Eight Mile Guard Station

Star3.85
21 reviews
322 N. 4TH STREET, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$60 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens Montpelier Ranger District 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
Eight Mile Guard Station
$60.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates are seasonal with $100 per night during peak season (May 15 - September 15) and $60 per night during non-peak season (September 16 - December...
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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

3.85

Mixed Reviews

Based on 21 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacious

"User reviews for Eight Mile Guard Station are mixed, with some praising the cabin's amenities and spacious outdoor areas, while others highlight significant maintenance and cleanliness issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

322 N. 4TH STREET, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA

Eight Mile Guard Station

322 N. 4TH STREET, MONTPELIER, ID, 83254, USA

Driving directionsEight Mile Guard Station is located 11 miles southwest of Soda Springs. Head east on Main Street in Soda Springs. Turn right onto South 3rd Street E for 1 mile. Continue onto Bailey Creek 8 Mile Road for 3.5 miles. Turn left onto 8 Mile Road for half a mile. Continue onto Nounan Road for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Road 425/8 Mile Canyon Road/8 Mile Creek Road. Eight Mile Guard Station will be on the right in about 3.7 miles. Maps are available upon request at the district office.
The guard station is accessible by standard roads in warmer months, but only by snowmobile during winter. Snow conditions can affect accessibility in the fall, winter, and spring. Roads are primarily unpaved and can be challenging due to steep terrain and seasonal weather.
Nearby places
Soda Springs - 11 miles (approximately 20 minutes)
Montpelier - null distance
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely located in Soda Springs (11 miles away), including groceries, fuel, and camping necessities. Guests are advised to bring all essential items as the cabin does not provide supplies like cookware or cleaning materials.

Best Time to Camp at Eight Mile Guard Station

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of high mountain living, where summer days bring crisp mornings at 43°F warming to pleasant 69°F afternoons perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. As autumn paints the meadows gold, winter arrives with authority, blanketing the landscape in deep snow and creating a wonderland for snowmobile enthusiasts. Be prepared for nature's raw power during winter months, when heavy snowfall and avalanche conditions remind visitors of the mountain's untamed spirit.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Peak season; reviewers praise wildlife and flowers but note limited water and maintenance issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Autumn offers dramatic seasonal shifts and fewer visitors; limited detailed review data.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens May 15; spring likely excellent for wildflowers and wildlife though water availability can be inconsistent.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter trails exist but reviews warn of high avalanche danger and accessibility challenges; limited open months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - September 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 15, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts mentioned in the authoritative source. User reviews suggest caution about cleanliness and water availability.

About Eight Mile Guard Station

Escape to Eight Mile Guard Station, where rustic mountain charm meets modern comfort in a secluded wilderness retreat. This historic cabin, reconstructed in 1962 on a site dating back to 1908, welcomes adventurers seeking authentic backcountry experiences. Inside, you'll find thoughtfully appointed amenities including propane heating and cooking facilities, seasonal flush toilets, and a renovated garage transformed into a cozy gathering space perfect for evening card games and storytelling. Winter transforms this hideaway into a snow-laden paradise accessible only by snowmobile, adding an extra layer of adventure to your mountain escape.
Eight Mile Guard Station offers a mix of camping options, including a cabin with nonelectric facilities and outdoor spaces for tent camping and group activities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in instructions not explicitly mentioned
  • recommended to contact ranger station for details.
Check-out
  • Check-out instructions not explicitly mentioned
  • recommended to contact ranger station for details.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Showers
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Eight Mile Guard Station provides a variety of recreational activities. Guests can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, off-road vehicle trails, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fishing, and hunting. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound during summer, and Soda Springs offers historical landmarks and attractions nearby.
HikingSeveral trails are available near the guard station, catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Winter trails attract snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.
FishingAnglers can fish in Eightmile Creek, which is located nearby. No detailed user feedback on fishing experiences was provided.
BikingMountain biking trails are available near the guard station.
Wildlife viewingLarge populations of deer, elk, and moose inhabit the area, along with pikas, marmots, and beavers. Summer wildflowers add to the natural beauty.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include hantavirus exposure, slippery bridges during rain, and high avalanche risk in winter. Wildlife may be present, including mice and flies inside the cabin.
Active AlertsNo current alerts mentioned in the authoritative source. User reviews suggest caution about cleanliness and water availability.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Eight Mile Guard Station

Reviews

3.9
21 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Eight Mile Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Eight Mile Guard Station are mixed, with some praising the cabin's amenities and spacious outdoor areas, while others highlight significant maintenance and cleanliness issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews noted the gated area for added security, the convenience of propane heaters and ranges, the spacious outdoor areas for family activities, and the abundance of wildlife and natural...
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Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included issues like duct-taped toilets, slow-draining sinks, mouse droppings, lack of cleaning supplies, inconsistent water availability, and poor maintenance overall.
Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing their own maul and wedges for splitting firewood, as well as cleaning supplies, cookware, and water. Several users advised closing gates to keep livestock out.
Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews mention high avalanche danger and accessibility challenges. Summer reviews highlighted the abundance of wildlife and flowers but also noted the lack of available water and maintenance...
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Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We love this place and come back every year. Perfect family camping spot.' 2. 'The worst of the issues was entering the cabin to find the toilet duct taped closed.' 3. 'We reserved this site for...
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Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is frequently mentioned, with mixed reviews highlighting its spaciousness and amenities but also significant maintenance challenges.
Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Older adults and guests with mobility issues struggled with steep inclines and slippery bridges.
Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews related to pets.
Based on 21 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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