How much does camping cost at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta?

Camping fees at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta range from $100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta first-come first-served or reservation?

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta 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 Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta before I book?

Yes! Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta has 6 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 Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta?

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta is open January 01 to December 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 Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta?

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta have?

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta 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 Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta?

Pets are not allowed at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta?

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta?

Popular activities at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Q: Can I have a campfire at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta?

Fire policies at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.03

60 reviews

2455 HWY 141, TROUT LAKE, WA 98650

Top 15% in WAWinter

Peace & Quiet

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,237 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

In the event of a he...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Trout Lake Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,237 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

In the event of a he...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Trout Lake Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $100.00. 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

509-395-3400

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

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Campground Map

2455 HWY 141, TROUT LAKE, WA 98650

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

2455 HWY 141, TROUT LAKE, WA 98650

Nearby places

Carson (15 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Cascade Locks (20 miles, approximately 40 minutes)

Portland (approximately 60 miles, 1.5 hours).

Driving directionsFrom Portland take Interstate 84 east, take Cascade Locks Exit 44 and cross the Bridge of the Gods (toll bridge) to Highway 14 in Washington State. Turn east (right) on Highway 14 and drive 5 miles to the Carson junction with the Wind River Highway. Follow the Wind River Highway through Carson and northwest approximately 14 miles to the Carson National Fish Hatchery. Continue northwest for 1 mile on Forest Road 3065 to the entrance for Government Mineral Springs recreation site.

Weather at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Current alerts(11)

Camping is prohibited at the guard station
Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure
Entry to the cabin is by a key stored in a lock box; the combination to the lock box is given in your confirmation letter
In the event of a heavy snowfall, guests may not be able to access the Sno-Park or could get stranded; the Forest Service does not plow the road to the Sno-Park; those with existing reservations are advised to check weather conditions close to their reservation date and plan…

Best Time to Camp at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Best season: summer. Summer offers the easiest vehicle access and the warmest, driest weather (daytime highs commonly 60–80°F, nights 40–50°F), making trails and the historic guard station comfortable and fully usable. Hiking, mountain biking on forest roads, trout fishing in cold streams, and abundant wildlife viewing are at their peak while wildflower meadows and higher ridgelines are open. Weekends see the most visitors on nearby trailheads, but the remote guard station remains relatively quiet — note that summer Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Easiest access, trails fully open, wildflowers and comfortable temps (60–80°F).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: In the event of a heavy snowfall, guests may not be able to access the Sno-Park or could get stranded; the Forest Service does not plow the road to the Sno-Park; those with existing reservations are advised to check weather conditions close to their reservation date and plan accordingly; refund requests will be honored if the Sno-Park is inaccessible.

About Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Station sits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest foothills near Trout Lake, operated by the Trout Lake Ranger District. This historic cabin rental offers a rustic base for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding forest. Guests appreciate the quiet setting and propane fireplace, though maintenance and cleanliness have been inconsistent.

This campground features a historic guard station cabin for lodging, offering a unique primitive camping experience. Tent or RV camping accommodations are not specified.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the easiest vehicle access and the warmest, driest weather (daytime highs commonly 60–80°F, nights 40–50°F), making trails and the historic guard station comfortable and fully usable. Hiking, mountain biking on forest roads, trout fishing in cold streams, and abundant wildlife viewing are at their peak while wildflower meadows and higher ridgelines are open. Weekends see the most visitors on nearby trailheads, but the remote guard station remains relatively quiet — note that summer Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation1237 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin rests at 1,237 feet in a landscape shaped by volcanic activity and glacial carving. Ancient lava flows and steep ridges define the terrain, where Douglas fir and western red cedar grow on precipitous slopes. Streams cut through volcanic rock, and meadows bloom where fire has opened the canopy. Black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, and occasional black bears move through the forest. Late summer brings ripe huckleberries on the hillsides. The Trapper Creek Wilderness borders the property, offering raw Cascade scenery.

Lodging & AccommodationsA historic two-story cabin that accommodates up to nine guests is available. The cabin has a kitchen, dining room, and living room with propane amenities. Sleeping arrangements include futons and bunk beds. Guests must bring their own linens and other essentials. Reviews highlight both its historic charm and issues like mice infestations and cleanliness problems.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum 7 consecutive nights allowed per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 9 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov online, app, and contact center.

AccessibilityAccess is challenging in winter as the cabin requires a half-mile trek using skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. Snow ramps or stairs may need to be reinforced due to icy conditions.

Site SizeThe cabin provides spacious accommodations with a large kitchen and dining area. Individual campsites size information is not provided.

PrivacyReviews mention that the cabin is secluded, providing good privacy; however, some note nearby houses visible from the campground.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose winter stays for snow activities and summer stays for easy vehicle access and hiking. Bring additional lighting and water for convenience.

Need help booking Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no potable water at the cabin, and guests are encouraged to bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. A stream within 300 feet of the guard station may be used as a water source; however, the water must be treated or boiled before drinking. A vault toilet is located on site. Camping is prohibited at the guard station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Guests can engage in varied activities including hiking, fishing, biking, hunting, skiing, snowshoeing, and mushroom and huckleberry picking. The cabin's location near Trapper Creek Wilderness adds unique natural experiences.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 ToiletsThe campground offers vault toilets instead of flush toilets.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and recyclables as no trash facilities are available.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

60 reviews

Satisfactory

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the cabin's historic charm but also raise significant concerns about cleanliness, mice infestations, and maintenance issues. While some users had enjoyable stays, others reported leaving early due to these problems.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews praise the cabin's peaceful setting, nearby hiking trails, and unique historic features, such as the propane fireplace and rustic ambiance.

Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include mice infestations, cleanliness issues, broken futon frames, inadequate lighting, and the broken refrigerator. Mice droppings were reported on tables, counters, and floors.

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing water, matches, garbage bags, lanterns, cleaning supplies, and sturdy shoes for icy conditions in winter. Reviews also highlight the importance of checking weather...

Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews emphasize the challenging half-mile trek and the cabin's cozy warmth despite its dim lighting. Summer reviews highlight the proximity to wilderness trails and berry-picking...

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. “The futons downstairs were so thick with dust that we couldn't breathe while trying to sleep.” 2. “Such a cozy, accommodating cabin. Enjoyed my stay thoroughly!” 3. “Bring water! Big sunny...

Based on 60 reviews