How much does camping cost at Yellowjacket Guard Station?

Camping fees at Yellowjacket Guard Station are $75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Yellowjacket Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Yellowjacket 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 Yellowjacket Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Yellowjacket Guard Station has 20 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 Yellowjacket Guard Station?

Yellowjacket Guard Station is open June 08 to October 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 Yellowjacket Guard Station?

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

Can I have a campfire at Yellowjacket Guard Station?

Fire policies at Yellowjacket Guard Station: Due to the remoteness of this rental and budget/personnel constraints, the Forest Service cannot guarantee all services and amenities including a supply of firewood. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Yellowjacket Guard Station have?

Yellowjacket 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 Yellowjacket Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Yellowjacket 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 Yellowjacket Guard Station?

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

What activities can I do at Yellowjacket Guard Station?

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

Yellowjacket Guard Station

4.15

9 reviews

311 MCPHERSON ST, SALMON, ID, 83467, USA

Top 6% in IDFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Forest Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

6,227 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 8th t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,227 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 8th t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Yellowjacket Guard Station

$75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $75.00. 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

208-756-5209

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

311 MCPHERSON ST, SALMON, ID, 83467, USA

Yellowjacket Guard Station

311 MCPHERSON ST, SALMON, ID, 83467, USA

Nearby places

Salmon (approximately 50 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes)

Driving directionsFrom Salmon, Idaho, take Highway 93 south 5 miles, to a right turn at Shoup Bridge onto Forest Road 021 and travel 44.5 miles to Cobalt Work Center facility on Panther Creek Road 055. Continue 8 miles south on Panther Creek Road, where you will come to Porphury Creek turnoff to the right, heading west. Continue approximately 11 miles along Porphury Creek Road/Forest Road 112 to Yellowjacket Guard Station. From Challis, Idaho, take Highway 93 north 8 miles, to a left turn on Morgan Creek Rd. Travel 6 miles and take a slight right onto Forest Road 055/ Morgan Creek Rd. Continue 26.7 miles and take a left on Porphury Creek/ Forest Road 112. Continue approximately 11 miles along Porphury Creek Road/Forest Road 112 to Yellowjacket Guard Station.

Weather at Yellowjacket Guard Station

Current alerts(9)

Bring garbage bags; this is a pack it in, pack it out facility
Click here for more information on the Salmon-Challis National Forest
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.
Fire restrictions may be in effect, prompting possible closures

Best Time to Camp at Yellowjacket Guard Station

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most dramatic scenery at Yellowjacket Guard Station — mid- to late-September brings peak aspen color that lights the meadows and ridgelines in gold against evergreen backdrops, making it a photographer’s dream. Expect crisp daytime highs around 45–65°F and chilly nights dipping into the 20s–30s°F, excellent weather for hiking, wildlife viewing (elk and deer rut activity), and peaceful trail time with far fewer mosquitoes than summer. Crowds are typically light to moderate due   Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 6% in ID

Fall is highlighted as the best season for peak aspen color and tranquil conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 08 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 8th to October 31st.

About Yellowjacket Guard Station

Yellowjacket Guard Station sits in mid-elevation forest near Salmon, Idaho, within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This US Forest Service cabin rental offers a remote base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables on site. Fall brings peak aspen color that transforms the surrounding meadows and ridgelines into gold against evergreen backdrops, drawing photographers and elk watchers during the September rut.

