Big Elk Guard Station
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest — lakeside, hiking
Location: BUTTE FALLS, OR, OR
Price: From $75 per night
Rating: 3.9 out of 5 (12 reviews)
Season: May through October
With a history that dates back to 1907, Big Elk Guard Station is the oldest continuously used administrative site within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and a delightful setting for guests seeking a unique getaway. For many decades the guard station served as summer headquarters for solitary forest "guards" who built trails, fought forest fires and patrolled the land on horseback. Most recently the site was used to house Forest Service seasonal fire crews.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: AT&T.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Electric Hookups, Boat Launch, Firewood for Sale
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/big-elk-guard-station to be notified when sites open up.
Big Elk Guard Station offers a historically unique camping experience as the oldest continuously used administrative site in Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (dating to 1907). The location provides access to hiking and a scenic setting near Fish Lake Highway.
Wildlife alert: American Pika observed in the area—these alpine mammals are sensitive to heat, so early morning hiking is recommended. Also expect Ruffed Grouse and Pacific Northern Pygmy-Owl.
Insider tips for Big Elk Guard Station: Book early—this is a federal campground with only 1 site available Firewood is available for sale on-site, so you don't need to bring your own The site has a boat launch, making it accessible for anglers heading to Fish Lake area
Skip Big Elk Guard Station if: You need RV hookups—no electrical hookups are available despite listing Electric Hookups in amenities. You prefer walk-up camping—with only 1 site and seasonal operation, advance reservations are essential. You have large groups—only tent sites available.
Best time to visit Big Elk Guard Station: May-October — Campground operates seasonally during this window only.
Nearby campgrounds: North Fork Campground (Or) (Prospect, OR), Doe Point Campground (Prospect, OR), Willow Prairie Horsecamp (BUTTE FALLS, OR), Beaver Dam Group Campground (Ashland, OR).
Cell Phone Coverage at Big Elk Guard Station
Cell signal at Big Elk Guard Station (BUTTE FALLS, OR): weak overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: AT&T.
- AT&T 4G LTE: 100% coverage
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
With a history that dates back to 1907, Big Elk Guard Station is the oldest continuously used administrative site within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, and a delightful setting for guests seeking a unique getaway. For many decades the guard station served as summer headquarters for solitary forest "guards" who built trails, fought forest fires and patrolled the land on horseback. Most recently the site was used to house Forest Service seasonal fire crews.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a federal campground with only 1 site available
Firewood is available for sale on-site, so you don't need to bring your own
The site has a boat launch, making it accessible for anglers heading to Fish Lake area
Campground operates seasonally during this window only
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: AT&T.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
Drive 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 .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
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
- Bear country — store all food in bear boxes or locked vehicle at all times.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Big Elk Guard Station cost per night?+
What season is Big Elk Guard Station open?+
Does Big Elk Guard Station have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Big Elk Guard Station?+
How do I make reservations at Big Elk Guard Station?+
What is the cell service like at Big Elk Guard Station?+
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●Data sources on this page
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