How much does camping cost at Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Camping fees at Diamond Creek Guard Station are $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Diamond Creek Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Diamond Creek 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 Diamond Creek Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Diamond Creek Guard Station has 28 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 Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Diamond Creek Guard Station is open May 01 to November 30. 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 Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Diamond Creek Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Diamond Creek Guard Station have?

Diamond Creek 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 Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Diamond Creek 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 Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Diamond Creek Guard Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Popular activities at Diamond Creek Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Diamond Creek Guard Station

Q: Can I have a campfire at Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Fire policies at Diamond Creek Guard Station: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.71

13 reviews

322 North 4th Street, Montpelier, ID 83254, USA

Top 6% in IDWinter

Featured in:Fishing Idaho

Quick Facts

6,900 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025. Pe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,900 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1, 2025. Pe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Diamond Creek Guard Station

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

208-847-0375

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Campground Map

322 North 4th Street, Montpelier, ID 83254, USA

Diamond Creek Guard Station

322 North 4th Street, Montpelier, ID 83254, USA

Nearby places

Soda Springs, ID (30 miles/approximately 50 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 12 miles to the China Hat turnoff (Blackfoot River Narrows). This road will follow Blackfoot River for another 11 miles to a junction; there is a Forest Service sign at this point. Take the right fork (Caribou National Forest Road 102) southeast for another 12 miles to the guard station. The road will turn into Diamond Creek Road. The guard station is about 1 mile south of the Johnson Guard Station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.

Weather at Diamond Creek Guard Station

Current alerts(8)

Click here to learn more about the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more.
No water is available at the cabin.
Pets are not allowed inside the guard station. Pets must be on a leash at all times when on the guard station site. Clean up all pet waste before checking out of the facility

Best Time to Camp at Diamond Creek Guard Station

Best season: winter. Winter delivers the biggest payoff: deep snow turns the high meadow and surrounding ridgelines into a quiet, pristine playground for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking, with very few other visitors. Expect typical winter daytime highs around 20–35°F (-6 to 2°C) and nighttime lows commonly dipping below 0°F (-18°C) after cold snaps; snow can be deep and roads are often gated or soft-packed. Because access is more challenging, you get exceptional solitude and wildlife tracking, but‑ Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 6% in ID

Winter called the standout season: deep snow for XC skiing, snowshoeing and fat-biking; user reviews support this.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1, 2025. Peak season ends November 30, 2025.

About Diamond Creek Guard Station

Diamond Creek Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest near Soda Springs in Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The USDA Forest Service operates this very small site with a historic cabin, primitive camping, and group options. Winter is the standout season, when deep snow transforms the area into quiet terrain for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking.

Diamond Creek Guard Station is designed as a cabin rental rather than a traditional campground. It offers minimal facilities and requires guests to bring provisions. The cabin is accessible by car during warmer months and by snowmobile in winter.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter delivers the biggest payoff: deep snow turns the high meadow and surrounding ridgelines into a quiet, pristine playground for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking, with very few other visitors. Expect typical winter daytime highs around 20–35°F (-6 to 2°C) and nighttime lows commonly dipping below 0°F (-18°C) after cold snaps; snow can be deep and roads are often gated or soft-packed. Because access is more challenging, you get exceptional solitude and wildlife tracking, but‑ Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation6900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a meadow framed by Dry Ridge and the Webster sub-range, where quaking aspen stands mix with lodgepole pine at 6,900 feet elevation. The setting delivers quiet and space, with room for outdoor activities in the surrounding open country. Wildlife sightings are common in this part of the forest.

Lodging & AccommodationsDiamond Creek Guard Station does not have hotel-style lodging but operates as a cabin rental with limited beds and lofts. Official sources specify, 'There are a total of four beds ... There are also two small lofts that provide an additional sleeping area.' Some user reviews highlight issues such as insect infestations on the beds.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity is 15 people.

Groups

The cabin accommodates up to 15 people, making it suitable for group stays.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 15 people, but specifics on RV or tent site sizes are not detailed.

PrivacyThe cabin is described as being away from the road with no dust or noise from passing trucks, suggesting a level of seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring cleaning supplies, water, bedding, cookware, and kitchen utensils. Consider arrival early in the season to avoid flies or late spring for better road conditions.

Best CampsitesThe cabin is the only option. It holds up to 15 people and sits far enough from the road to avoid dust and truck noise. Reviews mention good outdoor space with picnic tables and fire pits, plus pre-cut firewood available.

