La Barge Guard Station

4.14

20 reviews

308 US HWY 189 N, Kemmerer, WY 83101, USA

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens US Forest Service (USFS) site

Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens US Forest Service (USFS) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

La Barge Guard Station

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation use fee is $60 per night for the cabin. Additional fees for reservation services apply: $8 online/app, $9 via contact center, $3...

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

307-877-4415

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 20 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User sentiment is generally positive, with many praising the beauty of the location and the historic charm of the cabin. Some complaints exist regarding amenities like firewood availability and mosquito presence."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

308 US HWY 189 N, Kemmerer, WY 83101, USA

La Barge Guard Station

308 US HWY 189 N, Kemmerer, WY 83101, USA

Driving directionsFrom Kemmerer, WY, follow US-189 north to the junction of La Barge Road, just south of the town of La Barge. Turn left on La Barge Road and travel 25 miles (the first 11 miles of this road are paved) to the forest boundary. Continue following La Barge Road/Forest Road 10138 for 14 more miles to the Tri Basin Divide/Forest Road 10072 junction and turn left. Drive 1/2-mile and turn left. La Barge Guard Station is at the end of the road. From Afton, WY, follow US-89 south 14.5 miles to the Smith's Fork Road/Forest Road 10072 junction. Turn left at the junction and follow Smith's Fork Road for about 22 miles to the La Barge Guard Station road. Turn right. La Barge Guard Station is at the end of the road. Winter access is by snowmobile only on a 22-mile trail.

Summer access is on gravel and dirt roads. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Winter access is by snowmobile only on a 22-mile trail.

Nearby places

Kemmerer (87 miles north)

Alpine (approximately 50 miles, though travel may take up to 3 hours due to unpaved rough roads).

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies can be obtained in Kemmerer, WY. Guests should bring adequate provisions including water during winter months.

Best Time to Camp at La Barge Guard Station

Experience La Barge's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Summer unveils a kaleidoscope of alpine wildflowers beneath brilliant blue skies, with comfortable days perfect for exploration (though wise visitors pack bug spray for the mosquito welcoming committee). When winter wraps the meadow in a pristine white blanket, temperatures plunge and the landscape becomes a wonderland for snowmobilers and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. The cabin has weathered countless seasons since 1933, from powder-perfect winters with substantial snowfall to sun-drenched summers that paint the meadows in technicolor blooms.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer wildflowers and comfortable days; mosquitos and some rough roads reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Peak season Sept–Oct; scenic meadow and ridge views make fall attractive.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in WY

Spring wildflowers highly praised; reviewers compared blooms to a painting.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 6% in WY

Open year-round with snowmobile access; winter sports are highlighted but access is remote.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: September 1 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Winter access requires snowmobiles.
Current Alerts: No cell phone coverage available. Water is unavailable during the winter months.

About La Barge Guard Station

Step back in time at La Barge Guard Station, where the spirit of the 1930s wilderness rangers lives on in this lovingly preserved CCC cabin. Nestled deep within Bridger-Teton National Forest, this rustic mountain retreat offers modern adventurers an authentic backcountry experience. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear streams, exploring wildflower-dotted trails, or carving fresh tracks through powder snow, La Barge provides the perfect basecamp. Four-legged companions and equestrian friends are welcome to join your wilderness escape, though you'll want to pack thoughtfully—this off-grid gem trades modern conveniences for the raw beauty of untouched nature.

The La Barge Guard Station is a single rental cabin designed for group accommodations, available year-round.

Historical SignificanceIn 1933, young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps arrived in this remote meadow with a mission: build a shelter that would serve generations of forest guardians. Their handcrafted cabin stands today as a testament to Depression-era ingenuity and the enduring legacy of America's conservation movement. Every weathered log and carefully fitted stone tells the story of backcountry forestry's golden age, when rangers on horseback protected these wild lands.

Weather and SeasonsExperience La Barge's dramatic seasonal transformations throughout the year. Summer unveils a kaleidoscope of alpine wildflowers beneath brilliant blue skies, with comfortable days perfect for exploration (though wise visitors pack bug spray for the mosquito welcoming committee). When winter wraps the meadow in a pristine white blanket, temperatures plunge and the landscape becomes a wonderland for snowmobilers and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. The cabin has weathered countless seasons since 1933, from powder-perfect winters with substantial snowfall to sun-drenched summers that paint the meadows in technicolor blooms.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,500 feet above sea level, where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every sunrise feels like nature's grand performance.

