Anthony Lake Guard Station
3.4212 reviews47500 Anthony Lakes Hwy, North Powder, OR, 97867, USA
Anthony Lake Guard Station
$160.00 - $160.00 / 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
The nightly rate for the cabin is $160 during the peak season (May 15 - October 31, 2025). Additional charges like reservation service fees may apply.
About this campground
Step back in time at Anthony Lake Guard Station, where the craftsmanship of 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps builders lives on in this charming log cabin retreat. Nestled beside the crystalline waters of Anthony Lake and embraced by the majestic Elkhorn Mountains, this historic hideaway seamlessly blends rustic authenticity with modern comfort, creating the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventures.
The campground primarily offers cabin lodging at the historic Anthony Lake Guard Station with limited capacity. Pets are allowed but must remain outside, and no additional tent camping space is available on-site.
Historical SignificanceThis treasured cabin stands as a living monument to America's conservation legacy, crafted by the skilled hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers during the Great Depression. As one of the rare surviving Forest Service log cabins from this era, it tells the intertwined stories of homesteading pioneers who first settled these mountains and the young men who helped preserve this wilderness for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsHere in the high country, winter holds court well into summer, with Anthony Lake often wearing its ice crown until mid-June and snowfields lingering in shaded hollows through July. When summer finally arrives, it transforms the landscape into a hiker's paradise, bringing warm days perfect for exploring alpine trails and cool nights ideal for stargazing from your cabin porch.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 7,000 feet above sea level, the guard station occupies a world where the air is crisp and thin, where summer arrives fashionably late, and where snow patches create natural refrigerators well into the hiking season. This lofty elevation brings cooler temperatures year-round and delivers the kind of mountain magic that only the high country can provide.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your doorstep on Anthony Lake's pristine north shore, a panorama of glacially carved peaks rises like ancient sentinels, their slopes cloaked in dense conifer forests where mountain goats traverse impossible ledges. In summer, alpine meadows burst into a painter's palette of wildflowers, creating a vibrant tapestry against the lake's mirror-like surface that perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks.
Geological RegionThe Elkhorn Mountains reveal their glacial heritage at every turn, from the sculpted peaks that pierce the sky to the pristine lake carved by ancient ice. This geological wonderland showcases nature's artistry through towering conifers that whisper stories of centuries past and meadows that bloom in waves of color, creating an ever-changing canvas throughout the seasons.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned.
Sites SizeThe cabin includes a full-size bed, a futon, and five twin beds, with rooms noted for being spacious but lacking soundproofing.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin's location on the north shore of Anthony Lake offers natural privacy, but the area can get busy during peak seasons.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring snow chains if visiting in late spring. Bring bedding, towels, and emergency supplies like flashlights and a first aid kit. Consider bringing a sleeping pad for firmer beds.
Best CampsitesOnly one campsite exists, the Guard Station Cabin.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum capacity is 8 people, and the stay is limited to a maximum of 7 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity is 8 people per reservation.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin accommodation; no space for tent camping.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 15, 2025, to October 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through recreation.gov or their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up/first-come-first-served availability. Reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before arrival for a $10 fee, plus late cancellation fees and loss of the first night's recreation use fee if canceled within 14 days for cabins. Refunds are subject to strict policies as detailed in the authoritative source.
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
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Anthony Lake Guard Station provides a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The adjacent Anthony Lake offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. The area is also surrounded by trails like the 22.6-mile Elkhorn Crest Trail and other shorter paths, suitable for both foot and equestrian use.
Hiking
Hiking options include the 22.6-mile Elkhorn Crest Trail and shorter trails like Black Lake and Shoreline, each approximately 1 mile long. These trails offer scenic views of the lake and surrounding peaks.Fishing
Fishing is available in Anthony Lake, with anglers targeting trout. Some guests specifically mentioned fly fishing opportunities.Biking
Mountain biking is available nearby, with designated trails suited for this activity.Boating
The lake includes a boat ramp, allowing boating activities like canoeing and kayaking. Motorized boats were not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Guests can spot mountain goats and enjoy the area's wildflower meadows and conifer forests.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowshoeing and skiing, with snow often persisting into early summer.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing are popular on Anthony Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in the designated ring outside the cabin.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsSnow and ice can impede access even into late spring. Wildlife, including mountain goats, is commonly observed in the area.
Active alertsUsers have reported issues with snow blocking access to the cabin, even in late spring. Facility maintenance concerns have been raised in reviews.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
Emergency services are likely located in North Powder (~15 miles) or Baker City (~35 miles), although no specific facilities were mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out their trash. Recycling details are not specified.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Anthony Lake, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews noted snow blocking access during late spring and issues with cleanliness, outdated equipment, and maintenance problems like faulty propane heating and oven performance.
HostCaretaker presence has been inconsistent as reported by users. Contact (541) 894-2332 for inquiries.
Campground Map
47500 Anthony Lakes Hwy, North Powder, OR, 97867, USA
Driving directionsFrom Baker City: take Highway 30 to Haines, turn west on County Road 1146, and follow the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway signs to Anthony Lakes. Turn left at the campground entrance. Anthony Lakes Guard Station is located adjacent to the campground.
The site is easily accessible by car. The roads leading to the guard station are kept clear, but some users reported problems with snow blocking access during late spring.Nearby places
Baker City (~35 miles, ~50 minutes), North Powder (~15 miles, ~20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in North Powder (~15 miles) or Baker City (~35 miles).
Camper Reviews
3.4
12 reviews
Anthony Lake Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed perspective on the Anthony Lake Guard Station. Many guests appreciated the historic charm, scenic location, and the convenience of modern amenities, while several raised concerns about maintenance and snow-related access issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests praised the beautiful location, proximity to the lake, and the cabin's unique rustic charm. Positive mentions included the flush toilet, hot water, and well-equipped kitchen.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints included snow blocking access to the cabin during off-seasons, cleanliness issues, and aging equipment like the oven and propane heater. Insufficient communication about road...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommended bringing extra cleaning supplies, bedding, and emergency tools like flashlights. It was also advised to verify snow conditions in advance during the off-season.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter visits often encountered snow-related access problems, while summer stays highlighted the busyness of the area. Fall and early spring visits were noted for quieter stays but occasionally...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Certainly rustic and showing its age, but still a unique historic building and a good home base for adventures.' - Michelle F. 2. 'The cabin is beautiful. We were so happy to have stayed there.'...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 received mixed reviews, with some guests praising its convenience and charm, while others reported cleaning and maintenance issues.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited information was provided about accessibility. Snow-related challenges may impact mobility for some visitors.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome but must remain outside, as noted in the rules. Some guests noted evidence of pets inside the cabin despite this restriction.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025