How much does camping cost at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Camping fees at Malad Summit 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 Malad Summit Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Malad Summit 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 Malad Summit Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Malad Summit Guard Station has 35 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 Malad Summit Guard Station?

Malad Summit 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 Malad Summit Guard Station?

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

Is there cell service at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Cell phone service at Malad Summit Guard Station is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Malad Summit Guard Station have?

Malad Summit 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 Malad Summit Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Malad Summit Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Malad Summit Guard Station

Q: Can I have a campfire at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Fire policies at Malad Summit Guard Station: Please make sure fires in the outside campfire ring are extinguished completely before leaving the cabin. Abandoning campfires during any point in your stay at the cabin can result in a violation. Since water is not available during the off season at the cabin, please bring extra water to help extinguish a campfire.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.01

29 reviews

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA

Top 8% in IDFall

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Pinnacle Parks LLC under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book on Pinnacle Parks LLC under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.Official Website

Get Directions

Malad Summit 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

208-236-7500

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Malad Summit Guard Station

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Campground Map

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA

Malad Summit Guard Station

4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA

Nearby places

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

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.

Weather at Malad Summit Guard Station

Current alerts(14)

An access code for the gate and door is sent in the reservation confirmation email.
Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest
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.
Forest road 041 is not maintained/plowed in the winter months. When snow accumulation doesn't allow for vehicles to access the cabin via Forest Road 041, cabin renters can park at the overnight winter parking area past the cattleguard at the USFS boundary.

Best Time to Camp at Malad Summit Guard Station

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures, dramatic aspen color, and fewer bugs and crowds — ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Expect crisp days typically in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and chilly nights that can drop into the 20s–30s°F, especially after the first frosts. Trails are generally dry and stable through September and early October, but note that water at the guard station is shut off starting in late September. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in ID

Fall highlighted as best season for aspen color, comfortable temps and fewer bugs/crowds.

Planning Tips

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

About Malad Summit Guard Station

Malad Summit Guard Station sits in the mid-elevation forest of Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Malad, Idaho. Operated by Pinnacle Parks LLC under special use permit, this historic rental cabin offers electric hookups, vault toilets, and a secluded base for hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. The property accommodates both cabin stays and RV camping with fire rings and picnic tables on site.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures, dramatic aspen color, and fewer bugs and crowds — ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Expect crisp days typically in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F and chilly nights that can drop into the 20s–30s°F, especially after the first frosts. Trails are generally dry and stable through September and early October, but note that water at the guard station is shut off starting in late September. Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe guard station occupies the Mill Creek Drainage, where aspens mix with evergreens across rolling ridges and valleys. Mill Creek runs nearby. Wildlife sightings include elk, moose, mule deer, bison, and black bears. The aspen groves turn color in fall, and the mixed forest shifts with elevation changes across the surrounding terrain.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin accommodates up to six people and provides basic furnishing such as bunkbeds, a wood stove, induction stove, and an outdoor fire pit and grill. Seasonal water availability affects certain amenities.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs specified for this campground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

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.

Need help booking Malad Summit 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

Shower facility, oven and refridgerator are no longer available. Guests should plan on bringing their own coolers for cold food storage.

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The site features a single, concrete ADA-compliant vault toilet.

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 PolicyPlease make sure fires in the outside campfire ring are extinguished completely before leaving the cabin. Abandoning campfires during any point in your stay at the cabin can result in a violation. Since water is not available during the off season at the cabin, please bring extra water to help extinguish a campfire.

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

Cell CoverageCell phone service is described as spotty, but some guests reported being able to access 4G LTE service with Verizon in areas close to the parking lot.

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

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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

29 reviews

Satisfactory

Malad Summit Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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

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

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