Jack Creek Guard Station

5 reviews

P.O. BOX 249, 2171 S. HIGHWAY 130, SARATOGA, WY 82331, USA

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$50 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The station is open ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,500 ft

Price

$50 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

The station is open ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Jack Creek Guard Station

$50.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin nonelectric rates are $80 per night during the peak season, as listed for reservations starting mid-June through October. Other documentation...

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

http://www.fs.usda.gov/mbr

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

"The Jack Creek Guard Station receives praise for its historical charm and comfortable, rustic accommodations. However, some users note the lack of modern amenities like plumbing as a downside."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

P.O. BOX 249, 2171 S. HIGHWAY 130, SARATOGA, WY 82331, USA

Jack Creek Guard Station

P.O. BOX 249, 2171 S. HIGHWAY 130, SARATOGA, WY 82331, USA

Driving directionsFrom Saratoga, travel west on County Road 500 approximately 16 miles to junction with County Road 405. Stay left and travel 3 miles to the forest boundary. The road changes to Forest Service Road 452. Travel on Forest Service Road 452 for 6.5 miles to Jack Creek Campground and the guard station. From Encampment, take State Highway 70 west for 7 miles and turn onto Forest Service Road 443 for approximately 15 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 452. From there, go west for approximately 8 miles to Jack Creek Campground and the guard station.

The station is accessible by vehicle from mid-June through October, weather permitting. Roads include paved and unpaved stretches, with potential changes at the forest boundary.

Nearby places

Saratoga (16 miles, approximately 30 minutes)

Encampment (15 miles from FS Road 443, approximately 25 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Saratoga, Wyoming.

Best Time to Camp at Jack Creek Guard Station

At 8,500 feet, Jack Creek Guard Station dances with the mountain weather's ever-changing moods. Summer days unfold with crystalline morning skies and pleasantly mild temperatures, perfect for exploration. Come afternoon, dramatic thunderheads often roll across the peaks, bringing brief but spectacular storms that clear to reveal rainbow-kissed vistas. Even in warmer months, the high altitude keeps evenings refreshingly cool—ideal for stargazing from the cabin porch. Be prepared for nature's surprises: late-season snowflakes occasionally dust the landscape well into spring, reminding visitors they've entered the high country's unpredictable realm.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers mild temps, accessible roads and available water; peak season noted June–Oct.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Aspens turn 'liquid gold' in fall; scenic and recommended for foliage viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Typically snow-bound/roads impassable before mid-June opening; limited spring access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Guard station is closed in winter; open mid-June through October only.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 19, 2025 - October 24, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The station is open for reservations from mid-June through October, weather permitting.

About Jack Creek Guard Station

Step back in time at Jack Creek Guard Station, where the whispers of forest rangers past still echo through the lodgepole pines. This charming 1934 cabin, nestled deep in the Sierra Madre wilderness of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, invites up to four adventurers to experience authentic mountain solitude. More than just a place to rest your head, this National Register of Historic Places gem offers a rare chance to live like the early forest guardians who once called these rugged peaks home. With essential amenities thoughtfully provided for your self-sufficient mountain retreat, you'll find the perfect balance between rustic charm and comfortable adventure.

The Jack Creek Guard Station exclusively offers a historic cabin for rent, accommodating up to four individuals. It does not allow for tent, RV, or group camping.

Historical SignificanceIn 1934, Ranger Evie Williams hammered the final nail into what would become a lasting monument to forest stewardship. Serving as the northern outpost for the Encampment Ranger District, this humble cabin witnessed decades of dedication to protecting Wyoming's wild places. Rangers once set out from this very doorstep to patrol vast wilderness territories, their boots wearing paths that modern hikers still follow today. Now preserved on the National Register of Historic Places, Jack Creek Guard Station stands as a tangible link to the golden age of forest conservation, inviting guests to become part of its continuing story.

Weather and SeasonsAt 8,500 feet, Jack Creek Guard Station dances with the mountain weather's ever-changing moods. Summer days unfold with crystalline morning skies and pleasantly mild temperatures, perfect for exploration. Come afternoon, dramatic thunderheads often roll across the peaks, bringing brief but spectacular storms that clear to reveal rainbow-kissed vistas. Even in warmer months, the high altitude keeps evenings refreshingly cool—ideal for stargazing from the cabin porch. Be prepared for nature's surprises: late-season snowflakes occasionally dust the landscape well into spring, reminding visitors they've entered the high country's unpredictable realm.

