road conditions).

Nearby supplies

The exact locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are not provided, but Port Orford, being the nearest city, is likely a key resource hub.

Driving directionsFrom Port Orford, OR, head north on Highway 101 to Forest Road 5325. Turn right onto Forest Road 5325, and proceed for 19 miles. Campground will be on the left.

The road access quality is problematic for some visitors, as reported in user reviews. Dean M noted that "The forest service road on the way in is not maintained and is in bad shape in several spots," while Jennifer Martin highlighted hazards such as "falling rocks and parts of the road that has fallen into the river," indicating significant challenges with the gravel road leading to the campground.

Weather at Sunshine Bar Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sunshine Bar Campground

Fall is the sweet spot. Daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s, nights in the 40s, and fewer people than summer. October brings fall color and salmon runs. The river drops and clears, making wildlife easier to spot. Summer is warmer but the mosquitoes in early August are brutal according to multiple reviews. Winter is mild for the coast but wet. Spring runoff can make the river less appealing for swimming. Pack layers year-round since mornings start foggy and afternoons can turn warm.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in OR

Described as the 'sweet spot' — mild temps, fall color, salmon runs, clearer river and fewer people.

Planning Tips

About Sunshine Bar Campground

Sunshine Bar Campground sits along the Wild and Scenic Elk River in Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, about 30 minutes inland from Port Orford. The six primitive sites are free and spread out enough that at least one walk-in spot offers real seclusion by the water. Vault toilets are clean. There's no potable water, no cell signal, and mosquitoes can be relentless in early August. If you want a riverside camp where the hardest decision is whether to swim or hike the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway, this works.

Sunshine Bar Campground is a primitive campground offering opportunities for both tent camping and small trailer/RV camping. It has six sites, all of which are first-come, first-served.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the sweet spot. Daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s, nights in the 40s, and fewer people than summer. October brings fall color and salmon runs. The river drops and clears, making wildlife easier to spot. Summer is warmer but the mosquitoes in early August are brutal according to multiple reviews. Winter is mild for the coast but wet. Spring runoff can make the river less appealing for swimming. Pack layers year-round since mornings start foggy and afternoons can turn warm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Elk River runs clear and cold through a corridor of Douglas fir and cedar. The campground sits at 499 feet elevation where coastal and inland ecosystems overlap, creating dense riparian growth along the banks and drier forest up the slopes. Exposed rock formations along the river hint at the area's volcanic past. Deer browse at dawn. In October, riverside shrubs show fall color and salmon return to spawn. Sunlight filters through the canopy in shifting patterns. The river has calm pools for swimming and enough current to keep the water clean.

Geological RegionSunshine Bar Campground rests within the remarkable convergence of mountain and coastal ecosystems that defines the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The Wild and Scenic Elk River has carved its path through this dramatic landscape over millennia, creating a corridor of biodiversity where inland forests meet coastal influences. Cyclists and hikers along the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway are treated to a geological journey through time, where exposed rock formations tell stories of ancient seas and volcanic activity. This unique position creates a microclimate that supports an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, making every visit a lesson in natural history.

Scenic ViewsVisitors frequently highlight the beautiful nature views. Chellei Meyer remarked that "the nature is wonderful," while Jonathan Stoll called it "a nice 'primitive' campground...close enough to town so it's easy to get to and far enough to make it remote." The area near the Elk River offers scenic vantage points and a serene atmosphere.

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

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Campfires in developed fire pits only Fireworks are prohibited Dogs must be on leash OHV/ATV use prohibited in the campground Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Groups

Group sites are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSix sites total. Four accommodate trailers or RVs, one is the riverside walk-in, layout of the sixth isn't specified. Pull-throughs with picnic tables and fire rings. Spacing varies but the walk-in site feels secluded.

Walk-in AvailabilityThere are 5 first-come, first-served campsites; user Patricia Ryan mentioned that "4 are equipped for trailers/RVs and one is a walk-in campsite right on the river.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described in the available information.

Site SizeThe sites accommodate small trailers and tents, with one pull-through spot large enough for a 19' Airstream and a teardrop trailer, including trucks.

