Yellowjacket Guard Station

Star4.15
9 reviews
311 MCPHERSON ST, SALMON, ID, 83467, USA
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,227 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 8th t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Yellowjacket Guard Station
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates for the cabin are $40 per night during peak season (June 8th - October 31st). Additional reservation fees apply including $8 online,...
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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
208-756-5209
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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 9 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefullake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

311 MCPHERSON ST, SALMON, ID, 83467, USA

Yellowjacket Guard Station

311 MCPHERSON ST, SALMON, ID, 83467, USA

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.
Access to the campground requires traveling on unpaved roads. Some user reviews note that the road is "long and really not well suited for a regular passenger car but it is passable just VERY slow going." Forest roads and Porphury Creek Road may be challenging for vehicles without high clearance.
Nearby places
Salmon (approximately 50 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Salmon, Idaho, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Yellowjacket Guard Station

Each season paints Yellowjacket in dramatically different hues. Summer welcomes visitors with crystal-clear days and comfortable 80°F temperatures perfect for exploration. As autumn arrives, the surrounding aspens burst into golden flames against the evergreen backdrop, creating a photographer's paradise with crisp, moderate temperatures. Winter transforms the station into a snow-locked sanctuary, accessible only to the most adventurous souls willing to traverse the deep powder that blankets this mountain retreat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in ID

Summer offers clear days, ~80°F, trail access and is within the open season (June–Oct).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in ID

Fall called ideal: closed motorized trails and tranquil surroundings; reviewers praise autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed until June 8; spring access limited/closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed Nov–May; winter stays not supported.

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

About Yellowjacket Guard Station

Step back in time at Yellowjacket Guard Station, where nearly a century of forest service history comes alive in this charming 1925 cabin. Nestled among sweeping mountain meadows and towering evergreens, this National Register-eligible treasure invites you to experience the authentic rustic charm of Idaho's backcountry while following in the footsteps of generations of forest rangers who once called this remote outpost home.
The Yellowjacket Guard Station primarily caters to cabin lodging, offering a single rental unit with basic amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is officially 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is officially 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Stay limit is up to 16 consecutive nights. Visitors may stay up to 16 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingNumerous trails are available in the surrounding area, suitable for hiking and biking. "Lots of beaver dams to check out on Meadow Creek." Some trails near Beaver Creek are good for biking or easy hikes and are closed to ATVs after Labor Day.
FishingFishing is available at nearby spots such as Yellowjacket Lake and streams such as Beagle Creek.
Biking"The trail by Beaver Creek is good for biking or an easy hike."
Wildlife viewingThe surroundings offer ample opportunities for wildlife observation, including beaver dams and other natural sites.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are prevalent during certain seasons, and user reviews have mentioned their presence. The remote location also poses risks due to limited communication access.
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.

Weather at Yellowjacket Guard Station

Reviews

4.2
9 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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...
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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."...
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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...
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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

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...
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Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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