Paddy Flat Guard Station

Star3.99
13 reviews
102 W. Lake Street, McCall, ID 83638, USA
Peace & Quiet

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

Opens Payette National Forest Supervisors Office site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Paddy Flat Guard Station
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin rates are $100 per night, regardless of whether the cabin is electric or non-electric. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or...
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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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Provider
208-634-0400
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What Campers Say

3.99

Mixed Reviews

Based on 13 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeaceful

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Paddy Flat Guard Station

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

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.
The road access includes Forest Roads #388 and #389. These are likely unpaved roads, requiring cautious driving especially during adverse weather conditions. Accessibility may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles.
Nearby places
McCall (~9 miles south), Donnelly (~6 miles north).
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in nearby towns such as McCall (~9 miles south) and Donnelly (~6 miles north), which offer groceries, fuel, and dining options.

Best Time to Camp at Paddy Flat Guard Station

Summer transforms Paddy Flat into an outdoor paradise, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies creating ideal conditions for exploration. While winter's heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures close the station to visitors, the warm months offer a perfect window for your mountain escape, with gentle breezes and minimal rain ensuring your adventures remain uninterrupted.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in ID

Summer called an 'outdoor paradise'; peak season (Jul–Sep) with best access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Short fall window; site closes Sep 30 so late-fall access is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens July 1; spring access is limited by snowmelt and closures.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Heavy snowfall and facility is closed outside July–Sept reservation window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Opens July 1st, 2025, and closes September 30th, 2025, for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: None reported.

About Paddy Flat Guard Station

Escape to the beautifully restored Paddy Flat Guard Station, where two historic cabins await in the heart of Payette National Forest's untamed wilderness. This remote central Idaho sanctuary beckons adventurers with its perfect blend of solitude and endless recreation—from morning fishing expeditions and scenic mountain bike rides to afternoon hikes through pristine forests and evening horseback rides under star-filled skies.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Guests must vacate by 12:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Cabin Lodging

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.
HikingMultiple trailheads near the Guard Station allow access to alpine lakes, meadows, and peaks as high as 8,681 feet, providing diverse hiking opportunities.
FishingThe area offers fantastic fishing opportunities in abundant streams and numerous alpine lakes within travel distance from the Guard Station.
BikingThe Guard Station serves as a starting point for mountain biking adventures on local trails.
Wildlife viewingGuests can enjoy bird and wildlife watching in nearby meadows and forested areas.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSnow and freezing conditions are common outside the summer season. Roads may become challenging during heavy precipitation or snowfall.
Active AlertsNone reported.

Weather at Paddy Flat Guard Station

Reviews

4.0
13 reviews
Mixed 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

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...
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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

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features of the cabins are positively noted, particularly the wheelchair-accessible shower in the East Cabin.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users appreciate this policy. Guests are reminded to maintain control over their pets and clean up after them.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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