How much does camping cost at Caribou Mountain Guard Station?

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

Is Caribou Mountain Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Caribou Mountain 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 Caribou Mountain Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Caribou Mountain 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 Caribou Mountain Guard Station?

Caribou Mountain 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 Caribou Mountain Guard Station?

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

Can I have a campfire at Caribou Mountain Guard Station?

Fire policies at Caribou Mountain Guard Station: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Caribou Mountain Guard Station have?

Caribou Mountain 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 Caribou Mountain Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Caribou Mountain 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 Caribou Mountain Guard Station?

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

What activities can I do at Caribou Mountain Guard Station?

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

Caribou Mountain Guard Station

4.48

14 reviews

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

Top 1% in IDWinter

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Forest Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Caribou-Targhee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Caribou-Targhee National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Caribou Mountain Guard Station

$60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-847-0375

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Caribou Mountain Guard Station

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

Nearby places

Soda Springs: 33 miles, approximately 45 minutes by car.

Weather at Caribou Mountain Guard Station

Current alerts(9)

Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Guests should be aware of the risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
Lighting instructions are posted in the cabin; please read and follow them carefully before lighting any appliances
No water is available at the cabin

Best Time to Camp at Caribou Mountain Guard Station

Best season: winter. Winter offers the most distinctive experience here: deep snowpack transforms Caribou Mountain into a quiet, high‑country winter playground with excellent backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife tracking. Expect daytime highs in the 20s–30s °F and nighttime lows from below 0 to the low teens, with snowpack commonly measured in feet and persistent snowpack into spring at 7,000 ft. Crowds are minimal compared with summer, so visitors get solitude, stark snowy vistas of the Grays Lake basin, & Peak months: February, March, January, December

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in ID

Described as the standout season: deep snowpack, excellent backcountry skiing and heated cabin base.

Planning Tips

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

About Caribou Mountain Guard Station

Caribou Mountain Guard Station sits high in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Montpelier, Idaho, offering a remote cabin rental managed by the Forest Service. Winter is the standout season, when deep snowpack opens backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife tracking across quiet alpine terrain. The cabin provides a heated base for cold-weather adventures, with vault toilets, picnic tables, and trail access nearby.

Caribou Mountain Guard Station offers cabin camping with minimal amenities, catering to adventurers seeking a rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the most distinctive experience here: deep snowpack transforms Caribou Mountain into a quiet, high‑country winter playground with excellent backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife tracking. Expect daytime highs in the 20s–30s °F and nighttime lows from below 0 to the low teens, with snowpack commonly measured in feet and persistent snowpack into spring at 7,000 ft. Crowds are minimal compared with summer, so visitors get solitude, stark snowy vistas of the Grays Lake basin, & Peak months: February, March, January, December

Elevation7000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits in a stand of mixed conifers at the edge of a meadow, with Caribou Mountain rising to 9,803 feet overhead. Southeastern Idaho's second-highest peak. Dense conifer forests give way to wildflower meadows in summer, and the Grays Lake marshlands spread out below in the basin. Black bears, wolves, elk, and moose inhabit the area. Summer mosquitoes are relentless. Multiple reviewers described the bugs as excessive, with one noting the area is beautiful but challenging during mosquito season.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe facility includes a cabin that can accommodate up to 15 guests. It offers one sleeping room with six single beds but does not provide mattresses, bedding, or other essentials. A propane cook stove, propane lights, and space heater are available, although reviews indicate issues with the heater. Few dishes and cups are provided, requiring guests to bring their own.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 15 guests per cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or contact center.

AccessibilityThe cabin is accessible by car during warmer months but requires snowmobiles or skis during winter. Guests should be prepared to make a 6-mile trek with all necessary gear during colder seasons.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 15 people and offers minimal facilities.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, situated in a stand of mixed conifers at the edge of a meadow.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring bedding, sleeping pads, and mosquito repellent. Opt for colder weeks to avoid mosquito issues.

Need help booking Caribou Mountain 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

Pets are not allowed inside the guard station. Pets must be on a leash at all times when on the guard station site. Clean up all pet waste before checking out of the facility

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Caribou Mountain Guard Station

Caribou Mountain Guard Station provides outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. Off-road vehicle trails, such as the Caribou Mountain ATV Trail, are popular attractions. Nearby Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers birdwatching and winter sports.

Winter Activities5.0/5Top 1% in Idaho

Winter is the standout: deep snowpack, backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile access; heated cabin.

Wildlife viewing4.5/5Top 1% in Idaho

Area hosts black bear, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer, bison and grizzly mentions — rich wildlife.

Hiking4.0/5

Biking3.5/5

Mountain biking reported as possible and enjoyable on nearby trails/ATV routes.

Fishing2.5/5

Fishing is permitted but no details on species, access, or quality are provided.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Alpine meadows, peak views, basin marshlands and dark skies offer strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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.

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

4.5

14 reviews

Recommended

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

User reviews are mixed, with some praising the cabin's cleanliness and location while others highlight issues with mosquitoes and the heater. The area is described as beautiful but challenging during mosquito season.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciated the clean and well-maintained cabin. "Clean, well taken care of," said one user, while another noted, "Very clean and the heater warmed it up great." The scenic location...

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes were overwhelmingly the largest complaint, with several users describing extreme conditions. "By far the most mosquitos any of us had ever experienced in our lives," wrote one reviewer....

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Nearly all reviews reference campsite 001, the sole site at this guard station. Experiences vary widely depending on the season and equipment brought by guests.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing mosquito repellent and citronella candles due to the high mosquito population. Other recommendations include carrying bedding and cooking supplies, as these are not provided....

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight mosquito issues, while winter guests note the need for snowmobiles or skis to access the cabin. Fall and spring reviews are less frequent but mention that snow conditions can...

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Could be a nice cabin if they would upkeep the land. So many mosquitoes and high, overgrown grass," noted one reviewer. Another commented, "Great Cabin! Very clean and the heater warmed it up...

Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility concerns primarily revolve around the winter season, when snowmobiles or skis are required to reach the cabin. No specific reviews from individuals with disabilities were available.

Based on 14 reviews