Walker Cabin
3.6513 reviews416 USFS DRIVE
Walker Cabin
$40.00 - $40.00 / 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
A nightly recreation use fee of $40 is charged for the cabin. Reservation fees apply ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in person). Additional fees include possible late cancellation or no-show penalties.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Nez Perce National Forest, Walker Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. This charming rustic cabin sits at the doorstep of the Gospel-Hump Wilderness, where solitude meets spectacular natural beauty. Here, miles from the nearest town, you'll discover a sanctuary where time slows down and nature's rhythms become your own.
Walker Cabin is a reservable facility offering rustic cabin lodging. It is suitable for small groups looking for a secluded forest experience.
Historical SignificanceStep through the weathered doorway of Walker Cabin and you're entering a piece of living history. Built in 1930 as a cherished summer retreat, this mountain hideaway served as the beloved escape for Jerry and Helen Walker before they generously gifted it to the U.S. Forest Service. Today, their legacy lives on as visitors create their own memories within these storied walls, continuing a tradition of mountain hospitality that spans nearly a century.
Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms Walker Cabin into a different world entirely. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland accessible only by snowshoe-clad adventurers and vehicles equipped with AWD or 4WD capabilities. As spring melts into summer, warm days invite exploration while cool mountain air ensures comfortable nights. Autumn arrives in a spectacular display of golden aspens and crimson maples, with crisp evenings perfect for gathering around the warmth of the cabin.
ElevationPerched at 4,500 feet above sea level, Walker Cabin occupies a sweet spot in the mountains where cool, moisture-laden air creates ideal conditions for both adventure and relaxation. This elevation brings refreshing temperatures even on summer's warmest days, while providing a front-row seat to observe the fascinating interplay between mountain ecosystems and the wildlife that calls these heights home.
Natural Features and SceneryAt 4,500 feet, Walker Cabin sits amid a tapestry of old-growth forest where towering pines and firs create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. This pristine wilderness serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife characters - majestic elk bugle across the valleys, while mule and whitetail deer graze in meadow clearings. Black bears forage for berries, elusive cougars patrol their territories, and occasionally, the magnificent silhouette of a moose or bighorn sheep rewards patient observers. The morning chorus of grouse and countless songbirds provides nature's own wake-up call.
Geological RegionWalker Cabin claims its place in the northern reaches of the legendary Gospel-Hump Wilderness, a vast expanse within the Nez Perce National Forest where moisture-rich forests create one of Idaho's most biodiverse ecosystems. This remarkable landscape, sculpted by ancient geological forces and nurtured by abundant rainfall, has evolved into a premier habitat for big game and a stunning array of plant and animal species that thrive in these moist, densely forested mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates groups of up to four people, with space for additional activities outside.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located near a main road, which makes it less private due to increased dust and occasional traffic.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests are advised to bring string lights or lanterns for illumination inside the cabin, cookware for meal preparation, and additional bedding for colder months.
Best CampsitesCampsite 001 in the Walker Cabin Loop is the only available site.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out time unspecified.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights is permitted.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per cabin is unspecified.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin layout with a detached vault toilet and shed for firewood storage.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round with peak season from January 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or associated contact centers.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis cabin is available only by advanced reservation; walk-ups are not permitted.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservation dates outside the original stay period incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for cabins result in a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. No refunds are provided for changes after check-in date.
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
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Walker Cabin provides access to numerous activities ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities mentioned in reviews include hiking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
The area offers trails leading to Orogrande Summit, Buffalo Hump, and Gospel Hump Wilderness. A hiking trail is located directly behind the cabin and nearby paths connect to historical sites.Fishing
Fishing is available at nearby Five Mile Campground, which offers a "sweet little fishing hole." Trout fishing in the Crooked River is highlighted.Biking
ATV trails and roads near the cabin provide opportunities for biking and exploration.Wildlife viewing
"Big game species like elk, mule and whitetail deer, black bear, cougar, moose, mountain goat and mountain sheep live within the Wilderness." Songbirds and squirrels are also prevalent.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are popular. Reviews highlight the snowy terrain as scenic but challenging for driving.Water Sports
Trout fishing in the Crooked River and nearby lakes is prominent; no mention of non-motorized sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated rings and fireplaces; firewood is provided in a shed.
- Quiet hours are unspecified.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential winter hazards include snow-covered roads and lack of maintained parking. Wildlife encounters and mice infestations have also been mentioned in reviews.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are provided in Elk City, including a ranger station for forest-related issues.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out their trash since no garbage disposal or recycling facilities are available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Crooked River and several lakes within a 3-mile radius.
Common complaintsReviews highlight issues such as uncomfortable mattresses, rodents, dark interiors, and insufficient kitchen supplies. Winter parking logistics are a notable concern.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
416 USFS DRIVE
Driving directionsFrom State Highway 14, turn south on Crooked River Road #233 and proceed approximately 8 miles to the cabin on the right.
Road accessibility varies based on season and weather conditions. The road is narrow and can be challenging during winter due to snow accumulation. As noted in reviews, logging trucks may use these roads, and alternate routes are advised by users for less traffic.Nearby places
Elk City, Idaho, is less than 10 miles away and provides limited facilities including a grocery store, restaurant, bar, laundromat, convenience store, and gas stations.
Nearby supplies
Elk City offers basic supplies such as groceries, fuel, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
3.7
13 reviews
Walker Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Walker Cabin provide mixed experiences, ranging from praise for its rustic charm and scenic surroundings to critiques of its amenities and upkeep.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers loved the quiet, peaceful environment and proximity to hiking trails and historical sites. "Beautiful and so quiet and very peaceful," wrote one user. Others appreciated the wood...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Critiques focused on poor quality mattresses, lack of utensils and cookware, and mice droppings inside the cabin. Some noted safety concerns due to icy roads and unplowed parking during winter.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing extra lighting as the cabin is very dark, as well as cookware and utensils since the kitchen is bare. "Bring battery-operated string lights and cast iron cookware,"...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer and fall were highlighted as ideal seasons for hiking and exploring historical sites. Winter reviews noted challenges with snow and unplowed roads, though snowshoeing and cross-country skiing...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The stove is top of the line quality. Built one fire the whole time I was there and through the day I was able to shut it down and it held." "We rode ATVs and enjoyed the trip to Lost Horse Lake and...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
All reviews focused on the single cabin available at this site (Campsite 001). Feedback includes mixed opinions on the cabin's upkeep and amenities.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews were provided.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mentioned pet experiences or policies.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025