How much does camping cost at Copper Basin Guard Station?

Camping fees at Copper Basin 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 Copper Basin Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Copper Basin 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 Copper Basin Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Copper Basin Guard Station has 18 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 Copper Basin Guard Station?

Copper Basin Guard Station is open June 12 to September 22. 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 Copper Basin Guard Station?

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

How many campsites does Copper Basin Guard Station have?

Copper Basin 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 Copper Basin Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Copper Basin 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 Copper Basin Guard Station?

Copper Basin Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Copper Basin Guard Station?

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

Copper Basin Guard Station

5.15

15 reviews

P.O. Box 507, Mackay, ID, 83251, USA

Top 22% in IDSummer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Winter Camping Idaho#2 Fall Camping Idaho#3 Forest Camping Idaho#3 +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is June ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is June ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Copper Basin Guard Station

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $100.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

208-588-3400

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Copper Basin Guard Station

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

P.O. Box 507, Mackay, ID, 83251, USA

Copper Basin Guard Station

P.O. Box 507, Mackay, ID, 83251, USA

Nearby places

Mackay (17 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Ketchum (23 miles, approximately 40 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom Mackay, Idaho, drive north on Highway 93 approximately 17 miles and take a left on the Trail Creek Road. Travel approximately 15 miles on the Trail Creek Road. This road starts as paved and turns to gravel at approximately 12 miles. Turn left at the Wild horse/Copper Basin turnoff, and continue on this road for approximately 2 miles and bear left on Road #135. This road continues for approximately 14 miles. The Copper Basin Guard Station is on the right at the intersection of Roads 135 and 138. From Ketchum, Idaho, travel north east on the Trail Creek Road, #208, for approximately 23 miles. Turn right at the Wildhorse/Copper Basin turnoff and continue on this road for approximately 2 miles. Bear left on Road #135. This road continues for approximately 14 miles. The Copper Basin Guard Station is on the right at the intersection of Roads #135 and #138.

Weather at Copper Basin Guard Station

Current alerts(13)

Campfires are allowed only in the metal fire ring that is provided.
All appliances are powered by propane.
Click Here for more information https:/www.fs.usda.gov/r04/salmon-challis
Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving and locking up.

Best Time to Camp at Copper Basin Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, mild daytime temperatures, and peak alpine wildflower displays — ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and stargazing. At 7,500–8,000 ft expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F and cool nights typically in the 30s–40s, so layering is essential. Trails, fishing streams, and alpine meadows are fully accessible in July–August with moderate crowds (the site is remote so it rarely feels crowded even at peak). Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in ID

Fall colors enhance scenery and wildlife viewing; season extends into early fall with good access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 22. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is June 13 - September 23, 2025. Reservations can start from June 25, 2025.

About Copper Basin Guard Station

Copper Basin Guard Station sits at 7,500–8,000 feet in the Salmon-Challis National Forest near Mackay, Idaho. This U.S. Forest Service rental cabin offers a fully equipped kitchen, running water, showers, and flush toilets in a high-elevation alpine setting. Guests use the cabin as a base for hiking, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing across surrounding meadows and streams.

Copper Basin Guard Station primarily caters to those looking for cabin accommodations. Primitive camping, tent camping, and RV camping are not explicitly available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable access, mild daytime temperatures, and peak alpine wildflower displays — ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, and stargazing. At 7,500–8,000 ft expect daytime highs roughly 60–80°F and cool nights typically in the 30s–40s, so layering is essential. Trails, fishing streams, and alpine meadows are fully accessible in July–August with moderate crowds (the site is remote so it rarely feels crowded even at peak). Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits in Copper Basin, a glacially carved valley where the Pioneer and White Knob ranges meet. At 7,500 to 8,000 feet, the landscape opens into alpine meadows, clear streams, and granite peaks. Reviewers mention elk, eagles, and abundant wildlife. Summer brings wildflower displays across the high meadows. The setting offers long views in every direction, with mountain ridges defining the basin's edges. Cows graze near the cabin during warmer months, close enough that visitors report hearing them early in the morning.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe primary accommodation is a 900 square foot log cabin with two bedrooms. It is furnished and includes a kitchen, living area, and bathroom facilities. It can sleep up to six adults comfortably, with a maximum capacity of eight people.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 6 nights
minimum stay of 2 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is 8 people, including RV occupants.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 900 square feet, with sleeping accommodations for up to eight people.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote area surrounded by mountains, offering high levels of privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe cabin provides a well-stocked and organized facility suitable for groups of up to eight people. Travelers should bring bedding and food supplies.

Best CampsitesThe cabin is the only site. It's a standalone structure at the intersection of Roads 135 and 138.

Need help booking Copper Basin 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

Copper Basin Guard Station offers a variety of facilities and amenities making it a well-equipped choice for campers. The cabin features two bedrooms and is furnished with a queen bed, two full-sized bunk beds, and a queen-sized sleeper couch. It includes a propane-powered cook stove, refrigerator, furnace, and lighting. Additional amenities include a wood stove, table with benches, cookware, cleaning supplies, and hot running water. Campers have access to a flush toilet and shower in the bathroom. However, the cabin lacks electricity, phone service, cell coverage, and internet access. Guests are advised to bring their own food, toiletries, towels, bedding, and trash bags. Campfires are allowed only in the provided metal fire ring.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The area offers a plethora of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, camping, and photography. Visitors can also enjoy OHV riding, driving for pleasure, and hunting.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

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

Rate Copper Basin Guard Station

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

5.2

15 reviews

Top-Rated

Copper Basin Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Copper Basin Guard Station are overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the cabin’s cleanliness, comfort, and well-thought-out amenities. Visitors also praise the stunning natural setting and abundant recreational opportunities.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained cabin, fully equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, running water and showers, and breathtaking views. The wildlife and proximity to recreational activities such as fishing and...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

A few reviews noted the presence of cattle near the cabin, causing disturbances early in the morning. Another reviewer pointed out discrepancies in the listing, such as bunk bed sizes stated to be...

Based on 15 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews reference site #001, the only cabin available for rental. Guests emphasize its high-quality amenities and excellent location.

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring proper bedding for full-sized bunk beds, plan for early morning disturbances from nearby cattle, and bring non-perishable food and essential toiletries since there is no convenience store...

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall appear to be the most popular times to visit, with favorable weather and opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Fall colors enhance the scenery, and wildlife sightings are...

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Probably my best stay ever. The cabin was clean and very well kept. Fall colors at their best." - Blaine F. - "Super comfortable, so many amenities that it feels downright luxurious. 11/10 would...

Based on 15 reviews