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.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
14 DAY STAY LIMIT
Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
Stancliff Bridge FSR31 Closure for Repair
This Closure is necessary to facilitate emergency repairs to roads and bridges within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. Road maintenance on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District will commence on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Stancliff bridge must be closed to protect the public during the repair…
Magone Trail Closure Continuation 2026
Due to precommercial thinning operations that are planned around Magone Bike trail paths, for the safety of the public these trails need to be closed to the public while falling activities take place. Trails and Trailheads affected:Porcupine Springs #5089Phlo #5091Pumphouse #5091
14 Day Stay Limit
Prohibition of Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
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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