Natural Features and SceneryLa Barge Meadow unfolds like nature's own amphitheater, with the historic cabin as your front-row seat to one of Wyoming's most spectacular shows. Summer transforms the meadow into a botanical wonderland, where Indian paintbrush, lupine, and countless other wildflowers create a living tapestry. The pine-cloaked slopes of Commissary Ridge rise protectively around the meadow, their evergreen sentinels standing watch. Keep your camera ready—majestic moose browse the willows at dawn, bugling elk announce autumn's arrival, and golden eagles patrol the thermals overhead. As part of the legendary Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, this pristine pocket of wilderness offers intimate encounters with the American West's most iconic wildlife.

Geological RegionDiscover your own private corner of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem at La Barge Meadow, a hidden gem cradled at the base of pine-covered Commissary Ridge. This secluded valley within Bridger-Teton National Forest represents millions of years of geological artistry, where ancient volcanic activity and patient glacial sculpting created today's dramatic landscape. Here, in one of the last intact temperate ecosystems on Earth, pristine meadows meet coniferous forests in a timeless dance that has captivated visitors since the first forest rangers called this place home.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 7 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sleeps six people on three bunkbeds with mattresses.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin located at the end of an access road.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not mentioned; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations. Late fees apply starting midnight 14 calendar days before check-in for cabins.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited due to the rustic nature of the cabin and surrounding terrain. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for access, and winter access is by snowmobile only.

Site SizeThe cabin is a single lodging facility with no additional individual campsites.

PrivacyPrivacy is high due to the remote location and isolated nature of the cabin. The setting in La Barge Meadow offers expansive views with few disturbances from nearby campers.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring mosquito repellent during summer and adequate water during winter. Use high clearance vehicles for access. Prepare for no electricity or linens.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

La Barge Guard Station offers a diverse set of activities that cater to both summer and winter outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and fishing are popular options, with trails like Wagner Pass Trail providing scenic routes. Winter activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with species like moose, elk, and eagles frequently spotted.

HikingThe Wagner Pass Trail begins behind the cabin, offering scenic hiking opportunities. "The 2 trailheads down the road toward La Barge are worth hiking and we didn't see another soul," noted user Lori S. Difficulty levels vary, and trails are also used for horseback riding.

FishingLa Barge Creek provides pleasant opportunities for trout fishing. "We had the trip of a lifetime," wrote Blaine F., mentioning streams and springs along the way.

BikingMountain biking trails are accessible during summer months, offering varied terrain and scenic routes.

Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting is a highlight at La Barge Guard Station. Moose, elk, eagles, and sandhill cranes are commonly seen. "Lots of wildlife, springs and streams everywhere," wrote Blaine F.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears frequent the area; follow bear safety protocols. Poisonous chemicals are used to control rodents inside the cabin. Roads are rocky and rutted; high clearance vehicles recommended.

Active AlertsNo cell phone coverage available. Water is unavailable during the winter months.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFirewood may be available as a courtesy but is not guaranteed; ensure local collection or bring from nearby sources.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Kemmerer, WY.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no official trash or recycling service. Guests are required to pack out all trash and dispose of it responsibly.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to La Barge Creek, offering trout fishing.

Camp HostUSFS-managed; communication with the ranger station in Kemmerer is consistently reviewed as good.

Weather at La Barge Guard Station

Reviews

4.1

20 reviews

Satisfactory

La Barge Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is generally positive, with many praising the beauty of the location and the historic charm of the cabin. Some complaints exist regarding amenities like firewood availability and mosquito presence.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned include the stunning scenic setting, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for hiking and winter sports. "The cabin is always in great shape," noted Matt L....

Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of guaranteed firewood, absence of drinking water during winter, and issues with the propane heater. Mosquitoes were particularly problematic during certain...

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should bring mosquito repellent, high-clearance vehicles for access, and firewood if needed. "Come prepared for the mosquitos you will find it the perfect place," advises Lori S.

Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews highlight seasonal challenges, such as rocky roads during summer and snowmobile-only access in winter. Mosquitoes are described as a major issue during warmer months, while winter sports...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The wildflowers were like walking through a Monet painting," wrote Lori S. "The beds are comfortable, the cabin is always in great shape," noted Matt L. "Bears frequent the area; be aware of bear...

Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Numerous reviews describe the cabin positively, with details about amenities and challenges. "The propane furnace is a godsend in cold weather," wrote Vernon D. Cole.

Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is described as challenging due to the remote location and rough roads. "It took nearly 3 hours to get to the cabin from Alpine as the unpaved road is quite rough," noted Jennifer U.

Based on 20 reviews