The Yellowjacket Guard Station primarily caters to cabin lodging, offering a single rental unit with basic amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most dramatic scenery at Yellowjacket Guard Station — mid- to late-September brings peak aspen color that lights the meadows and ridgelines in gold against evergreen backdrops, making it a photographer’s dream. Expect crisp daytime highs around 45–65°F and chilly nights dipping into the 20s–30s°F, excellent weather for hiking, wildlife viewing (elk and deer rut activity), and peaceful trail time with far fewer mosquitoes than summer. Crowds are typically light to moderate due   Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6227 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBeagle Creek winds through dense conifer forest and aspen groves that dominate the surrounding ridgelines. The cabin sits among mountain meadows where elk and deer graze, and the views stretch across forested ridges in every direction. Fall brings the standout scenery: mid- to late-September turns the aspens gold against the evergreens, creating dramatic color contrasts that reviewers consistently mention. Hawks circle overhead, and black bears move through the area. The setting feels expansive and wild, though reviewers note the remoteness cuts both ways: it's peaceful and scenic, but you're truly on your own out here.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe Yellowjacket Guard Station includes a cabin that sleeps up to three people in two bedrooms with one full bed and one single bed. "The spacious guard station can sleep a maximum of three people in two bedrooms, with one full bed and one single bed. No linens or bedding are provided."

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit is up to 16 consecutive nights. Visitors may stay up to 16 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 3 guests permitted at the cabin.

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 website or contact center.

AccessibilityThe location and facilities are not ADA compliant. "Nothing about this location is ADA compliant and because of its historic nature it’s not required to be but they also don’t tell you that.

Site SizeThe cabin is spacious enough for three people.

PrivacyThe cabin provides a secluded and private setting within the Yellowjacket Mountains.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose this site for its seclusion and scenic beauty. Ensure preparedness with drinking water, tools for lighting propane appliances, and supplies for fire safety.

Need help booking Yellowjacket Guard Station?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Yellowjacket Guard Station offers a rustic cabin with various amenities suited for remote camping. The cabin includes a propane stove, refrigerator, and lights, as well as an outhouse toilet. However, guests must bring their own drinking water, utensils, and cookware as running water is not available. "Guests must bring their own drinking water, as well as dishes, utensils and cookware." The cabin lacks modern facilities, relying on propane and wood heating. User reviews highlight issues such as non-functional propane appliances and lack of provided firewood. The location is scenic but isolated, with limited communication options.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Yellowjacket Guard Station

The Yellowjacket Guard Station offers a range of recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. "Hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers and off-road enthusiasts will find many trails in the surrounding area. Hunting is also a popular activity." User reviews also mention nearby attractions and trailheads such as Middle Fork Peak Lookout and the Bighorn Crags.

Hiking4.0/5

Numerous nearby trails; trails by Beaver/Meadow Creek noted as good for hiking.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Elk, deer, beaver dams and wildlife viewing opportunities are explicitly mentioned.

Fishing3.5/5

Biking3.5/5

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, secluded location implies low light pollution and good night skies.

Photography4.0/5Aspen color, meadows, ridgelines and wildlife offer strong photo opportunities.

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.

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

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilets available, only an external outhouse toilet located up a small hill.

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

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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

4.2

9 reviews

Satisfactory

Yellowjacket Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users generally appreciate the scenic location and peaceful surroundings, though there are mixed sentiments about the maintenance and facilities. "This was the perfect escape from 2020," but some describe the cabin as poorly managed and non-functional.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the peaceful environment, scenic beauty, and opportunities for outdoor activities. "Yellowjacket Lake is a beautiful place to check out!" and "The bottom line is we would stay here...

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues such as non-functional propane appliances, lack of maintenance, and cleanliness have been raised. "The cabin itself is a disappointment... The stove, oven and refrigerator were non...

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews are specific to the Yellowjacket Guard Station cabin. Positive highlights include scenic views and tranquility, while complaints mostly concern maintenance issues.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing essential supplies, including firewood, as the Forest Service does not provide any. "Guests must bring their own drinking water, as well as dishes, utensils and cookware."...

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is noted as an ideal season due to closed motorized trails and tranquil natural surroundings. "Fall is a wonderful time to visit."

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Terrible experience. This cabin is in a gorgeous location but very poorly managed." "We absolutely loved staying here! Enjoyed the peacefulness and the flowing stream!" "What a delightful stay! The...

Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Nothing about this location is ADA compliant and because of its historic nature it’s not required to be but they also don’t tell you that." This cabin may not be suitable for individuals requiring...

Based on 9 reviews

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Yellowjacket Guard Station

$75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.