Malad Summit Guard Station

4.32

29 reviews

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Pinnacle Parks LLC under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Pinnacle Parks LLC under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Malad Summit Guard Station

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season cabin rate is $60 per night. Additional service fees may apply for reservation through Recreation.gov or contact center.

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-757-3999

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 29 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationwell-maintained

"User reviews highlight the rustic charm, peaceful surroundings, and the unique wildlife experiences offered at Malad Summit Guard Station. While some guests praise the comfortable cabin, cleanliness, and overall value for money, others note issues with missing amenities, poor firewood supply, and occasional visitor intrusions."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA

Malad Summit Guard Station

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA

Driving directionsOn I-15, take Exit 22 (Devil Creek Reservoir). Go north on N. Old Highway 191 for 3.5 miles. Turn left on E11000N/Forest Road 041 and cross over the interstate, drive 1.3 miles. At the bend, keep right and continue on Forest Road 041 road for another mile. At the forest boundary, there will be a Malad Summit Cabin sign and entrance gate. The cabin is located a few hundred feet past the entrance gate. Call the Westside Ranger District for winter parking instructions and access at 208-236-7500.

Accessible by car when there is no snow. In snowy conditions, guests need to ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile half a mile from the plowed road. Call the Westside Ranger District for winter parking instructions.

Nearby places

Malad (11 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Pocatello (approximately 14 miles north).

Nearby supplies

Limited supplies available in Malad and Pocatello. Bring water and essential items during winter months.

Best Time to Camp at Malad Summit Guard Station

Experience the best of Idaho's mountain climate, where crystal-clear skies frame your days and crisp, clean air fills your lungs. Late summer and early fall bring perfect conditions with comfortable temperatures hovering between 46°F and 66°F—ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. As winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the cabin becomes a magical retreat accessible by snowshoe or ski, offering adventurous souls a true backcountry experience. The region's characteristically dry air means you'll enjoy stunning visibility and star-filled nights throughout your stay.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer praised for trails, wildlife and comfortable weather.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late summer and fall described as perfect; deciduous color change is a highlight.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Water shut off until May; spring conditions variable with lingering snow and mud.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but water shutoff, snow makes access difficult; mixed winter reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; water shut off late September through May.
Current Alerts: No current alerts listed.

About Malad Summit Guard Station

Escape to the tranquil heights of Malad Summit Guard Station, where a charming one-room cabin awaits adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Nestled 14 miles north of Malad, Idaho, this rustic hideaway sits peacefully within the breathtaking Mill Creek Drainage, offering visitors a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in Idaho's pristine high country. Whether you're drawn by summer wildflowers or winter's snowy embrace, this historic cabin provides a cozy basecamp for year-round exploration and solitude.

Malad Summit Guard Station offers a single-room cabin as its primary accommodation type, suitable for small groups or families. The cabin provides basic facilities and is available year-round, with winter access requiring additional preparation.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time when you cross the threshold of this 1934 cabin, a testament to the enduring legacy of America's forest guardians. While the original guard station dates to 1908, the current structure has sheltered forest rangers for nearly a century, standing as a rustic monument to the dedicated individuals who once watched over these wild lands. Every weathered board and hand-hewn beam tells a story of solitary vigils, forest fires spotted, and countless seasons passed in service to the wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Idaho's mountain climate, where crystal-clear skies frame your days and crisp, clean air fills your lungs. Late summer and early fall bring perfect conditions with comfortable temperatures hovering between 46°F and 66°F—ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. As winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the cabin becomes a magical retreat accessible by snowshoe or ski, offering adventurous souls a true backcountry experience. The region's characteristically dry air means you'll enjoy stunning visibility and star-filled nights throughout your stay.

