Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin, Canyon City, OR

Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin is located in the Blue Mountain Ranger District, Malheur National Forest (3 hrs 18 min east of Bend, OR) with an elevation of 4,948 feet. The site is normally open from the beginning of May to mid November. There is a fee of $60.00 per night. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.

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Campsite Reviews (25)

4.5 out of 5

5 star		76%
4 star		12%
3 star		4%
2 star		4%
1 star		4%

@DavidF8210922 · Camped on Oct 3, 2024 at Campsite #1

We liked almost everything about Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin: the setting is wonderful, the bed was comfortable the stove and refrigerator worked. We enjoyed hiking in the area, using the picnic table, and trying out the swing on the nearby hill. The one thing that tarnished our experienced was the strong smell of propane that we encountered when we opened the door. Even after airing out the cabin and leaving the area for a few hours, the propane smell was very noticeable. We could not detect any leaks, but the thought that we might be in danger was disconcerting, and it affected our ability to sleep peacefully. The source of the propane odor might be that the propane tank is almost out of propane, and the propane scent (that is added by the manufacturer to propane for safety reasons) is concentrated at the bottom of the tank. However, the source might also be a leak somewhere in the line. I would suggest that someone check out the propane system and determine the cause of the propane smell.Other than that, the cabin was fine.

@AlexD2444355 · Camped on Aug 7, 2023 at Campsite #1

We were very pleased at how clean and well stocked with supplies the cabin was. The futon has some broken slates and from a note on the wall, it seems to have been that way for some time. It was not a big problem for our group, but it could have been if we had needed to rely on it for sleeping space. The Ponderosa Pine out front is very impressive! There is a cable swing hanging from another big tree that is out the front gate and up the hill probably 200 yards. look for the path. It is worth checking out. Flagtail Lookout is nearby and worth the drive. The location and setting of the cabin great if you are looking for a quiet out of the way place and don't mind the lack of cell service and being 45 minutes or more from the nearest store.

@michaelg734741 · Camped on Jul 1, 2023 at Campsite #1

Well I didn't like the fact this year, there was no lock on gate. so people were coming up to front expecting to use bathroom. Which one woman did after 2 families were parked at the front gate and all walked up to a swing someone put up. They were very noisy, yelling and screaming. They had dogs that ran all over the fenced area.It was hot and there were only 3 screens for windows. So not a very good trip this time. I like it to be quite. If I wanted people around, I would have stayed at work. Mike

@DougW9372863 · Camped on Nov 4, 2022 at Campsite #1

Very nice.

@ChrisS8694045 · Camped on Sep 26, 2022 at Campsite #1

Very nice cabin located in a nice park-like setting. First day I drove over to Road's End trailhead and hiked up Strawberry Mountain (saw a mountain goat on the way back). Next day I headed out the road next to the cabin and hiked up to Flagtail Lookout (10.3 miles round-trip) where I got nice views of Strawberry Mountain and Fields Peak. Very isolated location means it's very quiet most of the time and the cabin is in fine shape.

@DougK8854642 · Camped on Jul 31, 2022 at Campsite #1

We have a great time and enjoyed the cabin and the area. A few items to mention. Two pilot lights were out on the stove, This caused a significant propane odor in the cabin. The wood rats are living under the deck and are active at night. their feces are apparent each morning on the deck and ramp. That end of the cabin smells of the excrement and urine. Most window screen are either missing or in poor repair. This is a fantastic cabin and a gem to stay at. Thank you.

@CarrieW3889332 · Camped on Jul 26, 2022 at Campsite #1

I absolutely loved my stay at Deer Creek Guard Station and can’t wait to go back. Everything I needed was there, and I enjoyed the propane lights, which were new to me. Having the creek so close was a perk since my visit was during a heat wave. Still, being more water than you think you’ll need as it goes fast. There are fun surprises to be had at DCGS that I don’t want to ruin here. I’ll just say be sure to read the log book so you don’t miss the best features. Note that there is no cell service so plan ahead! My GPS brought me a different way but I noted the directions on this website are spot on (which is how I found my way home;)). Enjoy your stay!

@DennisP9096753 · Camped on Jul 24, 2022 at Campsite #1

It's a magical place to be. The swing does exist...

@HollyA2467819 · Camped on Jun 14, 2022 at Campsite #1

We had a great stay, the location is beautiful. quiet and secluded. There were way more essential items provided in the guard house then we expected. It's a nice clean and roomy place, and we ended up needing to use the propane stove, since it went below freezing, so we were very comfortable at night. There are lots of areas nearby to explore on foot, a nice swing for people to find and enjoy, and apparently wild horses in the area, although we did not see any. The only negatives were, the bunk beds are not comfortable at all, the pull out bed from the wall is much nicer. There was some kind of rodent making an enormous amount of noise in the wall, which kept us from having any restful sleep for both nights.

@EvanL6585554 · Camped on Jun 10, 2022 at Campsite #1

We enjoyed everything about our visit to this cabin. The cabin and surrounding area were very clean. We did get lost using google maps, it wanted us to take a “road” that didn’t exist, so screenshot the directions from the website to be sure you know where you are going! Other then that, beautiful area! My husband, me, and our 3 dogs had a fantastic time!

@DanaS6949201 · Camped on May 30, 2022 at Campsite #1

What a wonderful treat to come here. Thanks to all of the other guests for taking such great care of this place. It makes for a great base camp!

