Malad Summit Guard Station
4.2717 reviews4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA
Malad Summit Guard Station
$60.00 - $60.00 / 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
Peak season cabin rate is $60 per night. Additional service fees may apply for reservation through Recreation.gov or contact center.
About this campground
Escape to the tranquil heights of Malad Summit Guard Station, where a charming one-room cabin awaits adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Nestled 14 miles north of Malad, Idaho, this rustic hideaway sits peacefully within the breathtaking Mill Creek Drainage, offering visitors a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in Idaho's pristine high country. Whether you're drawn by summer wildflowers or winter's snowy embrace, this historic cabin provides a cozy basecamp for year-round exploration and solitude.
Malad Summit Guard Station offers a single-room cabin as its primary accommodation type, suitable for small groups or families. The cabin provides basic facilities and is available year-round, with winter access requiring additional preparation.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time when you cross the threshold of this 1934 cabin, a testament to the enduring legacy of America's forest guardians. While the original guard station dates to 1908, the current structure has sheltered forest rangers for nearly a century, standing as a rustic monument to the dedicated individuals who once watched over these wild lands. Every weathered board and hand-hewn beam tells a story of solitary vigils, forest fires spotted, and countless seasons passed in service to the wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Idaho's mountain climate, where crystal-clear skies frame your days and crisp, clean air fills your lungs. Late summer and early fall bring perfect conditions with comfortable temperatures hovering between 46°F and 66°F—ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. As winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, the cabin becomes a magical retreat accessible by snowshoe or ski, offering adventurous souls a true backcountry experience. The region's characteristically dry air means you'll enjoy stunning visibility and star-filled nights throughout your stay.
ElevationPerched at an invigorating 6,000 feet above sea level, the guard station offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air is crisp but not thin, and views stretch endlessly across forested ridges and valleys. This elevation places you in the heart of Idaho's high country, where alpine meadows meet dense forests and the landscape shifts dramatically with each season's passing.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your own private paradise where deciduous groves blend seamlessly with towering conifers, creating a diverse forest tapestry that changes color with the seasons. The melodic murmur of nearby Mill Creek provides a constant soundtrack to your mountain escape, while the surrounding wilderness serves as a living gallery of Idaho's most magnificent wildlife. Keep your camera ready for encounters with majestic elk, curious moose, graceful mule deer, and even the occasional glimpse of roaming bison or black bears—all from the safety and comfort of your historic cabin sanctuary.
Geological RegionThe Mill Creek Drainage cradles this mountain refuge in a remarkable geological setting where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling ridges and deep valleys. At 6,000 feet, you'll find yourself in a unique ecological zone where deciduous aspens dance alongside sturdy evergreens, creating a diverse forest ecosystem that shifts and changes with elevation. This dynamic environment, carved by millennia of water and weather, offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery in one of Idaho's most scenic mountain regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site includes a concrete ADA vault toilet, but access to the cabin in winter may require skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling due to snow-covered pathways.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates six people on bunkbeds and folding cots.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to occasional intrusions from ATV riders and other visitors, despite being located on fenced acreage.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring water and essential supplies during winter months. Lock the gate to prevent unauthorized access.
Best CampsitesCabin 01 is the single available rental site.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Cabin can accommodate up to six people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin surrounded by fenced acreage.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; water shut off late September through May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; reservations required through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of scheduled arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiting the first night's fees for cancellations 14 days or fewer before check-in. No-show reservations incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fees.
Accomodation available
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
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Malad Summit Guard Station offers diverse recreational opportunities for guests, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also available. The site's proximity to Mill Creek and forest trails enhances its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Numerous trails in the surrounding area are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Trails also accommodate off-road vehicles.Fishing
Fishing is available in Mill Creek, where anglers can catch small brook trout.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible from the cabin, offering varied terrain for different skill levels.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions, and pronghorn. Wildlife sightings are a highlight of the camping experience.Winter Activities
Activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular during the winter season.Water Sports
The campground does not mention any non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted only in designated campfire rings. Ensure proper extinguishing using water (bring your own in winter).
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential exposure to hantavirus. Wildlife hazards include bears, mountain lions, and wolves. Snow and icy conditions during winter.
Active alertsNo current alerts listed.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 16.6 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
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
Contact Westside Ranger District at 208-236-7500 for immediate assistance. Closest hospital and emergency services likely in Malad or Pocatello.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingGuests are responsible for packing out all trash, as garbage bags and trash pickup are not provided on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Mill Creek, which allows fishing for brook trout.
Common complaintsUsers note limited amenities in winter, inconsistent heating, lack of water during winter months, and the need to shovel snow to access the cabin.
HostCaretaker Ric is noted to be helpful based on user reviews.
Campground Map
4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID 83204, USA
Driving directionsOn I-15, take Exit 22 (Devil Creek Reservoir). Go north on N. Old Highway 191 for 3.5 miles. Turn left on E11000N/Forest Road 041 and cross over the interstate, drive 1.3 miles. At the bend, keep right and continue on Forest Road 041 road for another mile. At the forest boundary, there will be a Malad Summit Cabin sign and entrance gate. The cabin is located a few hundred feet past the entrance gate. Call the Westside Ranger District for winter parking instructions and access at 208-236-7500.
Accessible by car when there is no snow. In snowy conditions, guests need to ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile half a mile from the plowed road. Call the Westside Ranger District for winter parking instructions.Nearby places
Malad (11 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Pocatello (approximately 14 miles north).
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies available in Malad and Pocatello. Bring water and essential items during winter months.
Camper Reviews
4.3
17 reviews
Malad Summit Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the rustic charm, peaceful surroundings, and the unique wildlife experiences offered at Malad Summit Guard Station. While some guests praise the comfortable cabin, cleanliness, and overall value for money, others note issues with missing amenities, poor firewood supply, and occasional visitor intrusions.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include clean and functional vault toilets, well-maintained bunk beds, consistent electrical outlets and heating systems, and the tranquility of the secluded location.
Based on 17 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the removal of long-standing amenities, poor firewood supply, spotty cell service, and the need for winter visitors to navigate snowy pathways to access the cabin.
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing extra water during winter months, locking the gate to avoid visitor intrusion, and packing additional cleaning supplies and firewood.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter visitors often mention the challenge of accessing the cabin due to snow, while summer guests appreciate the surrounding trails and wildlife sightings. Seasonal water availability significantly...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Great cabin, lots of space, it was clean, nice beds, and a great big table." - Daniel B
2. "The cabin is in bad shape. It has not seen paint in many years. The screens are broken, doors stick,...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews are consistently focused on site 01, Loop MSGS, praising the tranquil location and functional facilities while noting some maintenance issues.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews emphasize the challenges posed by snowy conditions during winter, requiring alternative modes of transportation. However, the ADA-compliant vault toilet is appreciated.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but guests are required to clean up after them and ensure no wildlife disruption. Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policy.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025