How much does camping cost at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse?

Camping fees at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse are $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse first-come first-served or reservation?

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse 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 Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse before I book?

Yes! Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse has 3 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 Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse?

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse is open May 15 to November 13. 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 Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse?

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

How many campsites does Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse have?

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse 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 Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse?

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

What amenities are available at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse?

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

What activities can I do at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse?

Popular activities at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

Q: Can I have a campfire at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse?

Fire policies at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse: 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.

4.82

26 reviews

1415 W. ROSE

Top 3% in ORSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oregon#1 Desert Camping Oregon#2 Fall Camping Oregon#3 +2 more

Quick Facts

4,829 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Umatilla National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,829 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Umatilla National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

$45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $45.00. 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

509-522-6290r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1415 W. ROSE

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

1415 W. ROSE

Nearby places

Weston, Oregon (28 miles east)

Pendleton, Oregon (34 miles east)

Driving directionsFrom Weston, Oregon: Travel 28 miles east of Weston on Highway 204. Turn right (south) onto Forest Service Road 31. Go 9.4 miles to Ruckel Junction. Stay on Forest Service Road 31 and go 17 miles until you reach the junction with Forest Service Road 3113. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 3113 and travel about 0.8 miles to the access road to Summit Guard Station. Turn left onto the access road and follow the road to the right. From Pendleton, Oregon: Travel Interstate 84 east for 34 miles to Exit 243 (Mt. Emily Exit). Take the exit and at the stop sign turn left. Cross the freeway on the overpass and proceed past the ramps to the end of the pavement. Forest Service Road 31 starts here. Travel Forest Service Road 31 for about 12.2 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 3113. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 3113 and travel about 0.8 miles to the access road to the Summit Guard Station. Turn left onto the access road and follow the road to the right.

Weather at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

Current alerts(6)

Entry to cabin is by combination lock; the door code will be on your reservation confirmation
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
No horses or livestock allowed
No water available; bring enough for drinking, cooking and washing

Best Time to Camp at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and the longest days for riding the ridge roads and exploring wildflower meadows (daytime highs typically 60–80°F, nights 35–50°F). Biking and wildlife viewing are at their peak—elk, deer, and raptors are commonly seen from dawn to dusk—while the bunkhouse’s propane heat and gas lights make chilly evenings cozy. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays (reserve early once the reservation window opens June 25); be prepared for occasional dry Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in OR

Best season: warm days, wildflower meadows and long evenings for stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to November 13. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to November 13 (reservable period starts June 25, 2025).

About Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse sits in mid-elevation forest within Umatilla National Forest, managed by the Forest Service and accessible from Walla Walla. This historic bunkhouse offers propane heat and gas lights, vault toilets, and picnic tables for groups seeking a rustic overnight base. Visitors come for wildlife viewing, stargazing, and exploring nearby ridge roads and wildflower meadows during the warmer months.

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse is primarily a cabin rental facility but allows additional tent camping in the yard.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and the longest days for riding the ridge roads and exploring wildflower meadows (daytime highs typically 60–80°F, nights 35–50°F). Biking and wildlife viewing are at their peak—elk, deer, and raptors are commonly seen from dawn to dusk—while the bunkhouse’s propane heat and gas lights make chilly evenings cozy. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays (reserve early once the reservation window opens June 25); be prepared for occasional dry Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation4829 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a ridgetop surrounded by Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs, with clear sightlines to Wilbur, Spring, Sugarloaf, and Green Mountains. Meacham Canyon's steep breaks and deep valleys define the landscape below. Summer brings wildflower meadows and active wildlife. Elk, deer, and raptors appear regularly from dawn to dusk. Reviewers mention stargazing as a highlight, with dark skies and unobstructed views. Hummingbirds, mountain chickadees, golden-crowned kinglets, and white-crowned sparrows frequent the area. One visitor noted hazy air affecting visibility, likely from wildfire smoke.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse offers rustic lodging in a single-room cabin equipped with essential furniture and propane appliances. It has beds for up to four guests and allows additional tent camping in the yard.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 guests are accommodated in the cabin.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Site SizeAdditional tent camping in the yard allows for flexibility, but the cabin itself is designed to accommodate up to four guests.

PrivacyReviews highlight the secluded and serene nature of the cabin, providing a quiet atmosphere for visitors.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe cabin offers 'plenty of comfortable shelter for cooking, eating, and sleeping' according to reviews. It's highly recommended to bring water and supplies due to the remote location.

Need help booking Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse?

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

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse provides basic amenities within a rustic cabin setting. The facilities include propane-powered cooking, lighting, and heating, as well as furniture such as a table and chairs and beds with mattresses. The cabin provides a limited supply of cooking utensils and cleaning supplies, making it necessary for guests to bring their own food, bedding, towels, dish soap, and garbage bags. Notably, potable water is unavailable on-site, requiring visitors to bring sufficient supplies for cooking, drinking, and washing. The cabin accommodates up to four guests in its single-room setup, although the surrounding yard allows for additional tent pitching. Vault toilets are available, located a short walk from the cabin.

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse provides opportunities for bird and wildlife watching, historic exploration, and outdoor recreation such as mountain biking and berry picking. The cabin’s ridge-top location offers panoramic views ideal for photography and stargazing.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography5.0/5Panoramic views, wildflower meadows and canyon relief make it excellent for photos.

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. The facility provides vault toilets located a short distance from the cabin.

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.

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 & RecyclingThis is a 'pack in-pack out' facility, meaning guests are required to bring garbage bags and remove all trash and recycling upon departure.

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

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

4.8

26 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Overall, user reviews reflect a highly positive sentiment toward the Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse, emphasizing its cleanliness, scenic views, peaceful environment, and functionality as a rustic cabin escape. Visitors particularly appreciated the panoramic views, stargazing opportunities, and the serene atmosphere at this secluded location.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, comfortable beds, stunning views, quiet and peaceful environment, propane-powered utilities, and opportunities for outdoor activities like stargazing and birdwatching.

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water requires guests to bring their own supply. Some users commented that the cabin is not the most well-equipped Forest Service lodging.

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mostly discuss campsite 001 within the Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the facility, the ample supply of cooking materials, and the...

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests should bring adequate water for drinking, cooking, and washing, as well as food, bedding, towels, garbage bags, dish soap, and a first aid kit. Binoculars are recommended for bird watching.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the cabin remains functional and enjoyable throughout the year but suggest preparation for colder weather during winter months. Activities like stargazing and birdwatching may...

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This cabin is exceptional—quiet with great views and hikes. Bring your own water. No electricity, but propane heat, light, and stove.' – Eric Valentine. 2. 'You get the best of both worlds, a...

Based on 26 reviews