How much does camping cost at Cowpuncher Guard Station?

Camping fees at Cowpuncher Guard Station range from $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Cowpuncher 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 Cowpuncher Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Cowpuncher Guard Station has 11 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 Cowpuncher Guard Station?

Cowpuncher Guard Station is open May 29 to November 30. 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 Cowpuncher Guard Station?

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

How many campsites does Cowpuncher Guard Station have?

Cowpuncher 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 Cowpuncher Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Cowpuncher 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 Cowpuncher Guard Station?

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

What activities can I do at Cowpuncher Guard Station?

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

Cowpuncher Guard Station

4.57

12 reviews

P.O BOX 246

Top 18% in UTSummer

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Fishing Camping Utah Camping Near Capitol Reef National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,000 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open and reservable ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cowpuncher Guard Station

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

YURT: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-826-5499ccalbaum@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

P.O BOX 246

Cowpuncher Guard Station

P.O BOX 246

Nearby places

Escalante (20 miles northeast, approximately 30 minutes driving)

Weather at Cowpuncher Guard Station

Current alerts(4)

A location closure has been issued, and the facility is closed at this time. Reservation-holders will receive an email with additional information. Please check back for location closure updates.
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.
No garbage service is provided.

Best Time to Camp at Cowpuncher Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of reliable access, warm days and cool nights at 8,000 ft (daytime highs typically 65–80°F, nights 35–50°F), making trail hiking, creek fishing, mountain biking, and relaxed evenings on the porch most enjoyable. Pine Creek is at comfortable flows for fishing and wildlife viewing, and the high-elevation forests provide relief from lower-elevation desert heat; expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Crowds are moderate — busier on holiday weekends but generally a— Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in UT

Summer is best: 65–80°F days, creek flows well, trails and fishing highlighted in summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 29 to November 30. 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

Cowpuncher Guard Station sits at 8,000 feet in Dixie National Forest near Escalante, offering a historic Forest Service cabin with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. The high-elevation alpine setting provides access to hiking and fishing in Pine Creek, with cool summer nights and relief from desert heat. Reviewers consistently praise the cabin's cleanliness and scenic forest location.

Cowpuncher Guard Station primarily offers cabin lodging, providing a unique, rustic camping experience. Primitive and tent camping options are not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of reliable access, warm days and cool nights at 8,000 ft (daytime highs typically 65–80°F, nights 35–50°F), making trail hiking, creek fishing, mountain biking, and relaxed evenings on the porch most enjoyable. Pine Creek is at comfortable flows for fishing and wildlife viewing, and the high-elevation forests provide relief from lower-elevation desert heat; expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Crowds are moderate — busier on holiday weekends but generally a— Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation8000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits in a meadow ringed by pines and aspens, with Pine Creek flowing through the landscape. At 8,000 feet, the setting feels like an island of green forest above the surrounding desert. Wildlife includes deer, elk, and Cutthroat Trout in the creek. One reviewer called it "heaven in the woods." The elevation offers cooler temperatures than the red rock country below, and aspen groves turn gold in fall.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe Cowpuncher Guard Station features a furnished cabin with bunk beds and a full-size bed. It includes a propane stovetop, wood cook stove, and other essential kitchen facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay during peak season is 7 consecutive nights. Total stay limit per year is 10 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Multiple guests are allowed in the cabin, including bunk and full-size beds.

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 through Recreation.gov online or via the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible parking and accessible vault toilets are mentioned. Accessibility in winter requires snowmobiles or skis.

Site SizeThe cabin is spacious enough for a small group, and includes furnishings and a covered porch.

PrivacyCowpuncher Guard Station sits in a secluded meadow surrounded by pine and aspen groves, offering a private and peaceful environment.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests recommend bringing jigsaw puzzles, games, and fishing supplies for Pine Creek. Keeping the gates closed is essential to prevent cows from intruding.

Best CampsitesThe single cabin is the only option. Reviews mention it's clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. One guest noted thoughtful touches like Febreeze in the latrine. The covered porch works well for relaxing after fishing or hiking. Some visitors reported occasional noise from fence repairs and wandering cows.

Need help booking Cowpuncher 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

Cowpuncher Guard Station offers a rustic yet comfortable camping experience at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The cabin is equipped with bunk beds and one full-size bed, a wood cook stove, propane stovetop, kitchen sink with running water (during summer and early fall), battery-operated lanterns, and essential kitchenware including pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. Outside, campers can utilize a covered porch, picnic table, fire ring, and firewood (provided). The nearby vault toilet is located 150 feet from the cabin. Accessibility is seasonal as roads are generally snowed-in during winter, requiring additional equipment like snowmobiles or skis.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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).

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

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From Booking Sources

4.6

12 reviews

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want a comfortable cabin base for high-elevation hiking and creek fishing with modern conveniences.

Skip if

You need tent or RV sites, or prefer lower-elevation warmth over alpine conditions.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.6

(13)

Blue Spruce Campground

Dixie National Forest

Blue Spruce Campground sits along Pine Creek in Dixie National Forest, about 16 miles from Escalante at 7,936 feet elevation. This six-site, first-come-first-served campground stays surprisingly empty even on busy weekends. Sites cost $9 per night and include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The rough washboard access road keeps crowds away.