PrivacyThe privacy of sites varies, with one walk-in site providing seclusion along the riverbank.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesFor a quieter experience, Patricia Ryan recommends the walk-in campsite on the river. Caution is advised during off-season or solo trips due to concerns mentioned about homeless individuals in user reviews.

Best CampsitesThe walk-in site right on the river offers the most privacy and direct water access. One site is a pull-through that fits a 19-foot Airstream and a teardrop trailer with trucks, though exact site numbers aren't documented in reviews.

Amenities available

Sunshine Bar Campground offers a relatively primitive camping experience in a lush setting along the Wild and Scenic Elk River. According to both official sources and user reviews, the campground provides 6 individual campsites equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. However, it lacks potable water and garbage disposal services, requiring campers to bring their own water and to pack out all trash. There are 2 vault toilets available on-site, described as clean by several reviewers. The absence of cell phone reception and Wi-Fi makes this a more secluded and disconnected camping experience.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sunshine Bar Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, from day hikes and wildlife viewing to swimming in the Elk River. Reviewers often highlight the stunning natural setting and the opportunity for scenic picnics.

Hiking

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are frequently reported as a nuisance, particularly in warmer months such as August. Risks associated with poison oak are mentioned in reviews, and the gravel road leading to the campground has hazards that include falling rocks and poor maintenance as noted by visitors. Jennifer Martin also reported swarms of daddy-long-leg spiders during their stay.

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 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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are restricted to developed fire pits only. Fireworks are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage disposal service; campers must pack out their trash.

Water FeaturesDirect access to Elk River offers opportunities for water activities like swimming and scenic river hikes.

Camp HostPearl-Grace Ghimire mentioned a ranger from Gold Beach checking on campers, but no details about campground host services are provided.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

32 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews for Sunshine Bar Campground are mixed, highlighting the site's beautiful natural surroundings and free access, while also mentioning issues such as mosquitoes, unleashed dogs, and the presence of homeless individuals during the off-season.

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the lush natural setting along the Elk River, clean vault toilets, and spacious campsites. One reviewer stated, 'FREE campsite with plenty of room... Easy access to Elk River.'

Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include mosquitoes, hazardous access roads, and the presence of homeless individuals. 'Worst experience of my entire camping ventures' due to bug bites, said one reviewer, while...

Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user detailed that '4 sites are equipped for trailers/RVs, and one is a walk-in campsite right on the river.' The pull-through spot accommodates a 19' Airstream and a teardrop trailer.

Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray to combat mosquitoes and being prepared for the lack of cell phone reception and potable water. One user advised spending the evening in a tent to avoid bugs.

Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground experiences heavy mosquito activity in late summer, as reported by multiple reviews from August. The off-season may see fewer visitors but comes with potential safety concerns, such as...

Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'FREE campsite with plenty of room for our 19’ Airstream.' 2. 'Clean vault bathrooms near the entrance.' 3. 'Mosquitoes are terrible, so have bug spray.'

Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 32 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One user mentioned 'lots of bugs and unleashed dogs,' which may indicate a lack of enforcement of leash rules.

Based on 32 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall campers after the salmon run and fall color will find this at its best. The walk-in site sits right on the riverbank and the pull-throughs handle rigs up to at least a 19-foot Airstream. Bring all your water and a solid bug kit.

Skip if

August mosquitoes have driven people out mid-trip, multiple reviewers called them brutal enough to ruin the stay entirely. The gravel access road also has falling rock hazards that make some drivers nervous, and off-season visits have turned up long-term squatters on-site.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.3

(15)

Butler Bar Campground

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Butler Bar Campground sits along the Wild and Scenic Elk River in Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, near Port Orford. The seven primitive sites each have a picnic table and fire ring. This remote spot is a waypoint on the Wild Coast Scenic Bikeway and provides access to both Copper-Salmon Wilderness and Grassy Knob Wilderness. Expect vault toilets but no running water or trash service.

Sunshine Bar Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Sunshine Bar Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Sunshine Bar Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sunshine Bar Campground

Planning Tips

About Sunshine Bar Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Sunshine Bar Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sunshine Bar Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews