Red Ives Cabin
3.719 reviews222 South 7th street, Suite 1, Saint Maries, ID 83861, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$100/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open season: May 23–...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Showers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$100/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
1 campsites
Season
Open season: May 23–...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Showers
Get DirectionsRed Ives Cabin
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The cabin reservation fee is $100 per night during peak season (May 23–September 30). Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(208) 245-2531jbiar@fs.fed.us
What Campers Say
3.71
Mixed Reviews
Based on 9 reviews
Most mentioned
viewspeaceful
"User reviews for Red Ives Cabin are generally positive, with frequent mentions of its serene location, comfortable amenities, and excellent access to outdoor recreational activities. However, cleanliness issues have been reported, particularly regarding the cabin's interior."
Fees & Passes at Red Ives Cabin
$100/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 3 nights during a visit and up to 3 nights total within each year.
Cancellation: Cancellations made prior to scheduled arrival are subject to a $10 cancellation fee plus any reserva...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Red Ives Cabin
Experience the cabin's dual personality as seasons transform this mountain hideaway. Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river adventures and cool evenings ideal for stargazing from the porch. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the cabin becomes a cozy refuge amid a frozen wonderland, though heavy snowfall can create challenging access conditions. The prime season runs from May through September, when wildflowers carpet the meadows and the river runs high with snowmelt, creating perfect conditions for both relaxation and adventure.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23–September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season: May 23–September 30. Closed season: October 1–May 22.
About Red Ives Cabin
Step back in time at Red Ives Cabin, a historic ranger station nestled in the heart of Idaho Panhandle National Forests. This charming retreat, which housed forest rangers from the 1930s through 1984, now welcomes adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience with modern comforts. Perched alongside the pristine St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, your days here can be filled with fly fishing in crystal-clear waters, paddling through gentle rapids, or spotting elk and deer from the cabin's porch. The secluded property, accessible only with a reservation and special access code, promises an exclusive escape where the only sounds are rushing water and rustling pines.
Red Ives Cabin provides a single type of accommodation, a well-furnished cabin designed for overnight stays. The cabin includes amenities for cooking, sleeping, and relaxation.
Historical SignificanceFor over five decades, Red Ives Cabin stood as a vital outpost where forest rangers protected these wild lands. From the 1930s until 1984, generations of rangers called this cabin home, monitoring the vast St. Joe National Forest from this strategic riverside location. Today, the weathered logs and vintage details tell the story of these dedicated stewards who once tracked wildlife, fought fires, and maintained trails throughout this rugged wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the cabin's dual personality as seasons transform this mountain hideaway. Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river adventures and cool evenings ideal for stargazing from the porch. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the cabin becomes a cozy refuge amid a frozen wonderland, though heavy snowfall can create challenging access conditions. The prime season runs from May through September, when wildflowers carpet the meadows and the river runs high with snowmelt, creating perfect conditions for both relaxation and adventure.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by towering peaks and ancient forests, Red Ives Cabin sits in a landscape that defines the wild heart of Idaho. Steep-walled canyons carved by centuries of flowing water create dramatic vistas in every direction, while dense stands of pine, fir, and cedar blanket the mountainsides in emerald green. The star attraction remains the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, whose pristine waters wind past the cabin's doorstep, offering endless opportunities for contemplation, photography, and aquatic adventure amid some of the Northwest's most spectacular scenery.
Geological RegionThe cabin rests within the rugged embrace of the St. Joe National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of plunging canyons and soaring ridgelines. This corner of the Idaho Panhandle showcases nature's architectural prowess, with steep drainages channeling mountain streams toward the legendary St. Joe Wild and Scenic River below. Dense coniferous forests cloak these ancient slopes, creating a pristine wilderness corridor that has remained largely unchanged since the days of the early forest rangers.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided data.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates multiple sleeping arrangements, including one queen bed, two sets of bunk beds, and one queen-size futon.
Sites PrivacyThe facility is set in a secluded area alongside the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, providing a sense of privacy and isolation. User reviews frequently mention the peaceful and quiet setting.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring additional lighting, bedding, towels, and coolers with ice due to limited on-site resources such as dim lanterns and a suboptimal refrigerator.
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 3 nights during a visit and up to 3 nights total within each year.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 23–September 30. Closed season: October 1–May 22.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailability primarily requires a reservation. Walk-up opportunities may be limited or unavailable due to popularity.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made prior to scheduled arrival are subject to a $10 cancellation fee plus any reservation fees. Late cancellations for cabins within 14 days of check-in forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No-show penalties include a $20 fee and forfeiting the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Red Ives Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities that take advantage of its scenic and natural surroundings. Popular activities include hiking, OHV use, fishing, wildlife spotting, floating, and kayaking on the St. Joe River. User reviews indicate that fly fishing is a highlight, although experiences may vary, as one user noted unproductive fishing. Observing wildlife such as deer and moose is another frequently mentioned activity.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities around the Red Ives Cabin are noted in the official description, although specific trails are not outlined. The terrain features mountainous areas with steep drainages and heavily forested mountainsides, which likely provide various hiking experiences.Fishing
Fishing in the St. Joe River is described as 'world-class,' particularly for fly fishing. However, user experiences vary; while some users rave about the quality of the fishing, others have reported less success.Swimming
The St. Joe River offers opportunities for floating and kayaking, which may include swimming, although this is not explicitly detailed.Boating
Floating and kayaking are explicitly mentioned as recreational opportunities on the St. Joe River, which is easily accessible from the cabin.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife spotting opportunities include deer and moose, as mentioned in both the official description and user reviews. The heavily forested and mountainous terrain enhances the chances of encountering wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter recreation options are not discussed in the provided data.Water Sports
Floating and kayaking on the St. Joe River are the primary water sports highlighted in the description.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed using the designated fire pit and grill facilities.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife interactions (e.g., deer, moose, mice) and remote access challenges on mountainous roads.
Weather at Red Ives Cabin
39
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Saint Maries, ID, which provides hospitals and police departments. A Forest Service office in Avery (208-245-6200) may assist during office hours Mon-Fri, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23–September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided data.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is situated alongside the St. Joe Wild and Scenic River, allowing easy access to water-based recreational activities.
Common complaintsUser complaints include cleanliness issues such as dirty floors, worn-out cookware, and mice in the cabin.
Campground Map
222 South 7th street, Suite 1, Saint Maries, ID 83861, USA
Driving directionsFrom St. Maries, Idaho: Follow paved Forest Highway 50 (St. Joe River Rd) 47 miles to Avery. Continue 29 more miles along FH-50 to the Red Ives Road #218. Turn right (south) on road #218 and travel 10 miles upstream to the Red Ives Ranger Station. The Red Ives Road is a narrow one-lane road with turn-outs.
The road access includes paved sections on Forest Highway 50 but transitions to Red Ives Road #218, which is narrow, one-lane, and includes turn-outs. Caution is suggested for drivers unfamiliar with mountain roads.Nearby places
Saint Maries, ID (86 miles, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
Avery, ID (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Avery, ID, which is the nearest town for conveniences.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.7
9 reviews
Red Ives Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Red Ives Cabin are generally positive, with frequent mentions of its serene location, comfortable amenities, and excellent access to outdoor recreational activities. However, cleanliness issues have been reported, particularly regarding the cabin's interior.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects highlighted in reviews include the cabin's picturesque setting near the St. Joe River, its suitability for fly fishing and relaxing, and its affordability ('a stupendous bargain for...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints primarily focus on cleanliness, with several users describing the cabin as less clean than expected. Issues with cookware and lighting were also mentioned, including worn-out pots...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing additional lighting, bedding, and sleeping gear. One reviewer suggested bringing coolers with ice due to the refrigerator's limited performance. Another recommended using the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends suggest that the cabin is most popular during the summer months, aligning with its reservable season (May through September). User reviews from late summer frequently describe the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Imagine the sounds of birds, fresh mountain air, watching visiting deer, a moose across the St.Joe grazing, the soothing sound of the river!' (Deborah L.) 2. 'Definitely not as clean as I would...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The reviews are specific to the Red Ives Cabin, with no notable mentions of particular areas or sites within the campground aside from the cabin itself.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are not provided in the user feedback.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at the cabin, and no user reviews address this policy directly.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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