Pebble Guard Station
3.3314 reviews4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID, 83204, USA
Pebble 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
The nightly fee for reserving the cabin is $60. Additional charges may apply for reservation fees and taxes. Discounts for eligible Interagency pass holders only apply to the recreation use fee.
About this campground
Escape to Pebble Guard Station, where history meets wilderness in the heart of Caribou-Targhee National Forest. This charming 1908 cabin, nestled at the base of majestic Bonneville Peak, invites you to experience the authentic spirit of the American West. Whether you're tracking elk through pristine meadows, casting a line in crystal-clear streams, or carving fresh tracks through powder snow, this secluded mountain retreat promises adventure in every season. With room for six guests and the warmth of a crackling wood stove, Pebble Guard Station transforms from a summer basecamp for hikers to a cozy winter haven for snowmobilers seeking solitude among the peaks.
This campground features a rustic cabin and options for RV parking. Primitive camping options are limited due to terrain.
Historical SignificanceStep through the doorway of Pebble Guard Station and enter a living piece of Forest Service history. First established in 1908 when rangers patrolled these mountains on horseback, this outpost has watched over the wilderness for more than a century. The current cabin, lovingly crafted in 1933 during the Great Depression, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of America's conservation movement. Each weathered log and hand-hewn beam tells the story of generations of forest guardians who called this remote station home.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of seasons at Pebble Guard Station, where each turn of the calendar brings new adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowmobiler's paradise, with moderate snowfall creating perfect conditions for backcountry exploration amid crisp, freezing temperatures. As spring melts into summer, warm days and cool mountain nights create ideal conditions for hiking ancient trails and sleeping under star-filled skies. The dry mountain air keeps you comfortable whether you're conquering peaks or relaxing on the cabin porch, watching clouds drift across the Portneuf Range.
ElevationPerched at 6,320 feet where the air grows thin and the views stretch forever, Pebble Guard Station offers a true high-country experience. This elevation brings refreshingly cool summer temperatures and breathtaking panoramic vistas that reveal the raw beauty of the Portneuf Range. Winter visitors should prepare for the realities of mountain access, as snow conditions can transform the approach into an adventure of its own, rewarding the intrepid with pristine wilderness solitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Pebble Basin's foothills, where emerald meadows give way to towering pines and rugged peaks pierce the sky. From your cabin door at 6,320 feet, witness nature's grand theater unfold as morning mist rises from verdant valleys and afternoon light paints Bonneville Peak in shades of gold. This is prime wildlife territory, where lucky visitors might spot majestic elk grazing in alpine meadows, mule deer picking their way through forest glades, or catch a glimpse of elusive cougars and black bears. The haunting call of coyotes at dusk reminds you that this landscape remains wonderfully wild.
Geological RegionDiscover the geological wonders of Bonneville Peak's dramatic landscape, where ancient forces sculpted the Portneuf Range into a playground of peaks and valleys. From the cabin's strategic position in Pebble Basin's foothills, gaze upward into the high country where exposed rock faces tell stories written millions of years ago. Dense pine forests cloak the lower slopes in a verdant tapestry, while above the treeline, raw stone and sky create vistas that inspire both humility and wonder. This unique position offers intimate views of the mountain's personality as weather and light transform its character throughout the day.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWinter access requires snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes along a 6-mile groomed trail. The cabin is not wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeLimited space for auxiliary tents. Destiny Eisley noted: 'There were limited flat places to set up auxiliary tents, though we made do.'
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, surrounded by four fenced acres and high mountain vistas.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sleeping pads for bunk beds, firewood for heating, and extra water during winter months when cabin water is unavailable.
Best CampsitesThere is only one cabin available for use; no individual campsites exist.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in instructions provided post-reservation with access code.
Check-out
Check-out instructions provided post-reservation.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights during any visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to six people allowed in the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe station is set within a fenced four-acre property with the cabin and associated outdoor amenities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Winter season requires access via snowmobile or snowshoes due to road closures from November 15 to May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCabin does not offer walk-up availability. Reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled prior to check-in with a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeit of the first night's fee if within 14 days of arrival. Late cancellations or no-shows will incur additional penalties.
