Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab

White cabin in meadow with rail fence and pine trees
Closing for winter
DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION
Ditch Creek Cabin
Comforts of home

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Equestrian-Friendly Equestrian-Friendly
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen Kitchen

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site · $50 avg/night

Cabins

1 site

$50/night

average

About Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab

Ditch Creek Guard Station, located about 27 miles southeast of Heppner, Oregon, is a comfortable little cabin that accommodates six overnight guests, with additional space for tent camping outside. Equestrian campers are welcome and a corral with trough is provided. The guard station was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. It is a classic example of forest structures of that era and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It was used by forest fireguards who would ride their horses deep into the forest’s interior to look for wisps of smoke from lightning strikes or to check on communications lines along Forest Service roads. It became a recreation rental in 1997.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 8 to Nov 22

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Equestrian-Friendly Equestrian-Friendly
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen Kitchen
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Campfire Ring
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Equestrian-Friendly

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
  • Sleeping Capacity
  • Kitchen
  • Heating
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

$50
/ per night
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (21)

What Guests Are Saying

Ditch Creek Guard Station Cabin is a charming, rustic getaway ideal for fishing and hiking, with a rich history and a serene atmosphere. Guests appreciated the cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and cozy amenities like a propane stove and refrigerator. However, the lack of running water and occasional wildlife noises were noted as drawbacks, though many found solutions by bringing their own water and enjoyed local attractions.

Review Summary

4.0
21 reviews
5
38.1%
8
4
42.9%
9
3
9.5%
2
2
4.8%
1
1
4.8%
1

Bernice H

Verified

July 22, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

3

If you want a rustic place close to fishing and hiking this is the place for you. This cabin has been around for a long time and has lots of history. A quiet place to get away from it all.

sarah w

Verified

July 14, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

5

Loved our stay! It was clean, quiet, and had so many pleasantries for us all to enjoy. Whomever oversees the upkeep does a phenomenal job. Cannot wait for another chance to stay here.

Ken R

Verified

May 26, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

5

Good shape and location. It is very nice to have heat and refrigeration in a cabin. There is NO outside bathroom so if the water system isn't working you need to bring water to flush the toilet.

Chris W

Verified

December 23, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

4

Decent cabin, good furniture in living room, good propane stove and refrigerator. No running water so bringing your own water is essential. If the water source/piping or whatever was fixed so the sink and toilet had water I would give it 5 stars. Oh, one other downside is the critters in the walls or ceilings (rats?) that make scratching and digging noises at night. Bunk beds with good sized mattresses but all in common bedroom. I brought my own pad to go on top.

William V

Verified

December 3, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

5

The cabin was great, perfect for a getaway. Super quiet, lots of good spots for night sky watching and places to hang your hammock. Looking forward to running water next year but plenty of local springs to fill up from so not a big deal, just bring a couple of 5 gallon water totes and you'll be fine. Plenty of roads and trails for walking and if you're lucky the local Elk herd will stop by for a morning drink at the pond. The town of Heppner is not too far away and has a full service grocery store, ranger station with maps and a coffee shop/pharmacy/ liquor store.

Becky D

Verified

June 28, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

4

Wonderful cabin. Checked out Bull Prairie Reservoir and Penland Lake. Explored many back roads amd walked along some closed roads. It was very nice to have e a propane cooking stove and refrigerator. The water system was down, but we filled up containers with water from the spring up the road. We could not figure out how to get the heating stove to light, so we lit all the propane lights and they put off some heat and warmed thecabin!

Michelle O

Verified

July 11, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

5

We absolutely love this cabin and will definitely go again.
I would recommend bringing some bug spray if you plan on sitting outside. There are lots of flies, wasps, and mosquitoes.
This is such a beautiful place rich with history and nature.
Would definitely recommend!

Lindsay R

Verified

June 23, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

5

Loved the solitude of the cabin. It is very rustic, which enhances the old-time feel of the area. The little pond had little fish in it, providing hours of fun for catch and release fishing. The off-shoot gravel road that abuts the property is a dead end at about a mile and is great for walking without worrying about vehicles. Cabin was stocked with all necessary dishes and utensils, was able to still use the toilet even without running water (manually add water to tank), propane fireplace kept the place warm when it snowed (in June!), beds were comfortable, and still received radio reception (no cell service). Penland lake is about a 10 minute drive away. Just an overall quaint, quiet, simple place for getting away and enjoying the forest.

Drannan H

Verified

June 2, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

3

1. There are large beautiful meadows, several, within walking distance of the cabin..

Tim M

Verified

August 12, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

2

A very nice location but it was supposed to have drinking water, toilet, shower, and a kitchen sink, but I had none of that on my last two days. Somewhat of an inconvenience.

Location Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab

Address:
P.O. Box 7
Heppner, OR, 97836
United States

Highway access

The Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab is accessible via Highway 74, which is approximately 10 miles from the site, and connects to Heppner. Additional access is provided by Forest Service Road 21 from Willow Creek Road.

Elevation: 1424 feet

Distance to downtown

27 mi drive to downtown Heppner (about 37 min)

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

11AM

General

  • We apologize, There is currently no water to the cabin. Updates will posted.
  • There is no camping allowed on the upper section of the property near or around the pumphouse.
  • Entry to the cabin is by combination lock. The combination will be provided on the reservation confirmation letter.
  • To check on weather conditions and road access prior to arrival, please call the Heppner Ranger District at (541) 676-9187.
  • Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility.
  • Parking is limited; please minimize the number of RVs and vehicles at the cabin.
  • Hay brought to this facility must be certified weed-free.
  • Use of the outside fire ring may be restricted due to fire conditions. For current fire restrictions and closures, call the Ranger Station or click here .
  • Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
  • For additional information and road conditions please contact the Recreation Department at the Heppner Ranger District (541-676-2155).

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 5, 2026

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