How much does camping cost at Murderers Creek Guard Station?

Camping fees at Murderers Creek Guard Station are $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Murderers Creek Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Murderers Creek Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Murderers Creek Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Murderers Creek Guard Station has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Murderers Creek Guard Station?

Murderers Creek Guard Station is open May 08 to November 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Murderers Creek Guard Station?

Murderers Creek Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Murderers Creek Guard Station have?

Murderers Creek Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Murderers Creek Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Murderers Creek Guard Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Murderers Creek Guard Station?

Murderers Creek Guard Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Murderers Creek Guard Station?

Popular activities at Murderers Creek Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Murderers Creek Guard Station

Q: Can I have a campfire at Murderers Creek Guard Station?

Fire policies at Murderers Creek Guard Station: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.91

42 reviews

Prairie City Ranger District: 327 SW Front Street, P.O. Box 337

Top 8% in ORFall

B-Report Card

Stargazing

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 6 to N...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Book on Prairie City Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 6 to N...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV Friendly

Book on Prairie City Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Murderers Creek Guard Station

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-820-3800SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Prairie City Ranger District: 327 SW Front Street, P.O. Box 337

Murderers Creek Guard Station

Prairie City Ranger District: 327 SW Front Street, P.O. Box 337

Nearby places

John Day (32 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Dayville (30 miles, approximately 35 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom Burns, travel North on Highway 395 approximately 55 miles to County Road 63. Turn left on County Road 63 to the junction of Forest Service Road 21. Take a right onto Forest Service Road 21 and travel approximately 16 miles to the guard station. From John Day, OR., travel approximately 18 miles west on US Highway 26 to the junction with Forest Road 21. Turn south (left) on Forest Road 21, travel 12 miles to the guard station.

Weather at Murderers Creek Guard Station

Current alerts(6)

Bears may frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage ( learn more about bear safety )
Guests should contact the Ranger Station before arrival to confirm that road closures or weather conditions won't affect a visit
Learn more about the Malheur National Forest here
Murderer's Creek Guard Station is in a remote forest location with no mobile phone coverage

Best Time to Camp at Murderers Creek Guard Station

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic color, and prime wildlife viewing — days are typically cool and sunny (50–70°F) with crisp nights (20s–30s F), and the meadows and aspen/ponderosa transition to golds and russets. Hiking and wildlife photography are at their peak as elk and deer become more active, and the lower summer crowds make the guard station feel genuinely remote. Expect fewer visitors after Labor Day, though be aware of local hunting seasons which can make Peak months: September, October, June, August Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in OR

Overview: 'Best season: fall' for color, wildlife viewing and clear stargazing nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to November 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 6 to November 15 each year. Reservable dates start from June 21.

About Murderers Creek Guard Station

Murderers Creek Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest within Malheur National Forest, operated by the Prairie City Ranger District near John Day. This historic rental cabin offers a remote base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables on-site. The property accommodates tent and RV camping alongside the cabin rental, appealing to visitors seeking solitude in working forest country.

Murderer's Creek Guard Station is a cabin rental facility offering rustic accommodations without modern camping amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, dramatic color, and prime wildlife viewing — days are typically cool and sunny (50–70°F) with crisp nights (20s–30s F), and the meadows and aspen/ponderosa transition to golds and russets. Hiking and wildlife photography are at their peak as elk and deer become more active, and the lower summer crowds make the guard station feel genuinely remote. Expect fewer visitors after Labor Day, though be aware of local hunting seasons which can make Peak months: September, October, June, August Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation5000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe guard station overlooks rolling meadows and ponderosa pine stands, with Murderer's Creek winding through the valley below and Aldrich Mountain visible in the distance. Mixed conifer forests transition to open grassland, creating habitat for elk, mule deer, and wild horses. In fall, aspens and ponderosa turn gold against the volcanic peaks of the Blue Mountains. The Cedar Grove Botanical Area lies nearby. Wildflowers bloom in waves through spring and summer, though by late season the creek runs low and the landscape turns sun-baked and golden.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin offers primitive accommodations with propane-powered appliances, a futon bed, and cooking utensils. It is described as "cozy and suitable for a couple or one person." Several user reviews recommend bringing an inflatable mattress or tarp for bedding due to complaints about the futon mattress.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Suitable for 2 guests. Guests can also use RV parking adjacent to the cabin if needed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or related phone services.

AccessibilityThe campground does not provide specific accessibility features or information.

Site SizeThe cabin has limited space but includes a driveway suitable for RV parking and adjacent grassy areas for tents.

PrivacyThe location is described as "quiet, peaceful, and private" in multiple user reviews.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests should bring inflatable bedding or mattress pads due to discomfort on the futon. Early mornings or dusk are recommended for wildlife viewing.

Need help booking Murderers Creek Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no water at the guard station; guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Murderers Creek Guard Station

Guests can enjoy various activities around Murderer's Creek Guard Station, such as wildlife viewing, birding, hiking, hunting, and fishing. The proximity to Cedar Grove Botanical Area and South Fork John Day offers unique outdoor recreational opportunities.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Hiking3.5/5

Nearby trails, Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Fields Peak and Strawberry Mountain hikes are mentioned as options.

Fishing3.5/5

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Meadows, aspens in fall, wildlife and dark skies offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to carry out all trash before leaving. There are no recycling facilities on-site.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

42 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Murderers Creek Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Murderer's Creek Guard Station are mixed, with some praising the serene location and rustic charm, while others criticize issues such as mice, outdated bedding, and problems accessing the cabin. "Great place to get away and enjoy nature," one user states, while another notes, "Bring a cover sheet or blanket for the futon as it is soiled."

Review Summaries

Based on 42 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the beautiful night skies, peaceful location, and abundant wildlife as key positive aspects. "The fridge and stove worked perfectly," one user remarked. Another stated, "Fantastic...

Based on 42 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues such as a poor-quality futon mattress, mice infestations inside the cabin, and occasional problems with the door lock code. "Bring your own bedding like cots or something,"...

Based on 42 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews focus on the single cabin available, emphasizing its rustic charm but pointing out critical issues like rodent activity and futon quality.

Based on 42 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra water, bedding, and a tarp for the futon. "Bring double the water you think you'll need," one user advises. Another suggests, "Check your reservation code on-site as...

Based on 42 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews mention snow and peaceful isolation, while summer reviews note active wildlife and dry creek beds. Fall reviews speak of clear skies and stargazing opportunities.

Based on 42 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Loved this little cabin," "Cute little rustic cabin, suitable for one person or a couple," "The futon was replaced on 6/4, so was brand new when I got there," "Bring a phillips screwdriver in case...

Based on 42 reviews