Nook Bar Camping And Day Use Area
Nook 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 for each vehicle.
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About this campground
Escape to Nook Bar Camping and Day Use Area, where adventurers discover a hidden gem along the pristine Wild and Scenic Chetco River. This dispersed camping paradise welcomes tent campers and small trailer enthusiasts to set up camp on an expansive river bar, where the sound of rushing water creates nature's perfect soundtrack. During summer days, the crystal-clear waters beckon swimmers, paddlers, and anglers to dive into refreshing adventures, while evenings bring starlit skies and the gentle murmur of the river to lull you to sleep.
Nook Bar offers dispersed camping on a large river bar for tents and small trailers. Group camping, RV hookups, or cabin accommodations are not mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Nook Bar into an outdoor playground, with warm, sun-drenched days and brilliantly clear skies creating perfect conditions for river adventures and lazy afternoons. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons ideal for peaceful camping. Winter brings a dramatic change in character—while the landscape turns stark and beautiful, frequent high-water events and cold temperatures make this season best appreciated from afar. Spring sees the river's powerful rebirth as snowmelt swells the Chetco, creating spectacular displays of nature's force.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Wild and Scenic Chetco River takes center stage at Nook Bar, its crystal-clear waters revealing smooth river stones beneath the surface and creating emerald pools perfect for swimming. The expansive river bar provides a natural amphitheater of smooth cobbles and sandy patches, while towering conifers along the tree line offer pockets of cool shade during warm afternoons. Morning mist often dances above the water, creating ethereal scenes as the sun breaks through the forest canopy, and lucky visitors might spot river otters playing in the current or osprey diving for their daily catch.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged beauty of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Nook Bar occupies a spectacular river bar carved by centuries of the Chetco River's patient artistry. This dynamic landscape tells the story of ancient geological forces, where the river has sculpted a broad, flat expanse perfect for camping from the surrounding mountainous terrain. The river bar itself serves as a testament to the power of water and time, constantly reshaped by seasonal flows yet maintaining its essential character as a welcoming natural campground.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campsites are dispersed on a large gravel bar by the river. There are a few flat, sandy areas that are suitable for tent camping.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary due to the dispersed nature of the camping sites. Some shaded areas along the tree line offer more seclusion.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome reviews recommend parking small trailers about 30 feet from the water for proximity. Tent campers should look for flat sandy spots.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum length of stay: 14 days.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but camping on the gravel bar is discouraged during winter months due to high-water events.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve dispersed camping.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Nook Bar include non-motorized boating, swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for picnicking. The area is also noted for its clear waters and scenic beauty, especially in the summer.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the Chetco River. The type of fish and specific fishing conditions are not detailed.Swimming
Swimming is a popular activity during the summer, with areas suitable for both kids and adults. One reviewer noted, "Grate place to swim. There are lots of shallow areas for smaller kids and deeper spots for adults."Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on the Chetco River. Details about types of boats or docking facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is noted as an activity, but specific species or best viewing spots are not detailed.Winter Activities
During the winter, high-water events discourage camping on the gravel bar.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are possible on the Chetco River, but no specific details were provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in developed fire pits.
- Quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsWinter camping is discouraged due to frequent high-water events. Gravel bar terrain may pose risks of getting vehicles stuck.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.1 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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage disposal services are available seasonally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the Chetco River, providing direct access to water-based recreational activities.
Common complaintsLimited facilities (no potable water, no restrooms available outside Memorial Day to Labor Day). Gravel terrain can make parking challenging.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Brookings, turn off US Highway 101 onto the North Bank Chetco River Road (County Road 784). This becomes Forest Service Road 1376. Nook Bar is approximately 3 miles from the Forest boundary on Forest Service Road 1376.
Easy access from the main road.Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews

Nook Bar Camping And Day Use Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users appreciate Nook Bar for its scenic location, clear river water, and suitability for swimming and water activities. Seasonal garbage disposal and a clean vault toilet are also highlights. However, the lack of water and other amenities like flush toilets were noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
The location by the Wild and Scenic Chetco River, the clean vault toilet, and the swimming opportunities are commonly praised. "Always warm during the summer," said one reviewer. Another noted, "Best...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The absence of potable water and flush toilets were noted as negatives. Some reviewers mentioned occasional noise from kids and music, though this was not deemed excessive.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water as potable water is not available. Be cautious when driving on the gravel bar to avoid getting stuck. Tent campers should look for the flat, sandy areas. Winter camping is not...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is highlighted as the best season for camping due to warm weather and the availability of garbage disposal. Winter camping is discouraged due to high-water events.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Grate place to swim. There are lots of shallow areas for smaller kids and deeper spots for adults." "Clean vault toilet, trash containers and usually tolerable noise levels for a well-frequented...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites were not mentioned, but flat, sandy areas are recommended for tent camping.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no additional features or experiences for pet owners are mentioned.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025