Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id)

Star3.40
7 reviews
Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id)

Quick Facts

4,300 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Boise National Forest site

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Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id)
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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) 392-3700

What Campers Say

3.40

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

Most mentioned

shadewater

"Barber Flat Cabin is generally well-liked for being a comfortable, relaxing spot with useful amenities like running water, a toilet, and propane appliances. Several reviewers note recent interior improvements (paint, flooring, new toilet), but some maintenance and cleanliness issues—especially mice and some exterior wear—bring ratings down for a few stays."

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Best Time to Camp at Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id)

Perched at 4,300 feet elevation, Barber Flat offers distinct seasonal pleasures throughout the year. Summer brings perfect conditions for plunging into cool river swimming holes after a warm mountain day, while autumn transforms the landscape into prime big game hunting territory. The moderate elevation means extended seasons of accessibility, though visitors should always check current road conditions before planning their journey.

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)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id)

    Step back in time at Barber Flat Cabin, a beautifully preserved 1935 CCC-era Forest Service retreat nestled along the North Fork Boise River in the heart of the Boise Mountains. This charming six-person cabin combines rustic character with modern convenience—featuring a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and cozy wood stove—all accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicle along a scenic mountain road.
    Historic cabin accommodation (original Civilian Conservation Corps cabin built in 1935) available for rental; sleeps six and offers indoor kitchen and bathroom facilities.
    Historical SignificanceBarber Flat's story runs deep through Idaho's logging heritage and conservation history. The site first served the Barber Lumber Company before 1923, when the Forest Service recognized its value and established an administrative outpost here. The original 1927 cabin gave way to the current structure in 1935, when Civilian Conservation Corps crews—young men working to restore America during the Great Depression—crafted the sturdy cabin and outbuildings that still stand today. Walking through its doors means experiencing a piece of living history, with the cabin's character and craftsmanship remarkably intact nearly 90 years later.
    Weather and SeasonsPerched at 4,300 feet elevation, Barber Flat offers distinct seasonal pleasures throughout the year. Summer brings perfect conditions for plunging into cool river swimming holes after a warm mountain day, while autumn transforms the landscape into prime big game hunting territory. The moderate elevation means extended seasons of accessibility, though visitors should always check current road conditions before planning their journey.
    ElevationAt approximately 4,300 feet above sea level, Barber Flat occupies a sweet spot in the mountain ecosystem where the North Fork Boise River carves through the landscape beneath the protective shadow of Hungarian Ridge. This elevation creates an ideal climate zone where towering Ponderosa pines thrive and wildlife flourishes year-round.
    Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through massive Ponderosa pines, their cinnamon-bark trunks standing like sentinels around your cabin, while the North Fork Boise River murmurs its constant song just steps away. Hungarian Ridge rises protectively above, its slopes creating a dramatic backdrop to your mountain sanctuary. The river itself is a ribbon of life through this landscape, offering crystalline pools for summer swims and productive runs for rainbow trout fishing. Keep your eyes skyward for ospreys diving for fish and eagles soaring on thermals, while mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk browse the hillsides. Wild turkeys strut through clearings, chukars call from rocky outcrops, and if you're fortunate—and alert—you might spot the rare black bear ambling through the forest or catch a glimpse of a wolf moving like a shadow through the trees.
    Geological RegionBoise Mountains, beneath Hungarian Ridge
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesBring your own light sources (no electricity), bedding, pillows and towels. Expect to drive on rough roads and plan accordingly. Wood stove provided for heat; firewood may be gathered from the surrounding forest.

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    Reserving a campsite

    Guests Allowed Per Site
    Cabin sleeps six (two futons and one bunkbed).
    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutInterior includes sleeping for six (two futons and one bunkbed), a kitchen with table/chairs, cookware, dishes, utensils, a propane stove, refrigerator and sink with hot water, and a bathroom with sink, bathtub and flush toilet. Exterior features include a picnic table, campfire ring with benches and limited bear-proof trash receptacles.

    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

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Firewood available
    Lodging and accommodations
    Flush toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Outdoor recreation centered on trails and the North Fork Boise River, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing. Seasonal big-game hunting is noted as a popular pastime in the surrounding area.
    Hiking
    Several multi-use trails run east and west from the cabin; hikers can access the Barber Flat Trailhead and the Hungarian/Sunset Trail (about 200 yards north across the road), as well as Beaver Creek/Grand Mountain and Short Creek trails.
    Fishing
    Rainbow trout fishing is available on the North Fork Boise River.
    Swimming
    The river features many swimming holes.
    Biking
    Mountain bikers can access nearby multi-use trails and the Barber Flat Trailhead.
    Wildlife viewing
    Osprey nests are common; other wildlife includes mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, chukars, wild turkeys, eagles and occasional black bear or wolf.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed
    • A wood stove is provided for heat and wood for the stove may be gathered from the surrounding forest. A picnic table and a campfire ring with benches are located outside the cabin.

    Hazards

    General hazardsAccess roads may be rough, occasionally narrow, and heavily traveled. Wildlife in the area includes black bears and wolves. (No other hazards explicitly stated.)

    Weather at Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id)

    44
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Partly cloudy
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 57%
    Wind: 3 mph
    Partly cloudy

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Trash and recyclingLimited bear-proof trash receptacles are located at the back of the cabin; guests are asked to pack out as much as possible.
    Proximity to water featuresLocated near the North Fork Boise River; river offers rainbow trout fishing and swimming holes.
    HostThis location is unstaffed.

    Campground Map

    Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id)
    Driving directionsFrom Idaho City, take State Highway 21 for 2 miles to Granite Creek Road #327. Turn right and travel approximately 25 miles to the cabin. The road becomes North Fork Boise River Road. Please drive carefully as this road is heavily traveled, occasionally narrow, and often in rough condition.
    Accessible from State Highway 21 via Granite Creek Road #327 and North Fork Boise River Road; roads may be rough, occasionally narrow, and heavily traveled.
    Nearby places
    Idaho City — from Idaho City take State Highway 21 for 2 miles to Granite Creek Road #327 then travel approximately 25 miles to the cabin (approximately 27 miles total by described route).

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    3.4
    7 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Barber Flat Cabin (Boise National Forest, Id) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Barber Flat Cabin is generally well-liked for being a comfortable, relaxing spot with useful amenities like running water, a toilet, and propane appliances. Several reviewers note recent interior improvements (paint, flooring, new toilet), but some maintenance and cleanliness issues—especially mice and some exterior wear—bring ratings down for a few stays.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 7 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers appreciate the overall comfort and relaxation of the cabin, with one group returning many times and calling it an “ideal spot.” Highlights include running water, a toilet and bathtub, a...
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    Based on 7 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The most serious complaint is a mouse infestation, with one reviewer trapping multiple mice and hearing them running around at night, and calling for the Forest Service to seal openings under the...
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    Based on 7 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Reviewers suggest coming prepared for potential maintenance gaps—bring your own light source or mantles in case the propane light mantles are missing, and consider bringing mouse traps or being ready...
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    Based on 7 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "We have rented this cabin many times and it has always been very enjoyable and relaxing." "The cabin is nice, but it is infested with mice. I trapped 3 mice in two nights." "Fresh paint, new...
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    Based on 7 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    All reviews reference the single Barber Flat Cabin site (Site 1, Loop: BARBER FLAT CABIN). Users consistently find the interior comfortable and improved over time, with mentions of fresh paint, new...
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    Based on 7 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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