Cowpuncher Guard Station

Star4.57
12 reviews
P.O BOX 246
Peace & QuietFishing

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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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
Cowpuncher Guard Station
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the cabin during peak season (May 30 - November 30) is $45. This does not include taxes, reservation fees, or incremental...
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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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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
435-826-5499ccalbaum@fs.fed.us
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, tranquility, and well-maintained facilities at Cowpuncher Guard Station. Positive sentiments emphasize the cabin's comfort, trout fishing, and peaceful surroundings. Negative feedback includes occasional maintenance issues and water supply disruptions."

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Campground Map

P.O BOX 246

Cowpuncher Guard Station

P.O BOX 246

Driving directionsFrom Highway 12 in Escalante, turn north on 300E. Drive 14 miles to the junction of Forest Roads 154 and 153. Continue on FR153 for 4.5 miles. Turn left on FR145 towards Cowpuncher and Blue Spruce Campground. Travel 0.7 miles to Cowpuncher Gate. The cabin is 0.2 miles past the gate.
Access can be difficult during wet weather and requires driving 14 miles of dirt road with some steep sections. During winter months, the last 5.5 miles require a snowmobile or skis.
Nearby places
Escalante (20 miles northeast, approximately 30 minutes driving)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are available in Escalante, approximately 20 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Cowpuncher Guard Station

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of this high-country paradise. Summer days invite exploration with comfortable warmth, while evenings call for campfires as mountain air brings refreshing coolness. When winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, the journey becomes part of the adventure—accessible only by snowmobile or cross-country skis, the guard station transforms into an exclusive winter wonderland. Spring and fall paint the forest in spectacular colors, with crisp, dry conditions perfect for outdoor pursuits.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 30–Nov 30; summer reviews note warm days, cool nights and good access to trails/fishing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen groves at 8,000 ft imply strong fall color; property remains open into fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Open season begins May 30; spring (pre-May 30) generally inaccessible due to snow.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Roads often closed due to snow; site closed to reservations Nov 30–May 30.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 30 - November 30 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open and reservable from May 30 - November 30 each year. During winter, roads are often closed due to snow.

About Cowpuncher Guard Station

Escape to Cowpuncher Guard Station, where a charming rustic cabin awaits beneath towering pines and shimmering aspens in the heart of Dixie National Forest. This hidden gem beckons those seeking solitude, with Pine Creek's gentle murmur providing the soundtrack to your mountain retreat. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring forest trails, or simply savoring the profound quiet from your cabin porch, this secluded haven offers the perfect basecamp for authentic wilderness experiences.
Cowpuncher Guard Station primarily offers cabin lodging, providing a unique, rustic camping experience. Primitive and tent camping options are not explicitly mentioned.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time is not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay during peak season is 7 consecutive nights. Total stay limit per year is 10 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Cowpuncher Guard Station can enjoy various recreational activities including hiking the nearby Great Western Trail, mountain biking, horseback riding, and trout fishing in Pine Creek. The area also offers scenic drives on Hells Backbone Road and visits to nearby Posey Lake.
HikingHiking trails including the Great Western Trail are accessible from the cabin. The trails cater to different skill levels and are popular for exploration.
FishingPine Creek offers excellent trout fishing opportunities, with Colorado Cutthroat Trout being a notable species. Users recommend fly fishing or Tenkara rods for optimal results, emphasizing catch-and-release practices.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible from the cabin and cater to various skill levels.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, providing opportunities for observation while maintaining a safe distance.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter access is challenging due to snow. Wildlife may be present but not a significant concern. Fence repair and occasional cow intrusion have been noted.

Weather at Cowpuncher Guard Station

Reviews

4.6
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Cowpuncher Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, tranquility, and well-maintained facilities at Cowpuncher Guard Station. Positive sentiments emphasize the cabin's comfort, trout fishing, and peaceful surroundings. Negative feedback includes occasional maintenance issues and water supply disruptions.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the cabin's cleanliness, comfort, and scenic location. "This place was heaven in the woods," wrote one reviewer. Others appreciated the fishing opportunities, wildlife presence, and the...
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Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with water supply, fence repair noise, and difficulty operating the gate lock. "Lots of banging for fence repair," noted one reviewer, and another mentioned water...
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Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring trash bags and paper towels, as noted by one user. Fly fishermen are advised to practice catch-and-release for the Cutthroat Trout. Visitors should plan for long nights without TV and...
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Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight warm days and cool nights, with easy access to trails and fishing. Winter reviews caution about limited access due to snow-covered roads, requiring snowmobiles or skis.
Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Heaven in the woods." "The solar shower and Fabreeze in the latrine were awesome touches." "Better than anticipated." "The cabin has lots of places to sleep, and the memories made here will last a...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific issues reported included difficulty with the gate's combination lock. Fishing experiences near the cabin were particularly praised.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is seasonal, with winter access requiring additional equipment. Vault toilets and parking are accessible.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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