How much does camping cost at Cape Horn Winter Rental?

Camping fees at Cape Horn Winter Rental range from $40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cape Horn Winter Rental first-come first-served or reservation?

Cape Horn Winter Rental 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 Cape Horn Winter Rental before I book?

Yes! Cape Horn Winter Rental has 9 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 Cape Horn Winter Rental?

Cape Horn Winter Rental is open December 15 to March 15.. 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 Cape Horn Winter Rental?

Cape Horn Winter Rental does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cape Horn Winter Rental?

Fire policies at Cape Horn Winter Rental: Firewood is provided at the cabin; self-service from the covered woodpile.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cape Horn Winter Rental have?

Cape Horn Winter Rental 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 Cape Horn Winter Rental?

Pets are not allowed at Cape Horn Winter Rental. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cape Horn Winter Rental?

Cape Horn Winter Rental offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cape Horn Winter Rental?

Popular activities at Cape Horn Winter Rental include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cape Horn Winter Rental

4.92

29 reviews

Cape Horn Winter Rental (ID) 311 North U.S. Highway 93, CHALLIS, ID, 83226, USA

Scenic Views

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Idaho#1 Winter Camping Idaho#1 Mountain Camping Idaho#2 +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

6,660 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open December 15 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

6,660 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open December 15 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cape Horn Winter Rental

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates are $40 per night for cabin non-electric from December 15 to March 15. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental...

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

208-879-4100

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.92

Top-Rated

Based on 29 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"User reviews for Cape Horn Winter Rental are overwhelmingly positive, with guests praising the cabin's cleanliness, cozy atmosphere, and ample amenities for winter recreation. Comments frequently highlight the excellent maintenance by Forest Service crews and the convenience of the provided wood stove."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cape Horn Winter Rental (ID) 311 North U.S. Highway 93, CHALLIS, ID, 83226, USA

Cape Horn Winter Rental

Cape Horn Winter Rental (ID) 311 North U.S. Highway 93, CHALLIS, ID, 83226, USA

Nearby places

Stanley (16 miles northwest), Boise (approximately 90 miles southeast via alternate routes during Highway 21 closures)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Stanley, which is 16 miles northwest.

Driving directionsThe guard station is less than two miles by cross-country skiing from State Highway 21 or approximately four miles by following the Stanley-Landmark Snowmobile Trail. Detailed directions can be obtained by calling the district office at (208) 879-4100.

Access involves skiing or snowmobiling during winter; heavy snowfall may close Highway 21. Alternate routes exist via Sun Valley and over Galena Summit to Stanley.

Best Time to Camp at Cape Horn Winter Rental

Winter is the only rental season. Snowfall averages nearly six inches per week, with temperatures typically ranging from 19°F to 32°F. Reviewers note that temps can drop significantly at night, so extra warm clothing is necessary. Snow on power lines can limit electricity. These conditions support cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing through the season.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in ID

Peak season Dec 15–Mar 15; reviewers highlight excellent skiing and consistent powder.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: December 15 to March 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open December 15 through March 15 for winter rentals.
Current Alerts: Heavy snowfall and Highway 21 closures may affect access.

About Cape Horn Winter Rental

Cape Horn Winter Rental offers a single Forest Service cabin in Elk Meadow at 6,660 feet, sleeping up to eight people for $40 per night. The cabin sits in a stand of lodgepole pines with front-porch views of the Sawtooth Range. It's popular with cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, and reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness and wood stove warmth.

Cape Horn Winter Rental offers cabin accommodations specifically designed for winter stays. Tent, trailer, and RV camping are prohibited.

Historical Significance

Forest Service employees occupy the cabin during summer months as part of their land management duties. Winter guests stay in the same space used by rangers who oversee the surrounding wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsWinter is the only rental season. Snowfall averages nearly six inches per week, with temperatures typically ranging from 19°F to 32°F. Reviewers note that temps can drop significantly at night, so extra warm clothing is necessary. Snow on power lines can limit electricity. These conditions support cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing through the season.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,660 feet above sea level, Cape Horn Winter Rental sits in the sweet spot where elevation meets exceptional snow conditions. This lofty position in the mountains ensures abundant snowfall throughout the winter season, creating a natural playground where powder stays fresh and the air remains crisp and clear. The high-altitude setting offers that authentic alpine experience, where every breath of mountain air reminds you just how far you've climbed above the everyday world.

