How much does camping cost at Third Fork Cabin?

Camping fees at Third Fork Cabin range from $20-$80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Third Fork Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Third Fork Cabin 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 Third Fork Cabin before I book?

Yes! Third Fork Cabin 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 Third Fork Cabin?

Third Fork Cabin is open May 23 - October 11.. 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 Third Fork Cabin?

Yes, Third Fork Cabin has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Third Fork Cabin?

Fire policies at Third Fork Cabin: Campfires permitted in designated campfire ring and pedestal grill within the fenced yard.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Third Fork Cabin have?

Third Fork Cabin 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 Third Fork Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Third Fork Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Third Fork Cabin?

Third Fork Cabin offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Third Fork Cabin?

Popular activities at Third Fork Cabin include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Third Fork Cabin

4.35

17 reviews

BOISE

Featured in:Fishing Idaho

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,700 ft

Price

$20 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open mid-April throu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Aud & Di Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

4,700 ft

Price

$20 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open mid-April throu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on Aud & Di Campground Services Official Website

Get Directions

Third Fork Cabin

$20.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season nightly rate is $80, with an additional $20 for weekend stays. Rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-351-1182

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 17 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulclean

"User reviews for Third Fork Cabin are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.47, highlighting the cabin's cleanliness, recent renovations, and serene atmosphere. However, minor issues were noted, such as maintenance on the stove and insect screens."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

BOISE

Third Fork Cabin

BOISE

Nearby places

Ola, 17 miles north (travel time varies based on road conditions)

Boise, approximately 57 miles southwest.

Nearby supplies

Antelope Campground, located 18 miles east in the Sagehen Reservoir area, offers firewood for purchase. Additional supplies likely available in Ola or Boise.

Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, take Highway 55 north to Horseshoe Bend. Turn left on Highway 52 and drive west 9 miles to the junction at Sweet/Ola Highway (no road number), then take a slight right. Take this road north 17 miles to Ola. Make a slight left and continue north through Ola on Road 618 (Third Fork Road) to the Third Fork Cabin. This road changes from pavement to gravel a few miles north of Ola. Third Fork Cabin will be on the right-hand side of Rd. 618.

Road changes from pavement to gravel a few miles north of Ola. Directions mention a lack of signage at one fork in the road near the National Forest, which may pose navigation challenges. Road is accessible by car.

Best Time to Camp at Third Fork Cabin

Fall delivers the best conditions: mid-40s to mid-60s°F during the day, dropping to the 20s-30s°F at night. The Ponderosa pines and understory shrubs turn color, elk rut activity peaks, and bugs thin out. Trails see lighter traffic than summer, and fishing stays productive in the cooler water. Winter brings snow and transforms the area into quiet backcountry terrain. Spring and summer warm up enough for hiking and water sports, though the predominantly dry climate means fewer rainy interruptions.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through October; fall offers crisp air, colors and fewer bugs per seasonal notes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 - October 11.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-April through late October.

About Third Fork Cabin

Third Fork Cabin sits at 4,700 feet in the Boise National Forest, a renovated historic guard station that sleeps four. The cabin runs $20-$80 per night and includes a flush toilet, shower, and propane stove, though recent visitors note the pilot light can be finicky. The surrounding forest provides solid privacy, and the dirt access road requires careful navigation at unmarked forks near Ola.

Third Fork Cabin features rustic lodging with modern amenities, suitable for families or small groups. It is not suitable for tent or RV camping.

Historical Significance

The cabin started as Forest Service Station 10 in 1906, renamed Third Fork two years later. The Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt it in 1933 using hand-hewn beams and fitted stone. The exterior remains largely unchanged from that 1930s construction. Recent renovations updated the interior while preserving the original craftsmanship.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: mid-40s to mid-60s°F during the day, dropping to the 20s-30s°F at night. The Ponderosa pines and understory shrubs turn color, elk rut activity peaks, and bugs thin out. Trails see lighter traffic than summer, and fishing stays productive in the cooler water. Winter brings snow and transforms the area into quiet backcountry terrain. Spring and summer warm up enough for hiking and water sports, though the predominantly dry climate means fewer rainy interruptions.

