Butler Bar Campground
05 reviewsButler Bar Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
Camping at Butler Bar Campground is free.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the Wild and Scenic Elk River, Butler Bar Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This intimate primitive campground features seven thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit for evening gatherings under the stars. As a cherished waypoint on the renowned Wild Coast Scenic Bikeway, Butler Bar serves as your gateway to both the mysterious Copper-Salmon Wilderness and the enchanting Grassy Knob Wilderness. While amenities remain refreshingly simple—with vault toilets and no running water or garbage service—the true luxury here is the untouched natural splendor that surrounds you.
Butler Bar Campground offers primitive camping facilities, making it suitable for tents and small vehicles.
Historical SignificanceThe surrounding landscape tells stories of California's gold rush heritage, with several active gold mining claims still dotting the area. These historic sites serve as tangible reminders of the prospectors who once sought their fortunes in these hills. Visitors should respect the legacy of these modern-day miners by observing all posted 'Stay Out' signs, which mark active claims and private operations. This living history adds an intriguing dimension to your wilderness adventure, connecting you to generations of fortune seekers who've been drawn to these mineral-rich mountains.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground's seasonal personality shifts dramatically throughout the year, offering distinct experiences for every type of outdoor enthusiast. During cooler months, visitors enjoy bug-free exploration and crisp, clear days perfect for riverside adventures. Summer brings warmer temperatures along with nature's full orchestra, including mosquitoes that remind you you're truly in the wild. The region's frequent gentle rains transform the landscape into a mystical wonderland, with mist dancing through the towering trees and the forest floor coming alive with vibrant greens.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by the Elk River's crystalline waters, which flow with an almost ethereal blue clarity through this protected corridor. Ancient old-growth forests create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, their massive trunks bearing witness to centuries of changing seasons. When gentle rains kiss the landscape, the entire valley transforms into a scene from a fairy tale—moss glows emerald green, ferns unfurl with renewed vigor, and the air fills with the intoxicating scent of cedar and fir. Hidden pools along the river invite quiet contemplation or refreshing dips, while the surrounding wilderness areas promise endless exploration for those willing to venture beyond the campground's boundaries.
Geological RegionButler Bar Campground sits at the intersection of some of Northern California's most spectacular protected landscapes. The Wild and Scenic Elk River carves its path through ancient geological formations, creating a dramatic corridor between the rugged Copper-Salmon Wilderness to the east and the mysterious Grassy Knob Wilderness to the west. This unique positioning places campers in the heart of old-growth forest valleys that have remained largely unchanged for millennia, where towering Douglas firs and coastal redwoods create a living monument to the region's prehistoric past. The surrounding wilderness areas encompass diverse ecosystems, from river valleys to mountaintop meadows, offering a complete Northern California wilderness experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided sources.
Sites SizeStandard site sizes suitable for tents and small cars.
Sites PrivacyReviews mention that privacy varies, and some sites can be crowded during peak times. There are concerns about rude campers and off-leash dogs.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Sites closer to the river have easier access to pools, while some sites require hiking down a rocky path."
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group camping details provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout7 campsites with picnic tables and fire pits.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"There are no reservations, but sites fill up quickly. User reviews mention that all sites were taken except one during peak season."
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
This campground offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, picnicking, biking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to the Wild and Scenic Elk River makes it ideal for scenic exploration.
Hiking
Day hikes and backpacking opportunities are available in the adjacent wilderness areas such as Copper-Salmon Wilderness and Grassy Knob Wilderness.Swimming
Easy access to pools in the Wild and Scenic Elk River is available. Some user reviews describe the river as gorgeous blue and clear.Biking
The campground is located along the Wild Coast Scenic Bikeway, making it suitable for road cycling.Wildlife viewing
Located adjacent to wilderness areas, this campground offers good opportunities for observing wildlife and enjoying the natural surroundings.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowshoeing or ice fishing are not mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in developed fire pits only. Fireworks are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazards"There are active gold claims in the area; avoid entering claimed lands." Mosquitoes are described as thick during warmer months. The gravel road leading to the campground has fallen rocks and can be dangerous.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo garbage disposal is available; visitors have to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresButler Bar Campground has direct access to the Wild and Scenic Elk River. "This campground has nice easy access to some pools," according to user reviews.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention mosquitoes, fallen rocks on the gravel road, the remote location, and rude campers occupying multiple spaces. Some also noted that some campers appeared to be staying for months.
Host"Never saw a ranger at all," according to user reviews.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Port Orford, OR, travel north on Highway 101 to Forest Road 5325. Turn right onto Forest Road 5325, and proceed for 22 miles to the campground.
"Paved road can get rough once you get past the fish hatchery with uneven surfaces, rock slides etc." User reviews often mention blind corners and fast-moving local traffic in trucks. After the hatchery, the road becomes gravel and may have fallen rocks that require manual removal.Nearby places
Port Orford, OR (22 miles, approx. 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Butler Bar Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide mixed feedback. The campground is noted for its remote and scenic location, but travelers also highlight issues with mosquitoes, rude campers, and limitations of facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its beautiful and remote surroundings, access to a clear and scenic river, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include mosquitoes, lack of drinking water, no garbage disposal, and limited facilities such as vault toilets. Some reviews also mention dangerous roads and concerns about safety...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend visiting during the off-season for a quieter experience and stocking up on supplies before arriving. It is also advisable to be cautious on the rough road and to pack out all trash.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Mosquito problems are prevalent during warmer months. The off-season is quieter and has fewer bugs.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The site is remote but very safe. Locals travel much further into the forest than that." - David Briggs
"I stayed here one night in the off season. It was fine if abandoned. Vault toilets are not...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some users mention that sites near the river are more desirable, but during busy times only less accessible sites may be available.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews mention experiences related to accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Some users express concerns about off-leash dogs and inconsiderate pet owners.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025