About Sunshine Guard Station
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Sites & Availability
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Reviews (34)
What Guests Are Saying
Sunshine Guard Station offers a cozy and rustic retreat in a beautiful, remote location, perfect for family stays and outdoor activities like turkey hunting. Recent improvements have been noted, with many guests appreciating the comfortable warmth and the well-equipped kitchen. However, some guests reported cleanliness issues and the presence of bugs, suggesting the need for better upkeep and maintenance.
What Guests Are Saying
Sunshine Guard Station offers a cozy and rustic retreat in a beautiful, remote location, perfect for family stays and outdoor activities like turkey hunting. Recent improvements have been noted, with many guests appreciating the comfortable warmth and the well-equipped kitchen. However, some guests reported cleanliness issues and the presence of bugs, suggesting the need for better upkeep and maintenance.
Review Summary
Noel F
VerifiedDecember 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Had a great stay at the Sunshine Guard Station the weekend before Christmas. It was dark and snowy when we arrived, but nice to be greeted by a string of Christmas lights in the window and a warm cozy cabin. The cabin is in pretty good condition, has electric space heaters and old springy mattresses, but perfect for a cheap weekend getaway. We didn’t get out and see any of the local attractions due to the snow, but we did get out and hike/snowshoe 5 miles on the road up the hill behind the cabin and were rewarded with some good views. A nice visit and we’re planning on coming back during the summer.
Michael K
VerifiedDecember 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Four day, three night stay. Snowed every day. Fantastic setting. Bed is comfortable. The flies were like that scene from Amityville Horror when the priest is in the room and the demon yells at him to “GET OUT!” Only I didn’t leave, I just cleaned them up. Every day. They kept coming from nowhere and dying by the hundreds. No weird smell though.
It’s not quiet, so don’t expect that. The heaters are loud AF. So if you’re coming from the city, you’ll feel right at home with the ever present background noise. Would take running water and a wood stove for heat over electric any day.
Still, would come again.
Eric L
VerifiedNovember 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
We really enjoyed the three nights we stayed there. Temps were getting to the freezer point, so it is nice to have the heat. We were going camping following our stay, so we had our own dishes etc., but the kitchen looked well stocked. Surprise to see the microwave. There also plenty of cleaning supplies, which for whatever reason, the person before use chose not to take advantage of, even the broom, so what I would say to my fellow cabin renters is to please leave the cabin as you would like to find the cabin when you arrive. Beauty is all around. Highly recommend taking a drive on Forest Service roads 45 to Indian Rock Lookout and the loop on road 2090 if weather permits. These stations are public treasures, let's take care of them.
Nicole B
VerifiedApril 2, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
The house is comfortably furnished. The stove and fridge work great. There's a lovely trail for hiking right behind the house. Unfortunately there's no access for fishing in the river. Be sure to bring several gallons of water as there is no running water at all. We would definitely stay here again.
Location Sunshine Guard Station
Address:
431 Patterson Bridge Rd
John Day, OR, 97845
United States
Latitude & Longitude: 44.6659 / -118.7
Elevation: 1112 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Please contact the Malheur National Forest Recreation department before arriving at the cabin rental to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms. |
| General |
County Road 20 along the Middle Fork John Day River, accessing Sunshine Guard Station, receives limited winter maintenance. On occasion the road may be closed or entirely inaccessible. Also, there are no services along the Middle Fork of the John Day River should you need assistance. Please be sure to contact the Blue Mountain Ranger District at 541-575-3000 prior to visiting the Guard Station to check conditions. Be prepared and self-sufficient when traveling on the Malheur National Forest and travel at your own risk. |
| General |
Sunshine Guard Station is in a remote forest location with no mobile phone coverage. |
| General |
The cabin does not have water; guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing. |
| General |
Guests must bring bedding, pillows, and/or sleeping bags as well as a flashlight or lantern for emergencies, first aid kit, washcloths and towels and dish soap. |
| General |
Guests must bring trash bags and pack out their own trash. |
| General |
Guests must clean the cabin before their departure. |
| General |
The Middle Fork of the John Day River can be seasonally "buggy", including box-elder bugs and houseflies. Recreation staff (and guests) do their best to keep the facility clean and to prevent insects from entering. We also provide a vacuum cleaner for use by guests. Nonetheless, you may encounter insects within the guard station. We apologize for the inconvenience, and if the situation warrants recreation staff attention, please call 541-820-3800 and we will do our best to address the issue. |
| General |
Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; the combination to the guard station will be in your confirmation letter. |
| General |
Most of the area around the cabin is closed to snowmobiles, except on open roads, to protect winter range for elk and deer. |
| General |
This is bear country; food should be stored properly; learn more about bear and other safety precautions |
| General |
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. |
| General |
Learn more about the The Malheur National Forest |