ElevationPerched at 8,500 feet where the air grows thin and the views grow infinite, Jack Creek Guard Station offers a true high-altitude experience. Here, the atmosphere contains noticeably less oxygen than at sea level, creating that distinctive mountain lightness that seasoned adventurers cherish. First-time high-elevation visitors should take it easy on arrival, allowing their bodies to adjust to the altitude. The reward for this adjustment? Crisp, pure air that carries the scent of pine resin and wildflowers, temperatures that remain refreshingly cool even in summer's peak, and night skies so clear you'll swear you can touch the stars.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to find your cabin floating like an island in a sea of emerald forest. Jack Creek Guard Station rests in a sun-dappled clearing where towering lodgepole pines stand sentinel alongside shimmering aspens that turn to liquid gold each fall. The surrounding mixed conifer forest creates a living tapestry at 8,500 feet, where subalpine fir mingles with spruce in nature's perfect arrangement. This pristine habitat serves as a crossroads for the region's magnificent wildlife—majestic elk bugle during autumn rut, black bears forage for berries, graceful mule deer bound through meadows, and occasionally, a massive moose emerges from the willows like a prehistoric vision. The greater Medicine Bow-Routt landscape unfolds in dramatic chapters: snow-crowned peaks pierce azure skies, hidden valleys cradle pristine streams, and ancient canyons reveal geological secrets millions of years in the making.

Geological RegionJack Creek Guard Station sits at the heart of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, where ancient geological forces sculpted a landscape of breathtaking diversity. These storied mountain ranges serve as the birthplace of crystalline waters that eventually join the mighty North Platte and Colorado Rivers, nourishing distant lands far below. The surrounding forest ecosystem reflects millions of years of evolution, with lodgepole pines dominating sun-baked slopes, aspens colonizing disturbed areas with their connected root systems, and hardy subalpine firs claiming the harsh upper elevations. This is a landscape written in stone and forest, where each ridge and valley tells the story of ice ages, volcanic activity, and the patient work of wind and water carving beauty from bedrock.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin can accommodate up to four people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThis is a single-unit, one-room cabin with a nearby vault toilet, picnic table, and campfire ring. No additional campsites are on the property.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on first-come, first-served availability is not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made 14 days or more before check-in to avoid additional fees. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations may include additional fees.

AccessibilityThe facility is vehicle-accessible, with no specific accessibility features mentioned for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe cabin is designed for a maximum of four guests with its two bunk beds.

PrivacyThe guard station is situated in a clearing surrounded by lodgepole pine, aspen, and mixed conifer forest, offering a moderate level of privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests seeking solitude and a historical experience will find the Jack Creek Guard Station appealing. With only one unit available, early reservations are recommended.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at and around the Jack Creek Guard Station include fishing in nearby lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, as well as hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural scenery of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest.

HikingNumerous hiking opportunities are available in the Sierra Madre Area, including trails like the Baby Lake Trailhead, Green Mountain Trailhead, and others near the vicinity of the guard station.

FishingFishing opportunities abound in both lake/pond and river/stream settings, with locations like Jack Creek Campground and Encampment River Wilderness offering excellent options.

BikingBiking is an option in the surrounding area though specific trails or paths are not mentioned in the detailed description.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as elk, deer, bear, and moose are commonly seen in the surrounding forests, making it a prime spot for wildlife observation.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears may pose a risk. Guests are advised to properly store food and use bear-resistant containers. High-altitude conditions may affect breathing and weather can change rapidly.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in the designated campfire ring outside the cabin. Visitors must adhere to local fire restrictions and use only locally sourced or downed wood.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are in Saratoga, Wyoming, including hospitals, police stations, and ranger offices.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack in and pack out all trash as there are no garbage or recycling services available.

Water FeaturesThe Jack Creek Guard Station is near water sources including a hydrant outside the station and a hand pump at Jack Creek Campground, one mile away.

Weather at Jack Creek Guard Station

Reviews

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Jack Creek Guard Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The Jack Creek Guard Station receives praise for its historical charm and comfortable, rustic accommodations. However, some users note the lack of modern amenities like plumbing as a downside.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the historical significance of the guard station, its cozy interior, and the surrounding natural beauty. The cabin's unique features, such as the wood/propane stove and propane...

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mention that the lack of indoor plumbing and modern facilities can be inconvenient. Additionally, the unreliable cell phone service is noted as a drawback.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors should bring all necessary supplies, including bedding, food, dish soap, and trash bags. Cleaning utensils after use and packing out garbage are mandatory. Checking weather conditions and...

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The cabin is open from mid-June through October, with summer months being the most favorable due to available water and accessible roads. The area’s high elevation may lead to cooler nights even...

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice little cabin very comfortable will do again," remarked one user. However, the same review also pointed out that the nearby facilities "do need some work done with plumbing and other issues."

Based on 5 reviews