Peavy Cabin
4.5815 reviews47500 Anthony Lakes Hwy, North Powder, OR, 97867, USA
Peavy Cabin
$105.00 - $105.00 / 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
Cabin fee is $105/night for the peak season from June 19 to October 31. Payments are charged in full upon reservation completion, and a $10 non-refundable online reservation fee applies.
About this campground
Step back in time at Peavy Cabin, where the whispers of forestry history echo through weathered log walls. This enchanting single-room sanctuary, crafted by hand in 1934, began its life as Dr. George Wilcox Peavy's outdoor forestry laboratory—a place where science met wilderness. Now preserved as a cherished Forest Service heritage site, this rustic retreat invites modern adventurers to create their own stories from July through October. While the cabin offers surprising modern comforts, you'll need to pack your provisions for this journey into the past, making each stay a true wilderness experience.
Peavy Cabin provides historic cabin lodging and permits additional tent camping. The site is ideal for those seeking a quiet, secluded wilderness experience.
Historical SignificanceIn 1934, when Dr. George Wilcox Peavy laid the first logs of this cabin, he envisioned an open-air classroom where forestry students could touch, smell, and study the living laboratory of the wilderness. This humble structure served as a beacon of scientific discovery before transitioning to life as a Forest Service guard station, where rangers kept vigilant watch over the surrounding forests. Today, meticulous restoration has breathed new life into every hand-hewn beam and weathered board, allowing visitors to literally sleep within the pages of forest service history.
Weather and SeasonsThe mountain seasons paint dramatically different pictures at Peavy Cabin. Spring arrives with a temperamental spirit, as melting snow and rain can transform access roads into challenging passages—an adventure in itself. Summer unfolds with crystalline blue skies that seem to stretch forever, perfect for stargazing from your historic doorstep. As autumn approaches, be prepared for nature's wild card: drifting smoke from distant wildfires may occasionally veil the landscape in mysterious haze, adding an ethereal quality to your wilderness escape.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 5,900 feet above sea level, Peavy Cabin offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature. Here, the thin mountain air carries a crisp clarity that sharpens your senses, while the elevated perspective reveals alpine landscapes that seem painted by an artist's brush. The altitude gifts visitors with refreshingly cool temperatures even on summer days, and nights that demand cozy blankets and perhaps a warming fire.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the gentle murmur of the Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River, your constant companion at 5,900 feet. The cabin sits like a jewel in a crown of natural wonders—surrounded by a tapestry of rolling benchlands that flow into dramatic tablelands, while steep ridges pierce the sky like ancient sentinels. Pristine alpine lake basins mirror the heavens, and magnificent stands of Douglas fir, white fir, western larch, and lodgepole pine create a living cathedral. This wilderness theater hosts an impressive cast of characters: majestic Rocky Mountain elk browse the meadows, mule deer dance through dappled shadows, black bears lumber through berry patches, and sure-footed Rocky Mountain goats navigate impossible cliffs with balletic grace.
Geological RegionPeavy Cabin claims its place in the spectacular Baldy Unit of the North Fork John Day Wilderness, where geology tells stories millions of years in the making. The Wild and Scenic North Fork John Day River has carved its signature through this 5,900-foot realm, creating a landscape of stunning contrasts. Here, the ancient Greenhorn Mountains reveal their secrets through weathered granite outcrops that punctuate rolling benchlands like monuments to time itself. This wilderness encompasses a geological wonderland where each ridge, valley, and rock formation adds another chapter to the Earth's autobiography.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is located on a rustic site accessible via unpaved roads that require high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicles. Road conditions can be hazardous during wet or snowy conditions.
Sites SizeThe site includes space for up to 4 guests in the cabin and additional tent camping on the grounds.
Sites PrivacyThe location is described as secluded and peaceful, surrounded by pristine wilderness.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring lanterns for improved lighting and comfortable pads or cots for sleeping.
Best CampsitesThe single cabin available provides rustic charm and proximity to hiking trails and fishing spots.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Amaximum stay of 7 nights is allowed per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin includes space for additional tent camping and features a partially fenced exterior with a picnic table and wood shed.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is July 1 to October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required; walk-up availability is not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies for changes or cancellations. Late cancellations for cabins occur within 14 days before check-in and incur forfeiture of the first night's fee plus $10. Reservations cannot be canceled or modified after the check-in date.
