How much does camping cost at Johnson Guard Station?

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

Is Johnson Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Johnson 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 Johnson Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Johnson Guard Station has 26 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 Johnson Guard Station?

Johnson 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 Johnson Guard Station?

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

How many campsites does Johnson Guard Station have?

Johnson 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 Johnson Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Johnson 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 Johnson Guard Station?

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

What activities can I do at Johnson Guard Station?

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

Johnson Guard Station

3.98

10 reviews

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

Top 8% in IDWinter

Featured in:Forest Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Johnson Guard Station

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-847-0375null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Johnson Guard Station

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

Nearby places

Soda Springs (30 miles east), Montpelier (approximately 45 miles southwest)

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.

Weather at Johnson Guard Station

Best Time to Camp at Johnson Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of stable trail access, wildflower-filled meadows and reliably mild weather — daytime highs usually range from the mid-60s to low-80s °F (18–27 °C) with crisp nights in the 30s–50s °F. This is peak time for hiking, mountain biking, fishing in high-country streams and exploring the Dry Ridge and Webster subranges without deep snow; fishing and backcountry day trips are at their best. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holiday weeks, but midweek stays, Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is the 'sweet spot': clear trails, wildflowers, highs mid-60s to low-80s and good access.

Planning Tips

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

About Johnson Guard Station

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of stable trail access, wildflower-filled meadows and reliably mild weather — daytime highs usually range from the mid-60s to low-80s °F (18–27 °C) with crisp nights in the 30s–50s °F. This is peak time for hiking, mountain biking, fishing in high-country streams and exploring the Dry Ridge and Webster subranges without deep snow; fishing and backcountry day trips are at their best. Expect moderate crowds on summer weekends and holiday weeks, but midweek stays, Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation6500 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits in a mountain meadow with Dry Ridge rising to the west and the Webster subrange framing the eastern view. Quaking aspen and lodgepole pine surround the clearing. At 6,500 feet, the landscape shifts from summer wildflowers to winter snow cover. The geology reflects ancient uplift and erosion. Ridges, valleys, and alpine pockets define the terrain. The fenced property creates a buffer from the nearby road, though traffic noise carries at times.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe primary lodging option at Johnson Guard Station is a historic cabin with a capacity of 15 people. It includes propane-powered lights, a gas furnace, a cook stove, a dining table, and single beds. Bedding and sleeping pads are not provided, and guests must bring their own.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity of 15 people per cabin.

Groups

No group-specific camping is available, as the facility revolves around the main cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 15 people and has four single beds. Guests are encouraged to bring sleeping pads to enhance comfort.

PrivacyThe cabin is surrounded by a fenced property, providing a sense of security and separation from the outside road and traffic.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring bedding, sleeping pads, cookware, cleaning supplies, and emergency gear. Handle propane appliances carefully. Secure food and garbage to avoid attracting mice.

Best CampsitesOnly one site: the cabin itself. It fits 15 people with four single beds. Reviews mention propane lights (sometimes solar now), a gas stove that can be finicky to light, and the occasional mouse. One user noted hornets inside during their stay. The vault toilet outside stays clean. Bring secure food storage and expect rustic conditions.

Need help booking Johnson 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

Johnson Guard Station provides basic but utilitarian amenities tailored towards a rustic experience. The cabin includes one sleeping room with four single beds and a gas furnace for heating. Propane is provided for the lights, heater, and cook stove. Visitors are required to bring their own potable water, bedding, cookware, and cleaning supplies. "Guests are required to bring garbage bags to pack out their trash. The cabin should be cleaned before leaving." The external area includes a picnic table and a vault toilet. However, there is no water or electricity available on-site, which guests should plan for.

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our 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.

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

4.0

10 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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a rustic cabin with modern conveniences like propane lighting and a gas stove for multi-season mountain adventures.

Skip if

You need electricity, running water, or a quiet retreat far from road noise.

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