Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates1 total site
Cabins
1 site
About Sunshine Guard Station
Number of accommodations: 1
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Hiking
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
River Access
Bedrooms
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Water Access
- River Access
Cabin Interior
- Bedrooms
- Heating
001, Loop: LOOP A
Site Details
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
Kathryn P
VerifiedJune 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Super cozy little cabin, comfortable for the whole family during the off and on rain showers. no issues with bugs.
Diane B
VerifiedJuly 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
We were very happy to see that most of the recent issues with Sunshine have been addressed. We love the remote location and the rustic feel of the cabin, but mostly the quiet beauty of the area. Really enjoyed our stay!
Lawrence B
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Had to do a lot of clean up. There were hundreds of dead flies on floors, table, counters and window seals. Fly strips were totally covered and some live flies were around. We expected some clean up, but not this. Replaced the fly strips with new ones. Over all the cabin was a great place to stay.
Jeffrey D
VerifiedMarch 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Unfortunately the guests that visited lest the house a complete mess. We spent hours cleaning and airing out the smoke smell inside.
Location Sunshine Guard Station
Address:
431 Patterson Bridge Rd
John Day, OR, 97845
United States
Elevation: 1112 feet
42 mi drive to downtown John Day (about 52 min)
Policies & Rules
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.
- 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.
- Sunshine Guard Station is in a remote forest location with no mobile phone coverage.
- The cabin does not have water; guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
- 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.
- Guests must bring trash bags and pack out their own trash.
- Guests must clean the cabin before their departure.
- 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.
- Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; the combination to the guard station will be in your confirmation letter.
- Most of the area around the cabin is closed to snowmobiles, except on open roads, to protect winter range for elk and deer.
- This is bear country; food should be stored properly; learn more about bear and other safety precautions
- 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.
- Learn more about the The Malheur National Forest
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 7, 2026
