How much does camping cost at Paddy Flat Guard Station?

Camping fees at Paddy Flat Guard Station range from $100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Paddy Flat Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Paddy Flat 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 Paddy Flat Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Paddy Flat Guard Station has 8 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 Paddy Flat Guard Station?

Paddy Flat Guard Station is open July 01 to September 30. 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 Paddy Flat Guard Station?

Yes, Paddy Flat Guard Station has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Paddy Flat Guard Station have?

Paddy Flat Guard Station has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Paddy Flat Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paddy Flat 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 Paddy Flat Guard Station?

Paddy Flat Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Showers, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Paddy Flat Guard Station

3.61

13 reviews

102 W. Lake Street, McCall, ID 83638, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Hiking Camping Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,250 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Opens July 1st, 2025...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Payette National Forest Supervisors Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,250 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Opens July 1st, 2025...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Payette National Forest Supervisors Office Official Website

Get Directions

Paddy Flat Guard Station

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $100.00; Cabin Electric: $100.00. 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

208-634-0400

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

102 W. Lake Street, McCall, ID 83638, USA

Paddy Flat Guard Station

102 W. Lake Street, McCall, ID 83638, USA

Nearby places

McCall (~9 miles south), Donnelly (~6 miles north).

Driving directionsIf you are approaching the cabin from the north (McCall), drive approximately 9 miles south on State Highway 55. Paddy Flat Road will be a left turn (east). This is Forest Road #388. Follow road #388 approximately 5 miles to Paddy Flat Summit. At the summit take Forest Road #389, which is a slight turn to the right. Follow Forest Road #389 approximately 3 miles to the Paddy Flat Guard Station. If you are driving from the south, Paddy Flat Road will be a right turn approximately 3 miles north of the town of Donnelly. Again, this will be Forest Road #388 heading east. Follow #388 to Paddy Flat Summit, veer right onto Forest Road #389 and continue on to the guard station.

Weather at Paddy Flat Guard Station

Best Time to Camp at Paddy Flat Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to the restored Paddy Flat Guard Station (open for reservations July 1–September 30). Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 35–50°F range at 5,250 ft, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, fishing the nearby streams, and wildlife viewing in the meadow and surrounding conifer forest. Crowds are generally light because of the site’s remoteness, but reservations fill for weekends and mid‑summer, and be Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open July–Sept; summer temps mid-60s to low-80s and lush scenery make summer the peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 01 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens July 1st, 2025, and closes September 30th, 2025, for reservations.

About Paddy Flat Guard Station

Paddy Flat Guard Station sits in mid-elevation Payette National Forest near McCall, offering a restored historic Forest Service cabin surrounded by meadow and conifer forest. Operated by the Payette National Forest, the station provides a quiet, intimate base for summer hiking, mountain biking, fishing nearby streams, and wildlife viewing. Guests enjoy flush toilets and showers but must bring their own water and kitchen utensils.

The Paddy Flat Guard Station provides cabin accommodations, with two cabins available for rental. It does not support standard tent or RV camping on the property.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to the restored Paddy Flat Guard Station (open for reservations July 1–September 30). Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 35–50°F range at 5,250 ft, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, fishing the nearby streams, and wildlife viewing in the meadow and surrounding conifer forest. Crowds are generally light because of the site’s remoteness, but reservations fill for weekends and mid‑summer, and be Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5250 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe guard station occupies a meadow surrounded by old-growth conifer forest in west-central Idaho's 2.2-million-acre Payette National Forest, which stretches from Hells Canyon to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. At this elevation, expect lush greenery during summer months and a quiet, remote setting that reviewers consistently describe as peaceful. The surrounding forest provides shade and wildlife viewing opportunities, with nearby streams for fishing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe Paddy Flat Guard Station provides two distinct cabins for rental. The East Cabin is fully accessible, with an attached ramp and wheelchair-accessible shower. The West Cabin offers additional features such as two bathrooms and sleeping quarters on the second floor. Both cabins accommodate up to four people.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the source materials.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin East occupancy is limited to 4 persons. Additionally, up to two single-family tents may be set up outside.

Groups

Group camping is not specified, but the East Cabin allows up to two single-family tents.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through Recreation.gov online and app.

AccessibilityThe East Cabin includes an access ramp, wheelchair-accessible shower stall, toilet, and sink. The West Cabin has a wheelchair-accessible shower on the first floor. Both cabins are designed with accessibility in mind.

Site SizeCabins are designed to accommodate up to 4 people, with additional space for two single-family tents at the East Cabin.

PrivacyPrivacy levels at the Guard Station are not described in the provided materials.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesCabin East provides accessible features like ramps and wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Ideal for visitors requiring these accommodations.

Best CampsitesThe East Cabin includes flush toilets and kitchen space, plus room for two single-family tents outside. Both cabins accommodate four people and sit adjacent to their own parking areas.

Need help booking Paddy Flat 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

Update for 2025 : Stock must remain contained within the provided corral or pasture. No pickets or high lines are permitted outside the corral or pasture.

Showers

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The Paddy Flat Guard Station is an excellent base for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Its location near numerous trailheads offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-highway vehicle trails. The area is also popular for bird and wildlife watching.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.6

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Paddy Flat Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the Paddy Flat Guard Station. Some users appreciate the remote and lush environment, while others note the lack of potable water as a drawback.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the scenic and quiet setting, describing it as peaceful, lush, and surrounded by greenery. The intimate and quiet atmosphere was a highlight for several visitors.

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

A notable complaint from users is the lack of potable water facilities on-site.

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews mention the peaceful atmosphere of the East Cabin and the lush surroundings of the Guard Station. No negative feedback about particular cabins or sites is provided.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend preparing adequately by bringing potable water and necessary kitchen utensils. Visitors are also advised to follow the 'Pack-It-In, Pack-It-Out' policy for waste management.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most reviews do not specify seasons, but the summer months seem to be popular due to better accessibility and the availability of trail activities.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful area! Lush, green forest with an intimate campground." - Heidi Tom. "It was quiet and peaceful." - Mirella G. "Nice, next to the creek, has bathroom, fire ring, tables." - Violeta...

Based on 13 reviews