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
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pebble Guard Station offers year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and winter sports like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Hiking
Nearby trails are available for hiking and mountain biking. Tom S stated: 'It is close to some awesome trailheads.'Fishing
Fishing is available at a nearby beaver pond. Destiny Eisley noted it as one of the recreational highlights.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available in the vicinity.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as mule deer, elk, cougars, coyotes, and black bears can be spotted. Krista M noted: 'There were plenty of wildflowers blooming and tons of birds if you are into birding.'Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Outdoor campfire rings available. Fires must be fully extinguished before leaving.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated; likely aligns with general forest regulations.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential exposure to hantavirus in remote cabins. Wildlife such as black bears and cougars pose risks, requiring proper safety measures. Winter travel may involve challenging terrain and snow accumulation.
Active alertsPropane heater in the cabin is non-functional, requiring guests to bring their own firewood for heating. Winter access necessitates snowmobile or snowshoe travel.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Westside Ranger District office (contact for seasonal snow conditions), general emergency services in Pocatello (approximately 40 miles southwest).
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31 (Cabin availability varies with road access).
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to clean the cabin and pack out all trash. No garbage bags or cleaning supplies are provided.
Proximity to water featuresPebble Creek flows near the cabin. Access is difficult due to dense willows and soft ground but easier near Big Springs Campground.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include cleanliness issues, malfunctioning propane appliances, and uncomfortable bedding. Some reviewers noted dead mice and bug infestations.
HostManaged by Pinnacle Parks LLC under special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Contact: 208-757-3999 (8 AM - 9 PM).
Campground Map
4350 CLIFFS DRIVE, POCATELLO, ID, 83204, USA
Driving directionsPebble Guard Station is located about 16 miles north of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Just east of Lava Hot Springs, look for the 'Pebble Area' sign and turn left (north) onto Blaser Highway/Old Highway 30. Go north on the paved highway for 9 miles to Pebble Creek Road (known locally as Mike's Place or Whiskey Mike's). Turn left (west), across railroad tracks on gravel Forest Road 036. Travel 6.5 miles to the guard station. (This road is closed on November 15th of each year.) Big Springs Campground is 1/2-mile beyond the cabin.
The access road, Pebble Road (FS #036), is gravel and closed after November 15 each year, requiring winter guests to travel approximately 6 miles on a groomed trail via snowmobile, skis, snowshoes, or trekking. Non-winter access is via standard roadways but includes unpaved stretches.Nearby places
Lava Hot Springs (16 miles north), Pocatello (approximately 40 miles southwest)
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies can be found in Lava Hot Springs, 16 miles south of the guard station.
Camper Reviews
3.3
14 reviews
Pebble Guard Station has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide mixed sentiments about Pebble Guard Station. While some praise its secluded location, scenic beauty, and functional amenities, others highlight problems with cleanliness, propane appliances, and road access.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include beautiful surroundings, abundant wildlife, a functional shower, and a clean vault toilet. Lindsey Hunt shared: 'The forest service does a great job at keeping the cabin and...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include malfunctioning propane appliances, cleanliness issues, and road access difficulties. Crysta PoVey stated: 'Pretty filthy, propane heater didn't work, the smell was horrendous with...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include bringing a sleeping pad for bunk beds, extra water for extinguishing campfires in winter, and lanterns for light at night.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight accessibility challenges and cleanliness issues, while summer reviews focus on enjoyable outdoor activities and wildlife sightings.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. Destiny Eisley: 'The cabin itself was lovely. No electricity, but running water: deep kitchen sink and SHOWER!'
2. Lindsey Hunt: 'We saw tons of wildlife!'
3. Krista M: 'There are lots of flying...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 01 feedback varies from glowing praise to significant concerns. Dan K stated: 'The cabin was great. Everything was working properly and it was clean.' In contrast, Travis C reported: 'Spent one...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility challenges arise in winter due to the 6-mile trek. Crysta PoVey commented on a snowshoe trip but noted poor cabin cleanliness.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but guests must clean up after them and ensure they don't damage furniture. Krista M appreciated this policy, saying: 'I had a great stay at the Guard Station this past week, just...
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Last updated August 10, 2025