ElevationPerched at 4,700 feet where the air grows thin and pure, Third Fork Cabin offers a true mountain refuge. This sweet spot elevation delivers refreshingly cool summer nights perfect for stargazing and crisp mornings that call for a second cup of coffee on the porch. The altitude creates a unique ecological crossroads where lowland and alpine species mingle, offering visitors an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal life found nowhere else.

Natural Features and SceneryOld-growth Ponderosa pines surround the cabin, rooted in soil where volcanic basalt meets ancient granite. The steep canyon walls and rock outcroppings show millions of years of geological layering. Nearby streams cut through both volcanic and granitic formations, creating habitat for native trout. Elk and deer move through the forest regularly, visible from the cabin windows at dawn and dusk. The elevation keeps the air cool and the forest dense with conifers and scattered hardwoods that turn vibrant in fall.

Geological RegionThis dramatic landscape reads like pages from Earth's history book. Volcanic basalt flows meet ancient granite intrusions, creating a geological tapestry that has shaped everything from the steep canyon walls to the fertile pockets where wildflowers bloom. Old-growth Ponderosa pines sink their roots deep into soil built over millennia, while nearby streams have carved their paths through both volcanic and granitic rock, creating the perfect habitat for native fish species. It's a living classroom where every rock formation and forest grove tells the story of millions of years of natural forces at work.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in time: 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Official check-out time: Check-out by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sleeps up to four people in the cabin.

Groups

:No group camping facilities are specified
the cabin is primarily designed for small groups or families.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe cabin includes a fenced yard with propane appliances, picnic furniture, and fire ring. The bunkhouse sits separately and adds overflow sleeping space. The layout feels spacious for the four-person capacity, with enough room to spread out between the two structures.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable; cabin reservations must be made in advance through Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime prior to the scheduled arrival. Refunds are issued minus applicable fees: $10 cancellation fee, reservation fees, and change fees. Late cancellations incur additional penalties: first night's recreational use fee is forfeited if canceled within 14 days of arrival.

AccessibilityUser reviews noted that the cabin is handicap-friendly, with ramps at the entrances and a handicap-accessible shower.

Site SizeThe cabin and fenced yard are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the listed occupancy of four people.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a secluded area surrounded by forested landscapes, providing privacy and a serene atmosphere.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring bug spray and backup potable water. Verify the stove's pilot function regularly. Prepare for navigation challenges on gravel roads.

Need help booking Third Fork Cabin?

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

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Third Fork Cabin include fishing in the adjacent Squaw Creek, wildlife viewing, and big game hunting. Nearby Sagehen Reservoir offers additional activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle trails.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential wildlife hazards include bears and moose. Bug infestations are noted by reviewers, such as gnats entering through screen gaps.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in designated campfire ring and pedestal grill within the fenced yard.

Emergency ServicesEmmett Ranger District at (208) 365-7000; additional emergency services in Boise.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack out their trash, and no dedicated recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Squaw Creek, offering fishing opportunities. Small mountain streams nearby.

Camp HostCamp host available at Antelope Campground, 18 miles east.

Weather at Third Fork Cabin

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

17 reviews

Recommended

Third Fork Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Third Fork Cabin are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment of 4.47, highlighting the cabin's cleanliness, recent renovations, and serene atmosphere. However, minor issues were noted, such as maintenance on the stove and insect screens.

Review Summaries

Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

Renovations were frequently praised, with users describing the cabin as 'clean' and 'functional.' The bunkhouse and main cabin upgrades were especially appreciated. Wildlife sightings and overall...

Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some guests mentioned maintenance issues, such as gaps in window screens that allowed insects to enter, a leaking shower, and a stove with pilot light issues. The dirt road leading to the cabin was...

Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra batteries, bug spray, and backup drinking water. Visitors also highlighted the need for careful navigation as the cabin can be hard to locate, especially at a junction...

Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews were generally favorable during the open season (mid-April to late October), with no significant differences noted across months. Summer months were noted for bug activity, prompting many...

Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The wildlife was amazing. There were frequent horse and cow visits as well as hummingbirds that drank out of the hummingbird feeder.' – Moss Kweeto - 'Nice clean cabin. There are dozens of cows...

Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews were primarily focused on the cabin itself, as it is the sole camping accommodation. Guests consistently praised the cleanliness and seclusion of the site.

Based on 17 reviews