Sunshine Bar Campground

Star3.97
32 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

499 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
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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."
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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What Campers Say

3.97

Mixed Reviews

Based on 32 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioussites

Some mention

mosquitoessignal

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Sunshine Bar Campground

42.7121, -124.3109

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Sunshine Bar Campground

Sunshine Bar's climate tells a tale of two seasons: crisp, invigorating winters give way to pleasantly mild summers that invite extended stays. Peak camping conditions arrive with weeks of azure skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for riverside lounging and trail exploration. Early August visitors should come prepared with insect repellent, as the local mosquito population tends to be particularly enthusiastic during this time. The ever-changing mountain weather adds an element of adventure—mornings might greet you with misty river fog that burns off to reveal sun-drenched afternoons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Mild summers are inviting but heavy mosquito activity reported in late summer (August).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Likely pleasant autumn conditions with fewer insects and scenic forest; direct data limited.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Lush forest and mild climate make spring attractive; less insect pressure than late summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Described as crisp winters and fewer visitors; off‑season safety concerns noted by reviewers.

Planning Tips

    About Sunshine Bar Campground

    Tucked away in the verdant depths of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Sunshine Bar Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This intimate retreat features six primitive campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and fire pits where stories unfold beneath starlit skies. While embracing a back-to-basics approach with vault toilets and no running water, the campground rewards visitors with unparalleled access to the pristine Elk River. Here, days drift by with riverside swims, forest hikes along the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway, and the simple pleasure of disconnecting from the modern world. Remember to embrace Leave No Trace principles—what you pack in, you'll need to pack out.
    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.
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    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

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    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.
    HikingDay hikes and backpacking opportunities are available in the surrounding area. Some reviewers have noted the absence of well-maintained trails, which could lead to encounters with poison oak if wandering off-trail.
    SwimmingThe Elk River provides opportunities for swimming, including a noted swimming hole under a nearby bridge. However, one user noted the river's cold temperature.
    BikingThe campground is located along the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway, offering opportunities for road cycling.
    Wildlife viewingThe area offers chances to observe local wildlife, as noted in the campground's general descriptions.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    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.

    Weather at Sunshine Bar Campground

    Reviews

    4.0
    32 reviews
    Mixed 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...
    Show more
    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...
    Show more
    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

    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

    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

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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