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies Elk Meadow, an alpine basin ringed by old-growth lodgepole pine forest. The Sawtooth Mountains rise directly beyond the treeline, their glacially carved peaks forming the distinctive jagged ridgeline visible from the property. Lodgepole pines provide shelter and frame views of the surrounding high country. Winter snowfall buries the meadow floor, creating a continuous white expanse broken only by the dark verticals of tree trunks.

Geological RegionCape Horn Winter Rental sits at the heart of Elk Meadow, a stunning alpine basin cradled by ancient lodgepole pine forests that have weathered centuries in this high-mountain environment. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in stone and ice, where the iconic Sawtooth Mountain Range rises dramatically from the forest floor—its rugged peaks and ridgelines carved by glaciers into the distinctive sawtooth profile that gives these mountains their name. This remarkable geological setting creates a natural amphitheater where meadow, forest, and mountain converge in perfect harmony.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out ends at 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Up to 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum group size is eight.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via the recreation.gov website or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in use is not allowed; reservations are required.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly stated for this campground.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to eight people comfortably within its enclosed space.

PrivacyThe cabin offers privacy within a stand of lodgepole pines, with clear views of the Sawtooth Mountain Range from the front porch.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring cleaning supplies and dish towels. Be prepared for potential power outages and use the wood stove for cooking.

Need help booking Cape Horn Winter Rental?

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

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Cape Horn Winter Rental offers an abundance of winter recreational activities. Guests can enjoy cross-country skiing, downhill skiing on nearby slopes, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and exploring the surrounding meadows. Wildlife observation may also be possible, with sightings of animal tracks and wolf howls reported by visitors.

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSnowfall may affect accessibility. Guests should check road conditions and pack for cold weather.

Active AlertsHeavy snowfall and Highway 21 closures may affect access.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFirewood is provided at the cabin; self-service from the covered woodpile.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesStanley (16 miles northwest) provides access to emergency services including medical facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are unavailable, as Cape Horn Winter Rental follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. Guests must bring trash bags to dispose of waste.

Water FeaturesNo notable water features nearby.

Camp HostForest Service staff maintain the cabin during the summer. Winter contact is via the district office at (208) 879-4100.

Weather at Cape Horn Winter Rental

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

4.9

29 reviews

Top-Rated

Cape Horn Winter Rental is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Cape Horn Winter Rental are overwhelmingly positive, with guests praising the cabin's cleanliness, cozy atmosphere, and ample amenities for winter recreation. Comments frequently highlight the excellent maintenance by Forest Service crews and the convenience of the provided wood stove.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers often compliment the cabin's warmth, cleanliness, and well-stocked amenities, including the wood stove and cookware. The breathtaking views of the Sawtooth Mountains and opportunities for...

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers noted the need for additional cleaning supplies and emphasized that guests should bring bleach, dish towels, and other items to facilitate cleaning before departure. Electricity...

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommended bringing cleaning supplies such as bleach and dish towels, along with extra warm clothing, as temperatures could drop significantly. Some suggested reaching out to the Forest...

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is the most suitable season for visiting Cape Horn Winter Rental, as it is specifically designed for winter activities. Reviews from January to March highlight excellent skiing conditions and...

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Great spot for a snowy, quiet getaway! Has everything you need for cooking and the wood stove was sooooo warm." - Lori F. (2022) 2. "Cape Horn Guard Station was the best. The cabin is well-cared...

Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews pertain to the single cabin available for rent at Cape Horn Winter Rental. Guests have universally praised its cleanliness, convenience, and suitability for winter recreation.

Based on 29 reviews