How much does camping cost at Short Creek Guard Station?

Camping fees at Short Creek Guard Station range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Short 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 Short Creek Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Short Creek Guard Station has 7 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 Short Creek Guard Station?

Short Creek Guard Station is open June 05 to October 31. 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 Short Creek Guard Station?

Yes, Short Creek Guard Station has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Short Creek Guard Station have?

Short 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 Short Creek Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Short 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 Short Creek Guard Station?

Short Creek Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Short Creek Guard Station?

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

Short Creek Guard Station

4.90

10 reviews

SHORT CREEK GUARD STATION DISTRICT OFFICE: 327 SW FRONT ST., P.O. BOX 337 PRAIRIE CITY OR 97869

Top 18% in ORSummer

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Spring Camping Oregon Desert Camping Oregon Summer Camping Oregon +3 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: June 10...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: June 10...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Short Creek Guard Station

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid 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

SHORT CREEK GUARD STATION DISTRICT OFFICE: 327 SW FRONT ST., P.O. BOX 337 PRAIRIE CITY OR 97869

Short Creek Guard Station

SHORT CREEK GUARD STATION DISTRICT OFFICE: 327 SW FRONT ST., P.O. BOX 337 PRAIRIE CITY OR 97869

Nearby places

John Day (38 miles, estimated travel time unknown)

Driving directionsFrom the town of Prairie City, OR., turn South (right) onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street, turn left onto Bridge Street. Follow Bridge Street past the local cemetery, the road then changes to County Road 62. Continue on County Road 62 approximately 7 miles to the junction with Forest Road 13. Turn left and follow Forest Road 13 East approximately 16.5 miles, the guard station will be on the right at the junction of Forest Road 13 and Forest Road 16.

Weather at Short Creek Guard Station

Best Time to Camp at Short Creek Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer brings the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Short Creek Guard Station (daytime highs typically 70–85°F / 21–29°C, nights 35–50°F / 2–10°C), making it ideal for long days of hiking, creek fishing, mountain biking, and evening stargazing. Meadow wildflowers and active wildlife are at their peak, and trails and forest roads are generally open by mid-June. Expect moderate use — the site is secluded so crowds are lower than popular front‑country parks, but weekends fill up; be Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in OR

Peak season Jun 10–Oct 31; best weather (70–85°F days) and full trail/road access in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 05 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: June 10 to October 31; closed season outside these dates.

About Short Creek Guard Station

Short Creek Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest within Malheur National Forest near Prairie City, operated by the US Forest Service as a historic rental cabin. The station offers modern comforts including flush toilets, showers, and potable water while maintaining its backcountry character. Guests use it as a base for hiking, creek fishing, and wildlife viewing in a quiet setting with no mobile phone coverage.

Short Creek Guard Station is primarily a cabin rental facility set in a remote forest environment.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer brings the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Short Creek Guard Station (daytime highs typically 70–85°F / 21–29°C, nights 35–50°F / 2–10°C), making it ideal for long days of hiking, creek fishing, mountain biking, and evening stargazing. Meadow wildflowers and active wildlife are at their peak, and trails and forest roads are generally open by mid-June. Expect moderate use — the site is secluded so crowds are lower than popular front‑country parks, but weekends fill up; be Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTall ponderosa pines surround the cabin's meadow setting, with Short Creek running nearby. The elevation and forest mix create habitat for elk, deer, and black bears that visitors spot regularly. Wildflowers peak in the meadow during summer months. The landscape here reflects volcanic origins and old waterways, with distant views toward forested ridges. It's quiet enough to hear the creek most of the year.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin includes one queen-sized bed and a large couch, with additional cots stored in a closet. Guests must bring their own bedding and other supplies as these are not provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are provided.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a secluded meadow surrounded by tall ponderosa pines, offering significant privacy and quiet.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring sharp knives, potholders, and additional lanterns as propane lights may not sufficiently illuminate the cabin.

Need help booking Short 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

Short Creek Guard Station offers amenities that are well-suited for a remote, comfortable stay. The cabin is equipped with a propane cook stove, sink, refrigerator, lights, and heater. Guests will find a queen-sized bed, a large couch, and basic furniture including a table and chairs. Outdoor amenities include a picnic table, two BBQ grills, and a fire pit. Drinking water is available, but only during the summer months, and guests must boil or treat any outdoor water sources. Flush toilets and a shower are available seasonally, during warmer months only. User reviews highlight the propane-powered utilities and overall comfort but note the absence of cleaning services between guests, requiring renters to clean after themselves. Additional items like bedding, garbage bags, and dish soap should be brought by visitors.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Short Creek Guard Station serves as a gateway to an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Monument Rock and Strawberry Mountain wilderness areas offer extensive trails and rich biodiversity.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.9

10 reviews

Top-Rated

Short Creek Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction with the cabin's location, amenities, and remote setting. Positive sentiments focus on the quiet, clean environment and proximity to hiking trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the running water, comfortable furniture, flush toilets, fire pit, and the quiet environment away from mobile phone coverage and heavy traffic.

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Minor issues raised include the lack of cleaning services between guests leading to occasional cleanliness concerns. One reviewer mentioned dog hair left by a previous renter. Another highlighted...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews pertain to campsite 001, Loop A, praising its cleanliness and quiet environment.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing additional lanterns or flashlights, a sharp knife, and potholders. They also emphasize cleaning the cabin thoroughly before departure and bringing extra bedding and supplies.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight the cabin's appeal during warmer months when amenities like running water and flush toilets are available. Winter visits may face challenges due to limited amenities and colder...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This cabin has running water! There is a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, flush toilet, and a shower. Propane powers the cookstove, refrigerator, heater, and lamps." - Cheryl Hill. "Lovely creek right...

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed in the Guard Station, and one user expressed dissatisfaction about dog hair left by a previous renter.

Based on 10 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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You want a furnished cabin with running water and flush toilets in a remote forest setting with no cell service.

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You expect daily housekeeping or need to stay connected by phone during your trip.

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