Big Elk Guard Station
3.758 reviewsPO BOX 227, BUTTE FALLS, OR 97522, USA
Big Elk Guard Station
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
The nightly rate for the cabin during peak season is $75. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
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.
Historical SignificanceThis National Register of Historic Places gem stands as a testament to the early days of forest conservation. Originally built as a solitary outpost for forest guards who spent months alone protecting vast wilderness areas, Big Elk Guard Station later evolved to house seasonal fire crews battling blazes across the region. Every weathered board and hand-hewn beam tells stories of dedication, isolation, and the birth of modern forest management.
Weather and SeasonsEach 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.
ElevationNestled at mountain elevation where the air runs crisp and clear, Big Elk Guard Station offers that perfect high-country atmosphere without specific elevation details available.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your doorstep at Big Elk, nature unfolds in spectacular panorama. The cabin overlooks Big Elk Meadow, a dynamic landscape that transforms from spring's temporary lake to summer's golden grassland. Towering Mt. McLoughlin dominates the horizon while the ancient lava flows from Brown Mountain remind visitors of the region's volcanic past. The surrounding forest creates a living cathedral of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir, where deer browse at dawn and owls call through starlit nights.
Geological RegionPerched on the edge of Big Elk Meadow, this remarkable landscape tells a 20,000-year story written in stone and soil. Ancient lava flows from Brown Mountain created the dramatic terrain visible today, while seasonal flooding and drying cycles have crafted the meadow into a unique ecosystem. The diverse forest mosaic includes stately lodgepole pines, shimmering quaking aspens that dance in the breeze, majestic Shasta red firs, and towering Douglas firs that have witnessed centuries of change. This geological wonderland offers endless exploration for the curious naturalist.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features were provided.
Sites SizeThe cabin includes a main room, kitchen, and two bunkrooms. Tent camping is available near the cabin.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers solitude and remoteness, with limited signage and no cell service. User reviews describe the area as quiet and serene.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sufficient water for your stay (recommended: 1 gallon per person per day) and extra bedding for comfort. Prepare for mice with traps and bait.
Best CampsitesCampsite 001 is the only site available, encompassing the historic cabin.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 people comfortably, based on available bedding.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe single cabin is self-contained, with outdoor space for tent camping and a nearby vault toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 17, 2025, through November 4, 2025, with off-season closures.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not mentioned; reservations are required through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival for cabins) will forfeit the first night's recreation use fee along with the cancellation fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fish Lake, located nearby, offers fishing opportunities. No specifics about fish types or quality of fishing were mentioned.Swimming
Swimming is available at Fish Lake, which is a short distance away from the cabin.Biking
Fish Lake provides biking opportunities, but no details about trail difficulty or terrain were given.Boating
Fish Lake supports paddle and motor boating activities. No specifics about docking facilities or boat types were provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife 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.Winter Activities
Winter activities were not discussed, but reviewers mentioned wishing the cabin was open during winter months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding may be possible at nearby Fish Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Outdoor fires are permitted in designated rings. Indoor wood stove fires are allowed, but splitting firewood may be required.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 25%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources. Null
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 17, 2025 - November 04, 2025
Trash and recyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out by visitors.
Proximity to water featuresProximity to Fish Lake (~5 miles), which offers fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention cleanliness issues, mouse infestations, broken furniture, and outdated bedding. "The cabin was filthy and the beds were not fit to sleep on." Others found mice nests and broken furniture.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
3.8
8 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 8 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."...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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 8 reviewsPro 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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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 8 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific feedback from users about accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the cabin, and several reviewers appreciated being able to bring their dogs along for the stay.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025