Murderers Creek Guard Station

3.91

42 reviews

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

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

Opens Prairie City Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

Opens Prairie City Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Murderers Creek Guard Station

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season nightly fee for cabin is $50. Out-of-season booking is not available. Additional fees may apply, such as reservation service fees ($8...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-820-3800

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What Campers Say

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 42 reviews

Most mentioned

sceneryquietpeacefullocation

"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Station are mixed, with some praising the serene location and rustic charm, while others criticize issues such as mice, outdated bedding, and problems accessing the cabin.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.""

Read all reviews

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

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.

The site is accessible via paved roads. However, nearby forest roads are unpaved and can be rough. Seasonal road closures or weather conditions may affect access; guests are advised to confirm road conditions before visiting.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies, groceries, and fuel can be obtained in John Day, approximately 32 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Murderers Creek Guard Station

Each season paints a different portrait at Murderer's Creek. Summer arrives with warm, dry days perfect for exploration, though by late season the namesake creek may run low, creating a golden landscape of sun-baked meadows. Winter transforms the guard station into a snow-globe scene, where pristine white blankets the forest and crisp air demands cozy layers and crackling fires. Spring and fall offer their own magic with moderate winds carrying the scents of wildflowers or autumn leaves. Smart visitors pack for mountain weather's quick-change artistry, knowing that preparation enhances rather than hinders the adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm, dry days good for exploration; active wildlife though creek can run low late summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall brings clear skies and excellent stargazing; reviewers note scenic fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Site opens May 6; late spring offers access but spring season is short and variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Facility is closed Nov 15–May 6; winter use not supported by reservations.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 6 - 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

Step back in time at Murderer's Creek Guard Station, where a charming one-room cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience in Oregon's Malheur National Forest. This rustic hideaway invites couples and small groups to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythms. While the cabin offers essential modern comforts, the experience remains delightfully simple—you'll need to bring your own water and bedding, adding to the sense of self-sufficient adventure. From this cozy basecamp, endless trails wind through ancient forests, wildlife roams freely, and the spirit of the Old West still whispers through the pines.

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

Historical SignificanceThese weathered walls have stood sentinel since 1913, bearing witness to over a century of forest stewardship. Once home to early Forest Service rangers who patrolled vast wilderness territories on horseback, this guard station represents one of the Malheur's most treasured historic structures. Imagine the stories these timbers could tell—of rangers setting out to battle wildfires with little more than shovels and determination, of long winter nights spent recording forest observations by lamplight, and of the gradual evolution from frontier outpost to beloved recreational retreat.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints a different portrait at Murderer's Creek. Summer arrives with warm, dry days perfect for exploration, though by late season the namesake creek may run low, creating a golden landscape of sun-baked meadows. Winter transforms the guard station into a snow-globe scene, where pristine white blankets the forest and crisp air demands cozy layers and crackling fires. Spring and fall offer their own magic with moderate winds carrying the scents of wildflowers or autumn leaves. Smart visitors pack for mountain weather's quick-change artistry, knowing that preparation enhances rather than hinders the adventure.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 5,000 feet above sea level, the guard station offers that perfect mountain elevation where the air feels crisp and clean, the stars shine brilliantly close, and every sunrise feels like nature's private show.

Natural Features and SceneryAt 5,000 feet, Murderer's Creek Guard Station sits like a jewel amid a tapestry of open meadows and towering ponderosa pines. The surrounding landscape reads like a naturalist's dream journal—mixed conifer forests give way to the remarkable Cedar Grove Botanical Area, while the nearby creek corridor serves as a wildlife highway. Here, wild horses thunder across meadows in early morning light, mule deer browse quietly at forest edges, majestic elk bugle during autumn evenings, and pronghorn antelope dance across distant ridges. Throughout the growing season, wildflowers carpet the meadows in waves of color, creating an ever-changing canvas that photographers and nature lovers cherish.

Geological RegionThe Malheur National Forest unfolds around the guard station in a magnificent display of Oregon's Blue Mountain geology. This landscape tells an ancient story written in volcanic peaks, carved creek valleys, and rolling meadows that stretch toward Aldrich Mountain's prominent silhouette. The forest's diverse ecosystem—from sun-drenched ponderosa stands to dense mixed conifer groves—creates a mosaic of habitats that support remarkable biodiversity. Murderer's Creek itself winds through this terrain like a lifeline, its path marking centuries of geological patience and providing a natural corridor for both wildlife and wonder.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in after 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out by 12:00 PM.

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

Site layoutSingle rustic cabin with adjacent RV parking, garage building, fire pit, and vault toilet. Yard space available for tents.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability. All reservations must be made in advance on Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed before arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies, plus forfeiture of first night's fee for cabins if cancellation is made within 14 days of check-in. Modifications carry a $10 fee for changing dates completely. Late cancellations may incur additional penalties.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

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.

Hiking"Guests can hike area trails, explore the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, and hike nearby scenic locations like Fields Peak and Seneca's Strawberry Mountain." User reviews highlight the peacefulness and beauty of these trails.

FishingFishing is available at Murderer's Creek and South Fork John Day, although "area creeks run dry toward summer's end." A user review notes, "Fishing in the creek was good."

Wildlife viewingThe area is known for abundant wildlife, including wild horses, mule deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, bear, and cougar. "We tried to spot wild horses but failed," one user states, recommending early morning or dusk for better chances.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, rodents, bees, and other wildlife. Guests should use proper food storage methods and be prepared for possible encounters.

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.

Fire PolicyLimited fire pit with grill available outdoors. Guests must adhere to forest fire safety policies.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are unspecified, but the site is naturally private and secluded.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services include the Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day (approximately 32 miles away) and local police services in John Day.

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

Water FeaturesThe cabin is approximately 100 feet from Murderer's Creek, which runs dry in late summer.

Camp HostNo onsite host. Guests should contact the Prairie City Ranger District for assistance.

Weather at Murderers Creek Guard Station

Reviews

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

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