How much does camping cost at Cub River Guard Station?

Camping fees at Cub River Guard Station are $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cub River Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Cub River Guard Station 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 Cub River Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Cub River Guard Station has 32 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 Cub River Guard Station?

Cub River Guard Station is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Cub River Guard Station?

Yes, Cub River Guard Station has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Cub River Guard Station?

Fire policies at Cub River Guard Station: Firewood may be provided and must be chopped.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cub River Guard Station have?

Cub River Guard Station 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 Cub River Guard Station?

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

What amenities are available at Cub River Guard Station?

Cub River Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Showers. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cub River Guard Station?

Popular activities at Cub River Guard Station include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cub River Guard Station

4.50

40 reviews

322 N. 4th St., Montpelier, ID, 83254, USA

Top 19% in IDSummer

C-Report Card

Featured in:Tent Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Cub River Guard Station

$60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $60.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-847-0375

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Cub River Guard Station

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

322 N. 4th St., Montpelier, ID, 83254, USA

Cub River Guard Station

322 N. 4th St., Montpelier, ID, 83254, USA

Nearby places

Preston, ID (~10 miles)

Montpelier, ID (~35 miles)

Weather at Cub River Guard Station

Current alerts(12)

Basketball court with cement pad is available on-site
Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Covered 20x20 dining pavilion is available on-site
Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Best Time to Camp at Cub River Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most comfortable weather and easiest access — daytime highs typically range from the low 60s to around 80°F with cool nights in the 30s–50s, making hiking, mountain biking, and river fishing ideal. Trails are usually snow-free by June, river flows settle after spring runoff (good for wading and trout fishing), and abundant daylight lets you explore the valley and watch wildlife at dawn and dusk. Crowd levels are moderate: the guard station is historic and popular on summer week Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in ID

Best season per site: comfortable temps, outdoor amenities (pavilion, courts) and easy access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Cub River Guard Station

Cub River Guard Station sits in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Preston, Idaho, offering a rustic cabin rental and small campground at mid-elevation. Operated by the Forest Service, the property features a spacious historic cabin suitable for large groups, plus tent and group camping options. Guests fish the nearby river, play volleyball and horseshoes, and explore forest trails during the summer season when access is easiest and weather is mild.

Cub River Guard Station offers cabin lodging along with tent camping options on the grassy area outside the cabin.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most comfortable weather and easiest access — daytime highs typically range from the low 60s to around 80°F with cool nights in the 30s–50s, making hiking, mountain biking, and river fishing ideal. Trails are usually snow-free by June, river flows settle after spring runoff (good for wading and trout fishing), and abundant daylight lets you explore the valley and watch wildlife at dawn and dusk. Crowd levels are moderate: the guard station is historic and popular on summer week Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: April

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Cub River has carved a corridor through mixed hardwoods, evergreen pines, and riverside cottonwoods at this 6,000-foot elevation. Willow thickets line the banks. Moose, elk, and deer move through the area regularly. The hardwoods blaze with color in autumn. A grassy area beside the cabin provides space for tents and outdoor games.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin itself serves as the primary lodging, accommodating up to 8 people inside and 75 people in total including tent setups outside. Features include log furniture, wood-burning stove, propane heater, and lighting.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin can sleep up to 8 people on bunk beds. Outside space accommodates up to 75 people.

Groups

Total capacity for the site is 75 people and 20 vehicles. Large groups can utilize the lawn area for tents.

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 via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityNo explicit information on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe site accommodates up to 75 people and 20 vehicles. Tent camping is permitted on the large grassy area adjacent to the cabin.

PrivacyNo specific information provided about privacy levels.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for large groups in summer due to outdoor amenities like basketball and volleyball courts. Winter visitors should prepare for cold weather and rely on the wood stove for heat.

Best CampsitesThe single site accommodates groups up to 75 people. Reviewers recommend the grassy area for tent camping and mention amenities like basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes. The outdoor pavilion and fire pit work well for gatherings, though some guests noted glass fragments around fire rings.

Need help booking Cub River Guard Station?

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

Water is not guaranteed; it may be available for showering and inside toilet use from approximately June 1 to Sept. 15; before and after this timeframe, please plan to bring drinking water

Showers

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

Things to do at Cub River Guard Station

Numerous recreational activities are available at the Cub River Guard Station, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle trails, fishing, and winter sports such as snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The large grassy area serves as a play zone for basketball, volleyball, tetherball, and horseshoes.

Hiking4.0/5

Nearby trailheads and access to multi-use trails including the Highline National Recreation Trail.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Moose, elk and deer commonly move through riverside thickets; wildlife viewing noted in natural features.

Winter Activities4.0/5Top 10% in Idaho

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing3.5/5Remote Forest Service cabin at 6,000 ft suggests dark skies, though not explicitly mentioned.

Photography4.0/5Riverside corridor, wildlife, fall color and rustic cabin create multiple photo subjects and seasons.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Cub River Guard Station

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.5

40 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the rustic charm, variety of activities, and suitability for large groups. Some complaints focus on equipment issues and maintenance concerns.

Review Summaries

Based on 40 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the variety of activities such as basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and hiking trails. The cabin's rustic charm and spaciousness for large groups are also frequently...

Based on 40 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes maintenance issues such as non-functional propane heaters, broken mantels for lighting, smashed glass near the fire pit, and insufficient firewood.

Based on 40 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews generally focus on the cabin (site 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION). Positive mentions include the wood-burning stove and recreational amenities, while negative feedback highlights...

Based on 40 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing comprehensive supplies, including bedding, kitchenware, cleaning tools, and firewood splitting equipment. Filtering or boiling water from the nearby stream is advised.

Based on 40 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews often mention the cabin's warmth due to the wood stove, while summer reviews praise outdoor amenities like the pavilion and recreational courts.

Based on 40 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Gas worked and the wood-burning stove worked like a champ." - Nicholas Moyle 2. "Bring everything you need to survive...everything!" - Jeremy J. 3. "We couldn’t get the propane heater to work." -...

Based on 40 reviews