Sunshine Guard Station
3.8026 reviewsPrairie City Ranger District - 327 SW Front St., P.O. Box 337, Prairie City, OR 97869, USA
Sunshine Guard Station
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Nightly fee for cabin rental is $60. This does not include taxes, reservation fees, or additional service charges.
About this campground
Step back in time at Sunshine Guard Station, a charming 1936 forest cabin where history meets wilderness along the pristine John Day River. Tucked away in the heart of Malheur National Forest, this authentic guard station invites you to disconnect from the modern world while enjoying the comforts of electric heating and lighting. Though you'll need to bring your own water, the cabin's rustic simplicity—complete with basic amenities and a vault toilet—creates the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure.
Sunshine Guard Station provides cabin lodging with electricity and is suitable for those seeking secluded accommodations in a forest setting. Tent or RV camping is not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceFeel the echoes of Forest Service history in every weathered beam of this 1936 treasure. Originally built as a humble bunkhouse where weary fireguards would rest between patrols, Sunshine Guard Station stands as a testament to the brave men and women who protected these forests. Now recognized as part of the historic Forest Service cabin collection, these walls have witnessed decades of conservation efforts and continue to serve adventurers seeking authentic connections to Oregon's forestry heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Blue Mountains' dramatic seasonal transformations from your cabin doorstep. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cozy evenings by the heater. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers paint the meadows in brilliant colors while nature's symphony of buzzing insects signals the renewal of life. Summer brings gloriously mild days ideal for river exploration, while autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson under crystalline skies.
ElevationPerched at 3,700 feet in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Sunshine Guard Station offers a refreshing mountain climate year-round. This perfect elevation delivers crisp, pine-scented air and comfortable summer temperatures, while winter visitors can expect enchanting snowfalls that transform the landscape into a serene wilderness retreat. The altitude provides just enough mountain magic without the challenges of extreme heights.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to panoramic views of the Blue Mountains' rugged beauty, where the Middle Fork of the John Day River carves its ancient path through alpine meadows and dense forests. From your cabin porch, watch for majestic elk grazing at dawn, deer tiptoeing through the underbrush, and listen to the melodic chorus of mountain songbirds. Anglers will delight in the river's native trout populations, while geology enthusiasts can explore nearby serpentine and rhyolite formations that tell the story of Oregon's volcanic past.
Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonders of eastern Oregon's Blue Mountains, where ancient forces created a landscape of extraordinary diversity near the dramatic Greenhorn Range. The nearby Vinegar Hill Forest and Indian Rock Scenic Area showcase nature's artistry through exposed serpentine, rhyolite, basalt, granite, and shale formations—a rockhound's paradise. In season, these mineral-rich soils burst forth with spectacular displays of alpine wildflowers, creating a living canvas that changes with each passing week of summer.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned; the cabin is accessible by paved roads maintained for summer and winter access.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six people and features two queen-sized beds.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is described as secluded, offering a private setting amidst the forest.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests recommend bringing additional cleaning supplies, water, and bedding.
Best CampsitesThe cabin is the sole rentable facility in this campground.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in is flexible. Entry is via combination lock
- details are in reservation confirmation.
Check-out
Check-out is flexible. Guests must clean before departure.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: Up to 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 guests allowed in the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin facility with adjacent vault toilet and parking space.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: January 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before scheduled arrival, subject to fees: $10 cancellation fee, forfeiture of reservation fees if applicable, and first night's recreation fee for late cancellations.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving, as well as opportunities for snowshoeing during winter.
Hiking
Hiking trails and back roads lead north of the guard station into the Vinegar Hill/Indian Rock Scenic Area. Reviews highlight the beauty of hiking trails behind the cabin: "There's a lovely trail for hiking right behind the house."Fishing
Fishing is available in the John Day River for steelhead and rainbow trout. Guests should refer to Oregon State regulations for restrictions. One review states, "Unfortunately there's no access for fishing in the river."Biking
Guests can bike on forest roads around the cabin, but specific trails or facilities are not detailed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is popular, including sightings of elk, deer, songbirds, and bald eagles. Reviews mention additional wildlife like raccoons and wild turkeys.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowshoeing on nearby forest service roads and wildlife viewing. Frequent snow emphasizes the need for vehicles with good clearance and four-wheel drive.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive species.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include ticks in grassy areas, bears requiring proper food storage, and seasonal bug infestations such as box-elder bugs and flies. Roads may be icy or inaccessible in winter.
Active alertsGuests must contact local ranger stations to verify road closures or conditions, especially during winter.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency Services
Blue Mountain Ranger District office (Phone: 541-575-3000). Hospital located in John Day, OR, (approx. 43 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31, annually.
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out their own trash and bring trash bags. "Guests must clean the cabin before their departure."
Proximity to water featuresSituated near the Middle Fork of the John Day River. Magone Lake is approximately 20 miles away.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include fly infestations, cleanliness issues, and worn-out furniture. Some users mentioned needing to perform significant cleaning upon arrival.
HostNo specific host details provided. Guests are advised to contact the Blue Mountain Ranger District for support.
Campground Map
Prairie City Ranger District - 327 SW Front St., P.O. Box 337, Prairie City, OR 97869, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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 13 miles, the guard station will be on the right.
Roads to the guard station are paved and maintained for summer and winter access. County Road 20 along the Middle Fork John Day River receives limited winter maintenance and may become closed or inaccessible. Guests must check with local ranger stations.Nearby places
Prairie City (43 miles, approximately 1 hour driving)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Prairie City (43 miles). Gas, groceries, and camping essentials are found in John Day (approximately 43 miles).
Camper Reviews
3.8
26 reviews
Sunshine Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer mixed feedback, with significant praise for the secluded location and scenic surroundings offset by harsh criticisms of cleanliness and maintenance issues within the cabin. While some guests appreciated the amenities and rustic charm, others described the cabin as filthy and poorly maintained.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests praise the scenic location, secluded setting, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. "Fantastic location and nice cabin. Great wildlife watching - we saw many white-tailed deer,...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Major complaints include poor cleanliness, infestations of dead flies, mouse feces, and lack of regular maintenance. "Mouse feces and dead flies EVERYWHERE." "Filthy, dead flies everywhere, place...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests advise bringing sufficient water, cleaning supplies, bedding, and trash bags. "Don't forget your water." "Be sure to bring several gallons of water as there is no running water at all." "Bring...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight the need for proper vehicle clearance and preparedness for snow and ice. Spring is noted for fewer bugs and blooming wildflowers. Summer reviews emphasize hiking and wildlife...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Located along the beautiful Middle Fork of the John Day River." "As of 1/28/20 the cabin is in good condition. No windows are broken!" "The cabin has never had as much charm as many we've used, but...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific reviews focus on campsite 001. Some guests highlight the beauty and seclusion of the cabin, while others criticize its maintenance. "The cabin is roughly 15 miles from town, and yet a world...
Based on 26 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025