Big Elk Campground
Open — Open year-round with limited services. Water sources may be turned off in winter.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Tickets/reservations required for Sand Lake July 3, 4, and 5
Sand Lake Recreation Area will have ticket system July 3 – 5, 2026. Visitors will need a vehicle ticket or a reservation at a developed campground. For developed campgrounds, campsite vehicle parking limits will be strictly enforced during Fourth of July weekend.
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center closed mid-Dec.-May for remodeling
The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center will close from December 16, 2025 through mid-May 2026 for an extensive remodel. This includes modernizing aging infrastructure, updating interpretative displays and expanding the gift shop.
Geotechnical drilling and testing on Marys Peak and Mt. Hebo
Beginning December 8, 2025 geotechnical drilling and testing will be conducted on Marys Peak (Central Coast Ranger District) and on Mt Hebo (Hebo Ranger District) near established communication sites.
Homestead Trailhead Closure
The Homestead trailhead accessing the Sweet Creek Trail (#1319) is closed until further notice due to significant damage to the boardwalk. The Sweet Creek Trail is accessible to the south via the Sweet Creek Falls Trailhead.
Forest-Wide Camping Restrictions
The following acts are prohibited in the areas described by this order within the administrative boundaries of the Siuslaw National Forest. This order will become effective upon signature and shall be in effect May 2nd, 2025, through May 1st, 2027 or until rescinded.
Beach restrictions in effect March 15 - Sept. 15 to protect nesting western snowy plover
Beachgoers are urged to help recovery efforts of the threatened western snowy plover by staying on the wet sand at snowy plover beaches during nesting season, March 15 – Sept. 15.
Road Closure on Forest Service Road (FSR) 1861
A landslide occurred on Nov. 12, 2021 closing multiple sections of Forest Service Road (FSR) 1861.
Alcohol Prohibition
This order prohibits possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcohol beverage by State law.
About
Big Elk Campground is a small, primitive campground nestled in the Siuslaw National Forest along the Marys Peak and Alsea Corridor recreation region. Operated by a local community under a special use permit from the Forest Service, this campground offers ten first-come, first-served campsites plus one hiker/biker site. The campground is especially popular with anglers and hikers exploring the surrounding forest trails. The campground features basic amenities including pit toilets and picnic tables at each site. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility, so visitors must take all trash with them. The campground operates year-round, though water sources may be turned off during winter months. Sites are available for both tent camping and RVs, though there are no hookups. Big Elk Campground provides an affordable and peaceful camping experience for those seeking a more rustic forest getaway. The area offers excellent opportunities for fishing in Big Elk Creek and exploring the scenic trails of the Coast Range mountains.
Directions
From Highway 20 in Eddyville, Oregon, turn south onto Harlan Road. Continue for approximately 10 miles to reach Big Elk Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| bigelkcampgroundharlan@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 563-8400 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Big Elk Campground | |
| View on Recreation.gov |
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