Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin
Open for the 2026 season from May 6 through October 31. End-of-season dates are weather dependent and could close sooner if conditions permit. No potable water available; guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Remote location with no cell phone coverage.
Air Quality Alert issued August 8 at 7:36PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
From Recreation.gov
End-of-season dates are weather dependent and could close sooner if conditions permit.
About
Deer Creek Guard Station is a historic three-room cabin originally built in 1956 as a work station for fireguards who served as smoke chasers before satellite surveillance. Located in a quiet, off-the-beaten-path setting in Malheur National Forest at 5,100 feet elevation, the cabin offers a comfortable base for exploring central Oregon's backcountry. The cabin includes a living room/bedroom with murphy bed and propane heating stove, a separate bedroom with log bunk beds, and a fully equipped kitchen with propane cook stove, refrigerator, table and chairs, plus pots, pans, plates, and flatware. Propane lights illuminate the entire cabin. Outside, guests have access to a picnic table and campfire ring. Deer Creek runs through the area nearby, providing fishing opportunities for steelhead and redband trout. The surrounding area supports abundant wildlife including wild horses, elk, black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and numerous songbirds. Big game hunting, hiking, and horseback riding are popular activities.
Directions
From John Day, OR, travel south on Highway 395 approximately 17 miles to County Road 63 (Izee Highway). Turn right and take County Road 63 to the junction of Forest Service Road 24. Turn right and take Forest Road 24 approximately 10 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 514. Travel about 1/4 mile staying to your right until you reach the locked gate that allows entry to the facility grounds.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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