ElevationPerched at an invigorating 6,000 feet above sea level, the guard station offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air is crisp but not thin, and views stretch endlessly across forested ridges and valleys. This elevation places you in the heart of Idaho's high country, where alpine meadows meet dense forests and the landscape shifts dramatically with each season's passing.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your own private paradise where deciduous groves blend seamlessly with towering conifers, creating a diverse forest tapestry that changes color with the seasons. The melodic murmur of nearby Mill Creek provides a constant soundtrack to your mountain escape, while the surrounding wilderness serves as a living gallery of Idaho's most magnificent wildlife. Keep your camera ready for encounters with majestic elk, curious moose, graceful mule deer, and even the occasional glimpse of roaming bison or black bears—all from the safety and comfort of your historic cabin sanctuary.

Geological RegionThe Mill Creek Drainage cradles this mountain refuge in a remarkable geological setting where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling ridges and deep valleys. At 6,000 feet, you'll find yourself in a unique ecological zone where deciduous aspens dance alongside sturdy evergreens, creating a diverse forest ecosystem that shifts and changes with elevation. This dynamic environment, carved by millennia of water and weather, offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery in one of Idaho's most scenic mountain regions.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin can accommodate up to six people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin surrounded by fenced acreage.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations required through Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiting the first night's fees for cancellations 14 days or fewer before check-in. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.

AccessibilityThe site includes a concrete ADA vault toilet, but access to the cabin in winter may require skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling due to snow-covered pathways.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates six people on bunkbeds and folding cots.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to occasional intrusions from ATV riders and other visitors, despite being located on fenced acreage.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring water and essential supplies during winter months. Lock the gate to prevent unauthorized access.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Malad Summit Guard Station offers diverse recreational opportunities for guests, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also available. The site's proximity to Mill Creek and forest trails enhances its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

HikingNumerous trails in the surrounding area are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Trails also accommodate off-road vehicles.

FishingFishing is available in Mill Creek, where anglers can catch small brook trout.

BikingMountain biking trails are accessible from the cabin, offering varied terrain for different skill levels.

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and pronghorn. Wildlife sightings are a highlight of the camping experience.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential exposure to hantavirus. Wildlife hazards include bears, mountain lions, and wolves. Snow and icy conditions during winter.

Active AlertsNo current alerts listed.

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

Fire PolicyFires permitted only in designated campfire rings. Ensure proper extinguishing using water (bring your own in winter).

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesContact Westside Ranger District at 208-236-7500 for immediate assistance. Closest hospital and emergency services likely in Malad or Pocatello.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are responsible for packing out all trash, as garbage bags and trash pickup are not provided on-site.

Water FeaturesLocated near Mill Creek, which allows fishing for brook trout.

Camp HostCaretaker Ric is noted to be helpful based on user reviews.

Weather at Malad Summit Guard Station

Reviews

4.3

29 reviews

Recommended

Malad Summit Guard Station is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the rustic charm, peaceful surroundings, and the unique wildlife experiences offered at Malad Summit Guard Station. While some guests praise the comfortable cabin, cleanliness, and overall value for money, others note issues with missing amenities, poor firewood supply, and occasional visitor intrusions.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and functional vault toilets, well-maintained bunk beds, consistent electrical outlets and heating systems, and the tranquility of the secluded location.

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the removal of long-standing amenities, poor firewood supply, spotty cell service, and the need for winter visitors to navigate snowy pathways to access the cabin.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra water during winter months, locking the gate to avoid visitor intrusion, and packing additional cleaning supplies and firewood.

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visitors often mention the challenge of accessing the cabin due to snow, while summer guests appreciate the surrounding trails and wildlife sightings. Seasonal water availability significantly...

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great cabin, lots of space, it was clean, nice beds, and a great big table." - Daniel B 2. "The cabin is in bad shape. It has not seen paint in many years. The screens are broken, doors stick,...

Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews are consistently focused on site 01, Loop MSGS, praising the tranquil location and functional facilities while noting some maintenance issues.

Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews emphasize the challenges posed by snowy conditions during winter, requiring alternative modes of transportation. However, the ADA-compliant vault toilet is appreciated.

Based on 29 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but guests are required to clean up after them and ensure no wildlife disruption. Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policy.

Based on 29 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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