Sunshine Guard Station

Star3.80
32 reviews
Prairie City Ranger District - 327 SW Front St., P.O. Box 337, Prairie City, OR 97869, USA

Quick Facts

3,700 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: January...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Electric

Opens Malheur National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sunshine Guard Station
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly fee for cabin rental is $60. This does not include taxes, reservation fees, or additional service charges.
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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Provider
541-820-3800
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What Campers Say

3.80

Mixed Reviews

Based on 32 reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanlocationhiking

"User reviews offer mixed feedback, with significant praise for the secluded location and scenic surroundings offset by harsh criticisms of cleanliness and maintenance issues within the cabin. While some guests appreciated the amenities and rustic charm, others described the cabin as filthy and poorly maintained."

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Campground Map

Prairie City Ranger District - 327 SW Front St., P.O. Box 337, Prairie City, OR 97869, USA

Sunshine Guard Station

Prairie City Ranger District - 327 SW Front St., P.O. Box 337, Prairie City, OR 97869, USA

Driving directionsFrom Prairie City, OR., travel east on US Highway 26 approximately 13 miles to the junction of US Highway 7. Turn left on US Highway 7, travel one mile to the junction with County Road 20/ Middle Fork Road. Turn left and follow County Road 20 approximately 13 miles, the guard station will be on the right.
Roads to the guard station are paved and maintained for summer and winter access. County Road 20 along the Middle Fork John Day River receives limited winter maintenance and may become closed or inaccessible. Guests must check with local ranger stations.
Nearby places
Prairie City (43 miles, approximately 1 hour driving)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Prairie City (43 miles). Gas, groceries, and camping essentials are found in John Day (approximately 43 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Sunshine Guard Station

Experience the Blue Mountains' dramatic seasonal transformations from your cabin doorstep. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cozy evenings by the heater. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers paint the meadows in brilliant colors while nature's symphony of buzzing insects signals the renewal of life. Summer brings gloriously mild days ideal for river exploration, while autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson under crystalline skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews emphasize hiking and wildlife; good access and vistas for warm months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mountain and forest setting implies strong fall colors and scenic drives; season noted positively.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring praised for fewer bugs and wildflowers; good season for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Snowshoeing possible and plow service mentioned, but access prep and vehicle clearance cautions lower score.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31, annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: January 1 to December 31.
  • Current Alerts: Guests must contact local ranger stations to verify road closures or conditions, especially during winter.

About Sunshine Guard Station

Step back in time at Sunshine Guard Station, a charming 1936 forest cabin where history meets wilderness along the pristine John Day River. Tucked away in the heart of Malheur National Forest, this authentic guard station invites you to disconnect from the modern world while enjoying the comforts of electric heating and lighting. Though you'll need to bring your own water, the cabin's rustic simplicity—complete with basic amenities and a vault toilet—creates the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure.
Sunshine Guard Station provides cabin lodging with electricity and is suitable for those seeking secluded accommodations in a forest setting. Tent or RV camping is not mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in is flexible. Entry is via combination lock
  • details are in reservation confirmation.
Check-out
Check-out is flexible. Guests must clean before departure.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: Up to 14 nights.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving, as well as opportunities for snowshoeing during winter.
HikingHiking trails and back roads lead north of the guard station into the Vinegar Hill/Indian Rock Scenic Area. Reviews highlight the beauty of hiking trails behind the cabin: "There's a lovely trail for hiking right behind the house."
FishingFishing is available in the John Day River for steelhead and rainbow trout. Guests should refer to Oregon State regulations for restrictions. One review states, "Unfortunately there's no access for fishing in the river."
BikingGuests can bike on forest roads around the cabin, but specific trails or facilities are not detailed.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is popular, including sightings of elk, deer, songbirds, and bald eagles. Reviews mention additional wildlife like raccoons and wild turkeys.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include ticks in grassy areas, bears requiring proper food storage, and seasonal bug infestations such as box-elder bugs and flies. Roads may be icy or inaccessible in winter.
Active AlertsGuests must contact local ranger stations to verify road closures or conditions, especially during winter.
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.

Weather at Sunshine Guard Station

Reviews

3.8
32 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Sunshine Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer mixed feedback, with significant praise for the secluded location and scenic surroundings offset by harsh criticisms of cleanliness and maintenance issues within the cabin. While some guests appreciated the amenities and rustic charm, others described the cabin as filthy and poorly maintained.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the scenic location, secluded setting, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. "Fantastic location and nice cabin. Great wildlife watching - we saw many white-tailed deer,...
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Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Major complaints include poor cleanliness, infestations of dead flies, mouse feces, and lack of regular maintenance. "Mouse feces and dead flies EVERYWHERE." "Filthy, dead flies everywhere, place...
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Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests advise bringing sufficient water, cleaning supplies, bedding, and trash bags. "Don't forget your water." "Be sure to bring several gallons of water as there is no running water at all." "Bring...
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Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the need for proper vehicle clearance and preparedness for snow and ice. Spring is noted for fewer bugs and blooming wildflowers. Summer reviews emphasize hiking and wildlife...
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Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Located along the beautiful Middle Fork of the John Day River." "As of 1/28/20 the cabin is in good condition. No windows are broken!" "The cabin has never had as much charm as many we've used, but...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews focus on campsite 001. Some guests highlight the beauty and seclusion of the cabin, while others criticize its maintenance. "The cabin is roughly 15 miles from town, and yet a world...
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Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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