Johnson Guard Station

Star3.98
10 reviews
322 N. 4th St., Montpelier, ID, 83254, USA

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US 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
Johnson Guard Station
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin is $60. Displayed rates do not reflect 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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

3.98

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noise

"Reviews highlight the rustic charm of the cabin but point out areas for improvement, such as the lack of lighting and issues with mice. Positive comments emphasize its scenic location, convenient propane-powered amenities, and suitability for winter activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Johnson Guard Station

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

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 10 miles to the guard station. The road will turn into Diamond Creek Road. Maps are available upon request at the district office.
Accessible by car in warmer months and by snowmobile in winter. Snow conditions can affect accessibility in fall, winter, and spring. Call the Montpelier Ranger District Office to check snow conditions before reserving.
Nearby places
Soda Springs (30 miles east), Montpelier (approximately 45 miles southwest)
Nearby supplies
Montpelier (groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and essentials) and Soda Springs for general supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Johnson Guard Station

At 6,500 feet, Johnson Guard Station experiences the full drama of mountain seasons. Summer brings crisp mornings and pleasantly mild afternoons perfect for outdoor exploration. As autumn arrives, the surrounding aspens burst into golden flames against clear blue skies. Winter transforms the meadow into a snow-covered paradise, where accessing the cabin by snowmobile becomes part of the adventure. Spring awakens the landscape with wildflowers and rushing streams from snowmelt.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers mild afternoons, wildflowers, and hiking/biking access—ideal for day activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall reviews note scenic views and quieter surroundings though some access/conditions vary.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but no spring specifics; snowmelt and muddy conditions likely at 6,500 ft.

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

Winter popular for snowmobiling; cabin accessible but heavy snow can make access challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 (peak season pricing $60/night). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, January 1st to December 31st. Reservable start dates begin on June 25, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Snow conditions may affect accessibility during fall, winter, and spring. Guests are advised to call ahead.

About Johnson Guard Station

Step back in time at Johnson Guard Station, where the rugged spirit of early forest rangers lives on in this charming 1910 cabin. Nestled in Idaho's high country, this historic retreat invites modern adventurers to experience the authentic charm of rustic mountain living. By day, explore endless trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking, or cast your line in pristine mountain waters. When snow blankets the landscape, the cabin transforms into a winter wonderland basecamp for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing adventures.
The Johnson Guard Station offers a rustic cabin stay within a natural forest setting. It is designed primarily as a single-site, bookable cabin with no facilities for tent or RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Check-in time varies
  • recommended to call ahead for details.
Check-out
  • Check-out time varies
  • recommended to call ahead for details.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Johnson Guard Station offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities year-round. In warmer months, hikers and mountain bikers can explore nearby trails, including the Bear Canyon OHV Trail located a mile north of the station. Winter visitors can enjoy snowmobiling and skiing. Diamond Creek provides fishing opportunities, and the area is popular for game hunting.
Hiking"Hikers and mountain bikers will also find trails nearby." The Bear Canyon OHV Trail is specifically mentioned as being about 1 mile north of the station. Trail conditions and difficulty levels are not described.
Fishing"Anglers can fish in nearby Diamond Creek." No details are provided about the types of fish available or fishing regulations.
BikingThe Johnson Guard Station offers mountain biking opportunities on nearby trails. Specific trail details, such as difficulty and length, are not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding area is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, grizzly bears, elk, moose, wolves, and mountain lions. Guests are advised to follow bear safety tips.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife includes black bears, wolves, elk, moose, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and others. Risk of hantavirus exists in remote cabins.
Active AlertsSnow conditions may affect accessibility during fall, winter, and spring. Guests are advised to call ahead.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Johnson Guard Station

Reviews

4.0
10 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Johnson Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the rustic charm of the cabin but point out areas for improvement, such as the lack of lighting and issues with mice. Positive comments emphasize its scenic location, convenient propane-powered amenities, and suitability for winter activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the propane-powered lights, the functioning gas stove, the clean vault toilet, and the cabin's convenient accessibility for snowmobiling. One user noted, "The cabin had been...
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Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include the lack of mattresses ("you sleep on plywood unless you bring your own padding"), issues with hornets and mice, and noise from nearby road traffic. One reviewer stated, "Lots...
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Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own bedding, sleeping pads, and camping gear. Be prepared for mice and bring secure food storage options. One user recommended checking the propane lights: "Make sure you h ave lights no...
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Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays are popular due to snowmobiling opportunities, but accessibility can be challenging during heavy snowfall. Fall reviews often highlight scenic views and quieter surroundings but note...
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Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The propane stove worked great. You need to turn on the gas outside the cabin before using and make sure to turn it off before leaving." "The area had lots of flies, but nothing crazy." "Be careful...
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Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews are specific to the cabin (site 001) and praise the clean vault toilet and functional propane-powered amenities. Complaints about noise and wildlife are also site-specific.
Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No explicit reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address experiences with pets.
Based on 10 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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