Sunshine Guard Station
Open year-round. County Road 20 receives limited winter maintenance and may require parking at the driveway entrance during snow conditions. Fire danger is currently moderate. 14-day stay limit in effect.
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.…
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)
About
Sunshine Guard Station is a historic four-room cabin built in 1936, originally used as a bunkhouse and work station for fireguards until the 1990s. Located at 3,700 feet elevation along the Middle Fork John Day River, approximately 43 miles northeast of John Day, Oregon, the cabin offers a remote base camp experience in the Malheur National Forest. The cabin accommodates up to six guests and includes two bedrooms each with a queen-size bed, a living room with futon and chairs, and a kitchen equipped with an electric cook stove, refrigerator, and table with chairs. Electric lights and heaters are provided. A vault toilet is located outside. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, towels, dish soap, and trash bags, as no potable water is available on-site. Recreational opportunities include fishing for steelhead and rainbow trout in the John Day River, hiking trails leading into the nearby Vinegar Hill/Indian Rock Scenic Area, and wildlife viewing for elk, deer, and songbirds. The area has no mobile phone coverage, and County Road 20 receives limited winter maintenance.
Directions
From Prairie City, OR, travel east on US Highway 26 approximately 13 miles to the junction of US Highway 7. Turn left on US Highway 7, travel one mile to the junction with County Road 20/Middle Fork Road. Turn left and follow County Road 20 approximately 10-13 miles; the guard station will be on the right.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 820-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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