Ditch Creek Guard Station, located about 27 mi 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.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Jan
Feb
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Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
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Dec
Currently open - May 8 to Nov 22
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Equestrian-Friendly
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
Cooking and Fire
Campfire Ring
Parking and Transport
Parking
Pets and Policies
Equestrian-Friendly
Cabin Interior
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
Heating
Missing information?
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
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.
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.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab
From Lexington, OR, take Highway 74/207 east to Heppner. At the junction just outside the southern edge of Heppner, take a left (east) on paved Willow Creek Road. Travel 23 mi past Willow Creek Lake, Cutsforth County Park and up Coalmine Hill. At ...
From Lexington, OR, take Highway 74/207 east to Heppner. At the junction just outside the southern edge of Heppner, take a left (east) on paved Willow Creek Road. Travel 23 mi past Willow Creek Lake, Cutsforth County Park and up Coalmine Hill. At the top of the hill, take a right (west) on Forest Service Road 21 (a gravel road) and travel 3.5 mi. The cabin is located on a hill on the north side of the road and is accessed by two short entrance roads (Forest Service Road 050 and 051).
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.
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).