Deer Creek Guard Station is located approximately 31 mi from the town of John Day, in central Oregon. It is in a beautiful, quiet location, off the beaten path. From sunup to sundown, the cabin affords opportunities for adventure in exploring, viewing wildlife, or just relaxing and enjoying the wonders of nature all around.
The cabin is larger than some, is furnished and offers many comforts. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
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.
Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin offers a lovely, restful experience in a quiet setting, with comfortable accommodations and well-supplied amenities, perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. However, some guests noted the absence of a mop and toilet paper, as well as a concerning propane smell upon arrival, which detracted from their overall experience. Despite these issues, many guests enjoyed their stay and appreciated the cabin's charm.
The cabin was as advertised. In a great location, rustic, and comfortable. Reservations were easy. Do pay attention to the directions and check the forest service website to make sure roads are open.
The cabin was clean and set in a lovely location.
The propane wall sconces are beautiful.
The outdoor toilet was very clean.
We'd like to come back with extended family when the Creek is running, and it's safe to gather in groups again.
There were four of us in the cabin for eight nights, and we never felt crowded. Everything worked well and the cabin was clean when we got there. Only thing I might recommend is possibly bring a lantern or two for extra light if you need it. But overall, the cabin worked great for us!
If you really have to bring your dog(s), please have the common courtesy to clean up after them. Check yourself for ticks, as they are prevalent in this area......as are bears.
A very special thank you to the USFS employees for the wonderful job you all do.
We have been to 13 different forest service cabins throughout Oregon and Washington and rank this cabin as #1. This was a very special place! The cabin itself was clean and very well maintained, not only by the local ranger district but by most of the guests who visit who also realize what a special place this is and continue to pay it forward. And the outhouse was the best and cleanest yet of any forest service cabins we have been to. The location was amazing with very nice views and the peace and quiet was off the charts here! Incredible star gazing and viewing the Milky Way too! More wildlife was seen on the area forest service roads themselves vs. the perimeter of the cabin, but on the last day we did have 4 wild horses pass near the cabin. A very special treat!
Sometimes you don't even realize how much noise, stress and chaos is in your daily life until you visit a place like this because it's what you "have to do" and things you "have to deal with" in daily life with work, commute, family obligations, noise from neighbors, etc. At Deer Creek you are truly and literally unplugged from everything - not just electronic devices, but distractions in general. You are just at one with nature here. The only sounds to be heard were nature related - birds singing, the creek running nearby, wild horses, the breeze blowing, etc. And at times we could hear literally nothing. So much peace and tranquility. An unforgettable experience to say the least.
We treasured our time here and will definitely return again someday. It's truly one of a kind.
EXACTLY what we were hoping for. Perfect balance of privacy, amenities, accessibility, and location. I would give it ten stars specifically because we had NO cell service. Don't know why everyone feels that they have to constantly be connected. This is a place to unwind, relax, and refresh your mind and soul. Relax in a chair in the pleasant sunshine with nothing but the birds to listen to and read a book. Thank you to the wild horses who visited the fence at sundown, a real treat.
This cabin is quite spacious. The Murphy bed is comfortable and the bunks look comfortable, and are in a separate small room, but the futon is actually broken and super uncomfortable. The kitchen is large and is fully equipped. The only suggestion I have is to bring extra lighting for the evenings. I could have killed for a few candles.
Super cozy and warm.
Loved it.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin
431 Patterson Bridge Road, John Day, OR 97845 United States
Water is not available at the cabin; guests should be prepared to treat or boil water taken from an outdoor source
Learn more about the The Malheaur National Forest
The cabin remains locked; guests must use a combination lock code contained in the reservation confirmation letter
Weather conditions and snow may delay opening of the access road to the cabin beyond the scheduled date, as well as force early closures; contact the Blue Mountain Ranger District prior to arrival to inquire about current restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather, storms or anything that may affect the quality of a visit
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.
Deer Creek Guard Station is in a remote forest location with no mobile phone coverage.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
General
End-of-season dates are weather dependent and could close sooner if conditions permit.