@DonaldF6597460 · Camped on May 22, 2022 at Campsite #1

Absolutely awesome spot! Cabin was beautiful, in a lush meadow, fenced off to keep wandering Cows (which I saw none of) Out, with the biggest Ponderosa Pine I have ever seen towering over the sire - I called it "Methuselah of the Meadow" ❤ @ Picnic tables outside the Cabin, one with fire ring right next to a gurgling creek, which was running in late May, may dry up later in the summer. Cabin is beautiful, Propane lights and appliances worked great, the fold down murphy bed was quite comfortable. You might want to bring a headlamp or electric lantern to supplement the lights if you want to read. The propane fireplace has a Thermostat that turns it on or off depending on the interior temp, it worked great. Bugs were pretty much non existent. Lots of areas to explore, never did find The Swing mentioned in the logbook and other reviews, but hiked to the top of the ridge behind (there was Cell service starting halfway up) and rode my Mt Bike around on the multitude of Gravel road, also found cell service about 2 miles up FS-2480. Did not see even 1 car during my 6 nite stay, total solitude! Saw signs of wild Horses everywhere around, saw a total of 25 in 4 distinct herds, all within 2 miles of the cabin - So Magnificent! Anderson Meadow off FS-2480 is a good spot to look in late afternoon. You can drive down FS-24 to FS-43, which runs along the upper S Fork of the John Day R, great fishing and incredibly scenic. Last mile of FS-24 is a bit rough and could be muddy when wet, but the towering cliffs here, and along 43 are not to be missed - Black Canyon on the John Day is really impressive. I loved this spot so much I am going back for a 2nd visit in early October, cant wait!

@CB7950688 · Camped on May 18, 2022 at Campsite #1

Bring plenty of fresh, potable water and/or a good water purification system, plus it would be a good idea to have your flashlight, head lamp and a couple of propane/kerosene lanterns.

@JohnM951 · Camped on Oct 19, 2021 at Campsite #1

This cabin is quite spacious. The Murphy bed is comfortable and the bunks look comfortable, and are in a separate small room, but the futon is actually broken and super uncomfortable. The kitchen is large and is fully equipped. The only suggestion I have is to bring extra lighting for the evenings. I could have killed for a few candles. Super cozy and warm. Loved it.

@ChrisS193 · Camped on Oct 12, 2021 at Campsite #1

Very nice cabin located in a nice park-like location. Enough trees for shade but also open areas to allow viewing wildlife. The propane heater was very useful since the weather was cold. Did a nice hike up the road next to the cabin to Flagtail Mountain.

@GregorH294 · Camped on Oct 11, 2021 at Campsite #1

Wonderful cabin. Great location. It was a respite from the freezing temps of an early fall.

@DanaS216 · Camped on Sep 5, 2021 at Campsite #1

We had a wonderful stay here and are looking forward to the next one. Cozy cabin with everything we needed. Great area to hike and explore. Incredible night skies and wildlife. A treasure and a treat. On cell service—we have a cell phone booster in our car. When we turned it on, we did have service as needed.

@RayS916 · Camped on Jul 30, 2021 at Campsite #1

EXACTLY what we were hoping for. Perfect balance of privacy, amenities, accessibility, and location. I would give it ten stars specifically because we had NO cell service. Don't know why everyone feels that they have to constantly be connected. This is a place to unwind, relax, and refresh your mind and soul. Relax in a chair in the pleasant sunshine with nothing but the birds to listen to and read a book. Thank you to the wild horses who visited the fence at sundown, a real treat.

@JillB457 · Camped on Jul 1, 2021 at Campsite #1

We have been to 13 different forest service cabins throughout Oregon and Washington and rank this cabin as #1. This was a very special place! The cabin itself was clean and very well maintained, not only by the local ranger district but by most of the guests who visit who also realize what a special place this is and continue to pay it forward. And the outhouse was the best and cleanest yet of any forest service cabins we have been to. The location was amazing with very nice views and the peace and quiet was off the charts here! Incredible star gazing and viewing the Milky Way too! More wildlife was seen on the area forest service roads themselves vs. the perimeter of the cabin, but on the last day we did have 4 wild horses pass near the cabin. A very special treat! Sometimes you don't even realize how much noise, stress and chaos is in your daily life until you visit a place like this because it's what you "have to do" and things you "have to deal with" in daily life with work, commute, family obligations, noise from neighbors, etc. At Deer Creek you are truly and literally unplugged from everything - not just electronic devices, but distractions in general. You are just at one with nature here. The only sounds to be heard were nature related - birds singing, the creek running nearby, wild horses, the breeze blowing, etc. And at times we could hear literally nothing. So much peace and tranquility. An unforgettable experience to say the least. We treasured our time here and will definitely return again someday. It's truly one of a kind.

@JosephL266 · Camped on Jun 18, 2021 at Campsite #1

If you really have to bring your dog(s), please have the common courtesy to clean up after them. Check yourself for ticks, as they are prevalent in this area......as are bears. A very special thank you to the USFS employees for the wonderful job you all do.

@StevenK536 · Camped on May 31, 2021 at Campsite #1

Had a great time. We hit the wildflower bloom just right

@RalphB211 · Camped on Nov 1, 2020 at Campsite #1

There were four of us in the cabin for eight nights, and we never felt crowded. Everything worked well and the cabin was clean when we got there. Only thing I might recommend is possibly bring a lantern or two for extra light if you need it. But overall, the cabin worked great for us!

@ChristineJ512 · Camped on Oct 9, 2020 at Campsite #1

The cabin was clean and set in a lovely location. The propane wall sconces are beautiful. The outdoor toilet was very clean. We'd like to come back with extended family when the Creek is running, and it's safe to gather in groups again.

@LisaF475 · Camped on Jul 12, 2020 at Campsite #1

I loved this place !!

@RAM138 · Camped on Aug 5, 2019 at Campsite #1

The cabin was as advertised. In a great location, rustic, and comfortable. Reservations were easy. Do pay attention to the directions and check the forest service website to make sure roads are open.

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