Cub River Guard Station

Star4.50
40 reviews
322 N. 4th St., Montpelier, ID, 83254, USA

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$60 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens Caribou-Targhee National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Cub River Guard Station
$60.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season cabin rental is $100 per night (May 16 - September 15). Non-peak season rental is $60 per night (September 16 - December 31). Fees do not...
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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

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Provider
208-847-0375
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What Campers Say

4.50

Top-Rated

Based on 40 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacioushiking

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Cub River Guard Station

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

Driving directionsFrom Preston, Idaho, head approximately 3 miles south on U.S. Highway 91. Turn east on Cub River Road/Forest Road 406. Proceed about 10 miles to the guard station. This road is heavily traveled throughout the summer with other recreationists, so please travel slowly and use caution.
The road to Cub River Guard Station is paved and accessible year-round during warmer months. Winter access requires snowmobiles due to snow conditions. The road is heavily traveled during summer, requiring extra caution.
Nearby places
Preston, ID (~10 miles)
Montpelier, ID (~35 miles)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies can be found in Preston, Idaho (~10 miles). Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Montpelier, Idaho (~35 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Cub River Guard Station

Experience the full spectrum of mountain magic as the seasons transform this high-country haven. Summer days invite exploration with temperatures hovering between a comfortable 60-80°F under brilliant blue skies. As autumn paints the landscape in gold and crimson, the weather becomes delightfully unpredictable, offering crisp mornings perfect for wildlife watching. Winter transforms the station into a snow-globe wonderland accessible only by snowmobile, where the silence is broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot. Spring's arrival brings its own surprises, with lingering snow patches giving way to emerging wildflowers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May 16–Sep 15; pavilion, courts and outdoor amenities praised in summer reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn elk bugling, fall colors and good trail access make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder-season conditions vary; reservable period begins May 16, spring snow possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 12% in ID

Open year-round with snowmobiling/XC skiing; cabin warmth noted, but maintenance issues exist.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 15 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservable period starts May 16 and runs through December 31.
  • Current Alerts: Potential for flooding in spring and early summer noted in user reviews. Snow conditions may restrict accessibility from Nov to June.

About Cub River Guard Station

Step back in time at Cub River Guard Station, where over a century of wilderness heritage awaits your discovery. Originally established in 1907 and lovingly rebuilt in 1959, this historic cabin offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort for adventurous groups seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Whether you're casting lines into crystal-clear waters, exploring backcountry trails, or carving fresh tracks through pristine powder, this year-round sanctuary serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures in a setting that feels wonderfully removed from the everyday world.
Cub River Guard Station offers cabin lodging along with tent camping options on the grassy area outside the cabin.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out at 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingNearby trailheads lead to multi-use trails, including the Highline National Recreation Trail. Trails cater to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
FishingFly-fishing opportunities for cutthroat and rainbow trout are available in the Cub River.
BikingBiking trails crisscross the area, offering opportunities for exploration.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as moose, elk, and deer can be observed in the area, particularly near dense thickets of willow around Cub River.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cold temperatures in winter, snowmobile noise, wildlife like moose and elk, and limited water supply.
Active AlertsPotential for flooding in spring and early summer noted in user reviews. Snow conditions may restrict accessibility from Nov to June.

Weather at Cub River Guard Station

Reviews

4.5
40 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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

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." -...
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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...
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Based on 40 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 40 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed feedback from pet owners; some appreciate the fenced area for pets, while others raise concerns about smashed glass near the fire pit.
Based on 40 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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