Warm Springs Guard Station

Star4.62
33 reviews
7359 HIGHWAY 21
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

4,700 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Boise National Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Warm Springs Guard Station
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin is $40 for the entire year. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental 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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
208-259-3361
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 33 reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

"Reviews generally praise the cabin’s charm, cleanliness, and amenities, including a wood stove, propane fridge, and nearby natural attractions. Winter stays are popular for their secluded atmosphere. Complaints primarily focus on firewood availability and maintenance issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7359 HIGHWAY 21

Warm Springs Guard Station

7359 HIGHWAY 21

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, take State Highway 21 northeast 75 miles to Lowman, Idaho. Continue on Highway 21 another 18 miles to milepost 91.2. Turn left on Forest Road 025RC and continue 1.5 miles to cabin when road is open to motorized use. In the winter, park in the plowed parking lot on the left at milepost 91.2 and hike/snowshoe/ski the remaining distance. From Banks, Idaho, turn right off Highway 55 onto Highway 17, drive 40 miles to Lowman. Turn left onto Highway 21 and go approximately 18 miles east to milepost 91.2. Turn left on Forest Road 025RC and continue 1.5 miles to cabin when road is open to motorized use. In the winter, park in the plowed parking lot on the left at milepost 91.2 and hike/snowshoe/ski the remaining distance.
Accessible by car from mid-April through mid-December. During winter, access is only possible via snowshoes or cross-country skis. Road closures occur from December 15 to April 15 due to snow conditions. Snow can start in October, and visitors are advised to check local weather or contact the Lowman Ranger Station at 208-259-3361 for updated road conditions.
Nearby places
Lowman (approximately 18 miles east)
Nearby supplies
Lowman, Idaho, approximately 18 miles east, is the closest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Warm Springs Guard Station

Each season paints Warm Springs in dramatically different hues. October often brings the first dusting of snow, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland that can persist through June on higher trails. When snow locks the access road, the cabin becomes a backcountry sanctuary reached only by those willing to strap on skis or snowshoes for the journey. Summer unveils a different magic entirely – wildflowers dot the meadows, wildlife emerges from winter hiding spots, and endless hiking trails beckon through sun-dappled forests. Pack layers and prepare for mountain weather's quick-change artistry, where sunny mornings can yield to afternoon thunderstorms and crisp evenings demand a cozy fire.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer access by car; visitors enjoy hiking and river access in warmer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

October brings early snow and scenic seasonal changes; accessible by car until mid-Dec.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring can retain snow at higher elevations; access and conditions more variable in spring months.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 6% in ID

Popular winter destination for ski/snowshoe access; reviews praise snowy stays though firewood is an issue.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Accessible by car from mid-April to mid-December; access by snowshoes or cross-country skis is required from December 15 to April 15.
  • Current Alerts: Road closures from December 15 to April 15. Snow may limit access from October through June.

About Warm Springs Guard Station

Step back in time at Warm Springs Guard Station, where a beautifully preserved historic cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. This charming hideaway transforms with the seasons – drive right up during warmer months, or embark on a magical winter journey by ski or snowshoe when snow blankets the landscape. Inside, you'll find the perfect blend of rustic comfort: a crackling wood stove warms the timber walls, while a propane-powered kitchen lets you craft hearty meals after days spent exploring. Though you'll trade electricity for lantern light and may need to haul water in winter, the reward is pure mountain solitude beneath towering pines and dramatic peaks that have watched over this valley for centuries.
The Warm Springs Guard Station offers cabin lodging with basic amenities. It is a unique option within the Boise National Forest.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of recreational activities are available throughout the year, including hiking, fishing, swimming, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The Bonneville Hot Springs and the South Fork Payette River are key attractions.
HikingNearby hiking trails lead to Bonneville Hot Springs. Winter access to the springs is possible via snowshoeing or skiing. The distance from the cabin to the springs is approximately 2 miles (Theodore H).
FishingThe South Fork Payette River offers trout fishing opportunities. The river’s turquoise pools and scenic surroundings are frequently noted as highlights.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the South Fork Payette River, near the cabin and further downstream.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to deer, elk, black bears, and a variety of bird species. Winter visitors may see deer and elk in their wintering areas.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife encounters (bears in summer). Winter travel hazards including deep snow and unplowed roads. Guests reported incidents such as rotted gates causing injury.
Active AlertsRoad closures from December 15 to April 15. Snow may limit access from October through June.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Warm Springs Guard Station

Reviews

4.6
33 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Warm Springs Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews generally praise the cabin’s charm, cleanliness, and amenities, including a wood stove, propane fridge, and nearby natural attractions. Winter stays are popular for their secluded atmosphere. Complaints primarily focus on firewood availability and maintenance issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Frequent mentions of the cabin’s rustic charm, convenience of amenities (e.g., wood stove, propane fridge), and proximity to Bonneville Hot Springs. Reviewers also appreciate the peaceful setting and...
Show more
Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Firewood availability and quality are recurring issues. Some guests noted that the provided axes were dull and required bringing their own. A notable safety concern involved a guest being injured by...
Show more
Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own axe for splitting wood and additional lighting for winter stays, as there is no electricity. A reviewer mentions the absence of a can opener, so consider bringing one. Verify firewood...
Show more
Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the cabin’s cozy atmosphere and opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. Summer visitors enjoy hiking and access to the river. Firewood issues are more critical during...
Show more
Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

"One of the nicest forest rental cabins you're going to find. It even has a gas-powered fridge!" (Kendra Parris). "Great cabin, clean, convenient amenities." (Casey McMullen). "This is the 3rd time...
Show more
Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews pertain to the single cabin (site 001). Positive reviews emphasize its charm and cleanliness, while complaints focus on firewood and minor maintenance issues.
Based on 33 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility issues were found.
Based on 33 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets must be under control at all times. No specific user feedback addresses pet-related experiences.
Based on 33 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Warm Springs Guard Station? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Idaho

Campgrounds
Boise National Forest
Warm Springs Guard Station