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
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Guests at Peavy Cabin can enjoy a range of activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The site provides direct access to the North Fork John Day Wilderness and adjacent trails. Fishing opportunities include smallmouth bass and steelhead, while wildlife includes elk, mule deer, black bears, and more.
Hiking
Peavy Trailhead adjacent to the cabin offers access to trails like the Peavy Trail #1640, Cunningham Cove Trail #1643, and the Elkhorn Crest National Recreation Trail #1611. These trails are suitable for hikers and horseback riders. User Chris S highlights cleared trails and excellent fall foliage in October.Fishing
The North Fork John Day River provides fishing for smallmouth bass and steelhead. User Chris S describes Van Patten Lake as a steep hike to a good Brook Trout lake.Biking
Biking opportunities are available in the Elkhorn Mountains area, although details are limited.Wildlife viewing
The Baldy Unit supports species such as Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, Rocky Mountain goats, and black bears. Chris S reported seeing juvenile black bears while hiking.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited due to road closures; however, users have noted snow in upper elevations affecting access.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned as available here.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Guests should use nearby firewood and avoid moving firewood to protect forests from invasive species.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include black bears. Guests should review bear safety guidelines and bring plenty of drinking water due to lack of potable water onsite.
Active alertsRoad conditions may be hazardous in spring and during rainy weather. Smoke from wildfires may affect late summer and fall visits.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including phone service, are located approximately 15 miles away in the community of Granite.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 19 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash from the site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated beside the North Fork John Day River, which offers fishing opportunities for bass and steelhead.
Common complaintsDim cabin lighting and uncomfortable futon mattresses are common complaints. Guests recommend bringing lanterns and pads or cots.
HostManaged by Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. Contact them at campgrounds@anthonylakes.com or 541-894-2332.
Campground Map
47500 Anthony Lakes Hwy, North Powder, OR, 97867, USA
Driving directionsNorth of Baker City, take U.S. Hwy 30 (Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway) to Haines. At Haines, turn west on County Rd 1146, staying with the Scenic Byway to Anthony Lakes. Continue on the Scenic Byway (now Forest Service Road 73) past the Elkhorn Summit for approximately 8 miles. Turn left (east) on FSR 380 and travel approximately 3 miles to the end of the road to Peavy Cabin. South of Baker City, take State Hwy 7 to the Sumpter Junction. Turn right and follow the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway through Sumpter and on to Granite. From Granite, proceed north for approximately 7 miles on FSR 73 (Scenic Byway) to North Fork John Day Campground. Turn east. Continue approximately 5 miles on the Scenic Byway, turn right on FSR 380 and go 3 miles to Peavy Cabin.
FSR 380 is a native surface road and is unsuitable for low-clearance passenger vehicles. Four-wheel drive and high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Seasonal hazards include washouts and high water during spring snowmelt or rainy weather. FSR 73 is closed in winter from Anthony Lakes Ski area to Granite.Nearby places
Granite (15 miles, approx. travel time not provided)
Nearby supplies
A small general store with a café, fuel, and other supplies are available approximately 15 miles away in the community of Granite.
Camper Reviews
4.6
15 reviews
Peavy Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic charm, seclusion, and historic appeal of Peavy Cabin. Common sentiments include praise for the cabin's cleanliness and functionality, as well as its accessibility to trails and fishing spots.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the cabin's rustic charm, effective gas heating, proximity to trails and fishing spots, and peaceful setting. Many guests described it as a treasure worth revisiting.
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints focus on the futon mattress being hard and uncomfortable, dim lighting inside the cabin, and the need to bring plenty of supplies including lanterns.
Based on 15 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra padding for beds, lanterns for lighting, and bug spray during early summer visits.
Based on 15 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often praise accessibility and trail conditions, while fall reviews highlight the area's foliage and cleared trails. Winter accessibility is noted to be challenging due to snow.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Cute little cabin almost in the wilderness.' - Brett C.
2. 'Nice and secluded but easily within reach of the North Fork John Day River.' - Chris S.
3. 'I felt like I was living in a fairytale for...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most reviews are specific to campsite 001, with users praising its proximity to trails and the North Fork John Day River.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must stay outside. No additional pet-related reviews were found.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025