Egan Basin Guard Station
4.1714 reviews322 N 4TH ST, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA
Egan Basin Guard Station
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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
Nightly recreation use fee for the cabin is $35; this does not include taxes or additional reservation fees.
About this campground
Escape to the solitude of Egan Basin Guard Station, where a charming rustic cabin awaits in the heart of southeastern Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This authentic mountain retreat in the Montpelier Ranger District invites you to experience the simplicity of backcountry living with its cozy wood stove, two inviting single beds, and a sleeping loft perfect for stargazing through the window. While modern conveniences like electricity and running water are left behind, the cabin provides the essentials for your wilderness adventure, including a nearby picnic table for outdoor dining and a vault toilet. Here, disconnecting means truly connecting with nature.
Egan Basin Guard Station provides cabin lodging as the primary accommodation type.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons at Egan Basin, where each visit offers its own magic. Summer transforms the meadows into a painter's palette of wildflowers under mild mountain sunshine, while winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, accessible only by snowmobile for those seeking true winter solitude. From November through June, snow often guards this mountain sanctuary, creating an ever-changing wonderland that rewards the adventurous spirit. Plan your journey knowing that nature sets the schedule here, not the calendar.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,500 feet in the majestic Bear River Mountains, Egan Basin Guard Station offers the rare air and expansive views that only high-altitude adventures can provide. At this elevation, you'll find yourself literally above the everyday, where the sky feels closer and the stars shine brighter.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle rustle of aspen leaves and the whisper of wind through mixed conifers that embrace this pristine mountain meadow. Summer visitors are treated to nature's own garden, where native wildflowers paint the landscape in vibrant hues. This diverse ecosystem serves as a natural theater where deer graze at dawn, elk bugle in autumn, moose meander through the meadows, and playful marmots whistle warnings from their rocky perches. Every window frames a living postcard of Idaho's untamed beauty.
Geological RegionNestled in an alpine meadow at the base of towering limestone and dolomite peaks, Egan Basin Guard Station sits where ancient geology meets living forest. The surrounding Bear River Mountains tell a story millions of years in the making, their sedimentary cliffs and slopes creating a dramatic backdrop of cream and gray stone. Mixed conifers and quaking aspens soften the rugged terrain, creating a perfect harmony between the enduring rock and the ever-changing forest.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySnow conditions can affect accessibility during fall, winter, and spring, and guests may need to snowmobile to the cabin in snowy weather.
Sites SizeThe cabin can host up to 15 people, with basic furnishings including two single beds and a sleeping loft.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is in a secluded area surrounded by mixed conifers and aspens. "The cabin is set far away from everything and everyone, which is awesome!"
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bug spray and fly paper to counter flies and mosquitoes. Access the site via St. Charles Canyon, as it is smoother than Utah roads. Carry your own drinking water and emergency supplies.
Best CampsitesSingle-site cabin is the only available option.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum cabin capacity of 15 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-room cabin with a loft.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year. Seasonal snow conditions may affect cabin accessibility from November through June.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov
Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up availability; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee; late cancellations within 14 days incur an additional charge of the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Egan Basin Guard Station offers a variety of year-round recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, off-road vehicle trails, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. "Guests can enjoy nearby trails for hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicles." Anglers can fish in nearby Beaver Creek, and hunting areas are located nearby.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available nearby, including options suitable for winter sports like snowshoeing. "Great Mountain biking and hiking right from the cabin."Fishing
Fishing is available in nearby Beaver Creek. "Anglers can fish in nearby Beaver Creek."Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible directly from the cabin. "Great Mountain biking and hiking right from the cabin."Wildlife viewing
The area is home to large populations of deer, elk, moose, pikas, marmots, and beavers. "Local wildlife (squirrels) would come to visit in the mornings."Winter Activities
Winter sports include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, and guests must snowmobile to the cabin during snowy weather.Water Sports
Water sports are not explicitly supported; fishing is the primary water-based activity mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No mention of fire restrictions, but guests are advised to bring local firewood.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and flies are prevalent during warmer months. Risks from wildlife and exposure to hantavirus are noted.
Weather forecast
52
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 90%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Montpelier, Idaho, approximately 31 miles away, including healthcare facilities and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1st to December 31st, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests must bring trash bags to pack out their garbage. No recycling facilities are explicitly offered.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Beaver Creek for fishing and mountain streams inhabited by beavers.
Common complaintsReports of broken windows, glass debris around fire pits, flies, mosquitoes, and the need for road maintenance.
Campground Map
322 N 4TH ST, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA
Driving directionsFollow Highway 89 south 17 miles to St. Charles. Turn west on 200 North. Continue west 1.5 miles to Forest Road 411 (Green Canyon) and follow 411 west/southwest to Forest Road 415. At this intersection, follow the signs west 5 miles to the guard station sign, turn south for 1/4 mile to the guard station.
Accessible by car during warmer seasons; rough roads reported by users. Winter access requires snowmobiles due to snow conditions.Nearby places
Montpelier (31 miles southwest), St. Charles (17 miles south), Utah border (approx. 40 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and supplies can be obtained in Montpelier, Idaho, which is approximately 31 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.2
14 reviews
Egan Basin Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cabin's rustic charm and beautiful surroundings but also note maintenance issues and challenges with bugs. "The guard station cabin was great. Tons of firewood, the little wood stove kept us warm and the scenery was beautiful."
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the cabin's cozy atmosphere, scenic location, and access to outdoor activities. "Lovely little cabin in a great location for hiking or skiing." "The cabin was cozy and easy...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include broken windows, poor road conditions, bugs, and lack of maintenance. "There are thousands of flies and we were eaten alive by mosquitos." "Broken glass was all over where...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing bug spray, fly paper, toilet paper, and emergency supplies. "Don't forget your own toilet paper and bug spray. Bug repellant is a must."
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter visits require snowmobile access, and guests must prepare for cold conditions. Summer reviews highlight flowers and scenery but mention bugs. "There’s plenty of area around the cabin to go out...
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Camper Quotes
"The roads are not that great right now." "Kids enjoyed exploring the woods and nearby meadow." "The new outhouse is an upgrade." "The scenery is amazing!" "We had young kids (6,4,2). Kids enjoyed...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews for campsite 001 emphasize maintenance needs and some issues with visitors. "The roof leaked a little but that was the only problem." "The gate at the bottom of the road has been taken down...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility depends on snow conditions, with winter visits requiring snowmobile access. "Snow conditions can often affect cabin accessibility."
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific pet-related reviews are included.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025