Diamond Creek Guard Station
3.7110 reviews322 North 4th Street, Montpelier, ID 83254, USA
Diamond Creek Guard Station
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Nightly rate for the cabin is $35 during peak season (May 1 to November 30, 2025). Additional reservation fees may apply: $8 online, $9 through contact center, and $3 in person. Discounts may apply for eligible Interagency Pass holders.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Diamond Creek Guard Station offers an authentic mountain retreat where towering peaks frame your doorstep and wild inhabitants roam freely through ancient corridors. This rustic cabin invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Idaho's high country.
Diamond Creek Guard Station is designed as a cabin rental rather than a traditional campground. It offers minimal facilities and requires guests to bring provisions. The cabin is accessible by car during warmer months and by snowmobile in winter.
Historical SignificanceBorn from the spirit of winter adventure in the early 1990s, this humble structure first served as a warming sanctuary for snowmobilers traversing the frozen wilderness. Today, Diamond Creek Guard Station stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between humans and these wild mountains, offering modern explorers the same shelter and respite it has provided for over three decades.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with crystalline skies and dry mountain air during peak season, Diamond Creek reveals its most spectacular face when summer sunshine bathes the meadows in golden light. Winter transforms this landscape into a pristine wonderland, though snow often guards the access roads jealously from late fall through early spring, creating an exclusive sanctuary for those willing to venture forth on skis or snowmobile.
ElevationPerched at 6,900 feet where the air grows thin and pure, the cabin offers a natural air conditioning system courtesy of Mother Nature herself. From this lofty vantage point, visitors witness dramatic weather patterns sweep across the peaks while enjoying temperatures that provide sweet relief from summer's heat and crisp, invigorating mornings that awaken the senses.
Natural Features and SceneryDiamond Creek Guard Station rests like a jewel in an alpine meadow, cradled between the dramatic peaks of Dry Ridge and the Webster sub-range. Here, at 6,900 feet, you'll share the landscape with an impressive cast of wildlife characters - from the mighty grizzly and elusive mountain lion to herds of elk bugling across the valleys. Black bears forage through berry patches while wolves sing their ancient songs, and lucky visitors might glimpse moose wading through wetlands or bison grazing in distant meadows.
Geological RegionSet within southeastern Idaho's dramatic high country, the cabin occupies a pristine meadow where stands of quaking aspen shimmer like nature's wind chimes alongside stalwart lodgepole pines. The surrounding peaks of Dry Ridge and the Webster sub-range create a natural amphitheater at 6,900 feet, where geological forces have sculpted a landscape of breathtaking beauty over millions of years, leaving behind a wilderness playground that captures the imagination and soothes the soul.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 15 people, but specifics on RV or tent site sizes are not detailed.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is described as being away from the road with no dust or noise from passing trucks, suggesting a level of seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring cleaning supplies, water, bedding, cookware, and kitchen utensils. Consider arrival early in the season to avoid flies or late spring for better road conditions.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself serves as the sole campsite.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out time not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity is 15 people.
Groups
The cabin accommodates up to 15 people, making it suitable for group stays.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin surrounded by meadow.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1, 2025. Peak season ends November 30, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up/first-come-first-served availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days prior to arrival) will forfeit the first night's fee and incur a $10 fee. No refunds are given after check-in date begins.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Diamond Creek Guard Station offers recreational activities that vary across seasons. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and ATV riding, while winter presents opportunities for snowmobiling and skiing. Official sources highlight the Bear Canyon OHV Trail, fishing in nearby Diamond Creek, and hunting opportunities. User reviews also emphasize ATV trails, outdoor games, and the cabin's suitability for stargazing and movie nights.
Hiking
The Bear Canyon OHV Trail is about two miles north of the guard station and accommodates hikers. Official sources mention, 'Hikers and mountain bikers will also find trails nearby.'Fishing
Anglers can fish in nearby Diamond Creek. The official source states, 'Anglers can fish in nearby Diamond Creek,' though no further details on fish types or fishing conditions are provided.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible nearby. The official source states, 'Mountain bikers will also find trails nearby.'Wildlife viewing
The area features diverse wildlife including black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and pronghorn. Official sources describe, 'Wildlife in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest includes black bears, wolves, ... mule deer, bison, grizzly bears.'Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling and skiing. Official sources state, 'The area surrounding the cabin is a playground for snowmobilers and skiers in the winter months.'Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests are advised to obtain firewood locally to prevent the spread of pests. Firewood is available on site but limited.
- Quiet hours are No explicit mention of quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsRisk of exposure to hantavirus in remote cabins. Wildlife hazards include black bears and grizzly bears.
Active alertsSnow conditions can affect accessibility in fall, winter, and spring.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Montpelier Ranger District Office, 322 North 4th Street, Montpelier, ID 83254, Phone: 208-847-0375.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - November 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out their own trash. Official sources clearly state, 'Guests should bring garbage bags to pack out their trash.' User reviews also mention issues with accumulated trash left by previous occupants, such as 'We carried out about three times as much trash from others as ourselves.'
Proximity to water featuresDiamond Creek is nearby, providing opportunities for fishing.
Common complaintsMultiple reviews mentioned issues with flies inside the cabin, dirty vault toilets, and trash left by prior occupants.
HostGuests should contact the Montpelier Ranger District Office at least 4 days prior to confirm the cabin’s security combination.
Campground Map
322 North 4th Street, Montpelier, ID 83254, USA
Driving directionsFrom Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 12 miles to the China Hat turnoff (Blackfoot River Narrows). This road will follow Blackfoot River for another 11 miles to a junction; there is a Forest Service sign at this point. Take the right fork (Caribou National Forest Road 102) southeast for another 12 miles to the guard station. The road will turn into Diamond Creek Road. The guard station is about 1 mile south of the Johnson Guard Station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.
The cabin is accessible by car during warmer months. In winter, access requires a snowmobile. Snow conditions may affect accessibility in fall, winter, and spring. The road turns into Diamond Creek Road, and guests may need traction boards or recovery gear during late spring snowmelt.Nearby places
Soda Springs, ID (30 miles/approximately 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Montpelier, ID offers supplies. Guests are required to bring water, bedding, cookware, and cleaning supplies as none are provided at the cabin.
Camper Reviews
3.7
10 reviews
Diamond Creek Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed user experiences highlight the pros and cons of staying at Diamond Creek Guard Station. Positive reviews praise the location, quietness, outdoor space, and available amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits. Negative reviews focus on insect infestations, cleanliness issues, and inadequate maintenance of facilities like screens and fly traps.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the clean restrooms, spacious outdoor areas, picnic tables, fire pits, and availability of pre-cut wood for fires. Some reviews mentioned enjoying activities like outdoor movie...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Recurring complaints include fly infestations, dirty toilets, trash left by previous occupants, and insufficient firewood. Specific feedback includes, 'Lots of flies ... the screens were not quite...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest bringing extra cleaning supplies for windows, screens, and floors, as well as planning visits earlier in the season to avoid flies. Recommendations also include packing items like glass...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight the cabin's suitability for snowmobiling and skiing but emphasize the need for snowshoes or other gear due to heavy snowdrifts. Summer reviews focus on ATV trails, privacy,...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Nice clean restroom with TP, cabin was clean.' - Wendy Hanger
2. 'So much house-fly discharge on the window that you can't see through it.' - TRAVIS O
3. 'Location wood and outdoor stuff is...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback for Diamond Creek Guard Station includes positive notes on its secluded location, spacious outdoor areas, and quality amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. Negative...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
There are no explicit reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or authoritative sources address pet policies or pet owner experiences at this campground.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025