Need help booking Diamond Creek 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

Diamond Creek Guard Station offers minimal amenities given its designation as a guard station rather than a full-service campground. Features provided include a vault toilet, picnic table, fire pit, and a wood stove for heating. Guests are required to bring their own potable water, cleaning supplies, bedding, cookware, and trash bags. The cabin operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' principle, emphasizing self-reliance and preparation. Official sources mention, 'No water or electricity is available at the cabin,' and 'Guests should bring garbage bags to pack out their trash.' User reviews highlight mixed experiences with the amenities, such as, 'Nice clean restroom with TP, cabin was clean,' while others noted deficiencies like 'no bathroom paper' and limited firewood.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Diamond Creek Guard Station

Diamond Creek Guard Station offers recreational activities that vary across seasons. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and ATV riding, while winter presents opportunities for snowmobiling and skiing. Official sources highlight the Bear Canyon OHV Trail, fishing in nearby Diamond Creek, and hunting opportunities. User reviews also emphasize ATV trails, outdoor games, and the cabin's suitability for stargazing and movie nights.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area features diverse wildlife: black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer per description.

Winter Activities4.0/5Top 10% in Idaho

Winter is the standout season: deep snow for XC skiing, snowshoeing, fat-biking and snowmobiling.

Hiking3.0/5

Bear Canyon OHV Trail ~2 miles north; surrounding ridgelines and open country for hikes.

Fishing3.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Mountain biking trails accessible nearby; fat-biking listed as a winter activity.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation (6,900 ft) and described seclusion/quiet away from road suggest low light pollution.

Photography4.0/5Meadow framed by ridgelines, aspens, lodgepole pines and wildlife sightings offer good photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon'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.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack out their own trash. Official sources clearly state, 'Guests should bring garbage bags to pack out their trash.' User reviews also mention issues with accumulated trash left by previous occupants, such as 'We carried out about three times as much trash from others as ourselves.'

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

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From Booking Sources

3.7

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Diamond Creek Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mixed user experiences highlight the pros and cons of staying at Diamond Creek Guard Station. Positive reviews praise the location, quietness, outdoor space, and available amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits. Negative reviews focus on insect infestations, cleanliness issues, and inadequate maintenance of facilities like screens and fly traps.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean restrooms, spacious outdoor areas, picnic tables, fire pits, and availability of pre-cut wood for fires. Some reviews mentioned enjoying activities like outdoor movie...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include fly infestations, dirty toilets, trash left by previous occupants, and insufficient firewood. Specific feedback includes, 'Lots of flies ... the screens were not quite...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback for Diamond Creek Guard Station includes positive notes on its secluded location, spacious outdoor areas, and quality amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. Negative...

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest bringing extra cleaning supplies for windows, screens, and floors, as well as planning visits earlier in the season to avoid flies. Recommendations also include packing items like glass...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the cabin's suitability for snowmobiling and skiing but emphasize the need for snowshoes or other gear due to heavy snowdrifts. Summer reviews focus on ATV trails, privacy,...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice clean restroom with TP, cabin was clean.' - Wendy Hanger 2. 'So much house-fly discharge on the window that you can't see through it.' - TRAVIS O 3. 'Location wood and outdoor stuff is...

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no explicit reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or authoritative sources address pet policies or pet owner experiences at this campground.

Based on 13 reviews

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Diamond Creek Guard Station

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $35.00. 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

Go if

You want a quiet winter basecamp for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with minimal crowds.

Skip if

You need summer access or can't tolerate occasional maintenance lapses in vault toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.0

(10)

Johnson Guard Station

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

Johnson Guard Station sits in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Soda Springs, a renovated Forest Service cabin available for rent in the mid-elevation backcountry. The cabin features propane lights, a gas stove, and vault toilet, serving as a base for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing the high-country streams of the Dry Ridge and Webster subranges. Summer brings wildflower meadows and stable trail access, while winter opens snowmobiling routes.

Diamond Creek Guard Station

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Diamond Creek Guard Station

Campground Map

Weather at Diamond Creek Guard Station

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Diamond Creek Guard Station

Planning Tips

About Diamond Creek Guard Station

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Amenities available

Things to do at Diamond Creek Guard Station

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Diamond Creek Guard Station

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Diamond Creek Guard Station

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Diamond Creek Guard Station?

Amenities available

Things to do at Diamond Creek Guard Station

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews