Miller Bar Camping And Day Use Area
4.2621 reviews: null
Miller Bar Camping And Day Use Area
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
$10 per vehicle. According to user reviews, 'In May 2021 the Forest Service posted that overnight camping is now $10.' This fee applies to all vehicles regardless of type.
About this campground
Escape to Miller Bar, where the pristine Chetco River carves its way through Oregon's untamed wilderness. This dispersed camping gem offers adventurers a choice between sprawling gravel bars that stretch along the water's edge or secluded spots tucked beneath a canopy of ancient trees. Perfect for tent campers and those with small trailers seeking an authentic riverside experience, Miller Bar invites you to fall asleep to the gentle symphony of flowing water. While summer brings endless possibilities for river play, winter visitors should note that the gravel bars transform into nature's floodplain when storms roll through the canyon.
Miller Bar offers dispersed camping options on a large gravel bar. Suitable for tents and small trailers, the site does not have designated campsites, and visitors are encouraged to 'camp where you want.'
Historical SignificanceThe Chetco River earned its prestigious Wild and Scenic designation for good reason—this waterway remains one of Oregon's most pristine river systems, flowing freely from the Kalmiopsis Wilderness to the Pacific Ocean. While specific historical records for Miller Bar remain elusive, the river itself has sustained indigenous peoples for millennia and later drew gold miners, loggers, and eventually recreation seekers to its emerald waters.
Weather and SeasonsSpring and summer transform Miller Bar into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity creating perfect conditions for riverside adventures. Golden afternoons stretch long into the evening, ideal for swimming, fishing, or simply lounging by the water. As autumn arrives, the campground takes on a quieter charm, though winter camping on the gravel bars is strongly discouraged—Pacific storms can cause the typically gentle Chetco to rise dramatically, reclaiming its winter territory with little warning.
Elevation: null
Natural Features and SceneryCrystal-clear waters the color of jade wind through Miller Bar, creating a natural playground that captivates visitors at first sight. The Chetco River, renowned for its exceptional clarity, reveals smooth river rocks beneath its surface while towering conifers provide welcome shade along the banks. Lucky visitors might spot salamanders darting between stones or discover the perfect swimming hole complete with rope swings left by previous adventurers. The expansive gravel bar offers unobstructed views of the surrounding canyon walls, while the forested areas provide intimate camping spots where morning mist dances through the trees.
Geological RegionMiller Bar showcases the dynamic relationship between river and land, where the Wild and Scenic Chetco has carved out a spectacular gravel bar from centuries of seasonal flooding and geological patience. This ever-changing landscape offers campers a front-row seat to nature's ongoing sculpting process, with smooth river stones testament to the water's persistent artistry. The treeline marks the river's high-water boundary, creating a natural division between the active river corridor and the stable forest ecosystem beyond.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided descriptions.
Sites SizeCampers are free to choose their preferred spots on the gravel bar. Space is generally abundant, but the terrain may be better suited for trailers rather than tents due to rocks, as noted by one user: 'The rocks would not have worked for a tent site.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are moderate, as sites are dispersed, but there are no designated or secluded spots. Several users noted that the area can become crowded, especially during summer weekends.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCamping is dispersed, and travelers can choose spots along the gravel bar or shaded treeline. User reviews suggest the western end near the rope swings for family activities and swimming.
Best Campsites: null
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned at Miller Bar.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed camping layout. Visitors 'pick a spot and set up,' with no defined campsites or loops. The gravel bar offers open spaces for camping.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; however, camping during the winter months is discouraged due to the frequency of high-water events.
Reservation Platforms: null
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are dispersed and open for walk-up camping. No reservation system is in place, as confirmed by authoritative sources and user reviews.
Cancellation Policy: null
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Miller Bar include swimming in the Chetco River, day hiking, and general nature enjoyment. Some users highlighted the clear, clean water for swimming, with one stating, 'The river was super clean and not too cold.' The site also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and family-oriented fun like rock tossing and using rope swings.
Hiking
Day hikes are available, but no specific details about trails or difficulty levels are provided in the authoritative content.Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity at Miller Bar. Users described the river as clear, clean, and excellent for swimming. One user noted, 'The kids loved swimming and catching Newts.'Wildlife viewing
The site offers chances to observe wildlife. One user highlighted the presence of salamanders in the river.Winter Activities
Camping on the gravel bar is discouraged during winter months due to frequent high-water events.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding rentals are available on the road leading to Miller Bar, though these are not hosted directly at the site.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed when fire restrictions are not in place. Fires must be kept 50 feet away from the riverbank, as noted in user reviews.
- Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsDuring the winter, camping on the gravel bar is discouraged due to the frequency of high-water events. Accessibility challenges are noted, such as rough terrain at the end of the descent from the main road. User reviews also warn about occasional unruly campers and the presence of long-term campers.
Active alerts: null
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.5 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 dates: null
Trash and recyclingGarbage disposal services are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but no information about recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly on the Wild and Scenic Chetco River, providing easy access to swimming and fishing. User reviews highlight the 'super clean' water and opportunities for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Common complaintsCommon issues include noisy neighbors, unkempt porta-potties, and accessibility challenges for vehicles. User reviews mention problems such as 'loud music even during the week,' 'few downsides: unkempt porta-potties,' and 'some campers and or day users forgot to clean up and pack out.'
Host: null
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Brookings, Oregon, turn off US Highway 101 onto the North Bank, Chetco River Road (County Road 784). This becomes Forest Road 1376. Miller Bar is approximately 2 miles from the Forest boundary on Forest Road 1376.
The end of the descent down from the main road ends in a very rough drop to get onto the bar, making accessibility challenging for some vehicles. User reviews confirm, 'Do your due diligence in getting your RV in and out of here. The road is tore up at the end.' Additionally, 'sometimes you get stuck in that gravel.' Forest Road 1376 may be paved leading up to the site but transitioning onto the gravel bar can be problematic.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
21 reviews
Miller Bar Camping And Day Use Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Miller Bar are mixed. Positive feedback highlights the site's scenic beauty, clear river water, and opportunities for family-friendly activities like swimming and rope swings. However, some users expressed concerns about noise levels, crowding, and the presence of semi-permanent campers. Seasonal differences are apparent, with summer being popular but crowded.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the site's natural beauty and recreational opportunities: 'Loved the river! Great place to camp,' and 'The kids loved swimming and catching Newts.' Several appreciated the...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Noise and crowding were frequent complaints. One user mentioned, 'Noisy people all night,' while another said, 'Even during the week, it was frequented by loud locals.' Concerns about maintenance...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early in the month to ensure clean facilities. Be self-contained, as there is no potable water. Avoid leaving campsites unattended to prevent theft. Park on the western...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season, with users commenting on the warm weather and swimming opportunities. However, it can be crowded and noisy. Winter camping is discouraged due to high-water events.
Based on 21 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This was a great van lifer campsite! Enjoyed all the fun of living in a van by the river.' 2. 'Beautiful place to camp, but do not leave camp unattended.' 3. 'Of the three bars on the Chetco to...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The western end near the rope swings is recommended for families, while the eastern edge features a vault toilet for those prioritizing restroom access. No sites are explicitly ranked as the best or...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were provided.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific feedback about pet policies or experiences was mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 21 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025