Seely Creek Guard Station
03 reviews115 West Canyon Road, P.O. Box 310
Seely Creek Guard Station
$50.00 - $50.00 / 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
Cabin rental is $50.00 per night during peak season (June 20, 2025 - October 6, 2025). Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched high atop the Wasatch Plateau, Seely Creek Guard Station beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. This charming historic cabin, nestled in meadows that burst with wildflowers each summer, serves as your gateway to year-round mountain adventures. Whether you're carving fresh tracks on cross-country skis in winter, exploring hidden trails on horseback in summer, or navigating backcountry roads on your ATV, this rustic sanctuary offers the perfect basecamp for your plateau explorations.
Seely Creek Guard Station primarily features cabin lodging with adjacent outdoor camping space.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time when you cross the threshold of this remarkable piece of Forest Service history. Constructed between late 1907 and early 1908, when rangers patrolled these remote mountains on horseback, Seely Creek Guard Station stands as a testament to the early days of forest conservation. Now proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this weathered cabin invites modern visitors to experience a slice of history while creating their own mountain memories within its rustic walls.
Weather and SeasonsAt 10,000 feet, Mother Nature keeps you on your toes with her ever-changing moods. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for hiking, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, painting dramatic skies above the plateau. As September arrives, don't be surprised to wake up to a dusting of snow or the gentle patter of hail on the cabin roof. Winter transforms this alpine paradise into a snow-covered wonderland, where temperatures plunge and the landscape becomes a playground for snowmobilers and backcountry skiers willing to embrace the mountain's wintry embrace.
ElevationAt a breathtaking 10,000 feet above sea level, Seely Creek Guard Station offers a true high-altitude experience. Here, where the air is crisp and thin, visitors should come prepared for the effects of elevation – your morning coffee might take a bit longer to brew, and that short walk to the creek may leave you catching your breath. But the reward? Unparalleled access to alpine terrain and the satisfaction of sleeping among the clouds in one of Utah's most elevated historic accommodations.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a sea of Indian paintbrush, columbine, and lupine swaying in the morning breeze just outside your door. The guard station sits like a jewel in an emerald meadow, surrounded by towering spruce and fir forests that give way to shimmering aspen groves. Ancient glaciers carved dramatic cirques into the plateau, creating a landscape of hidden valleys and pristine lakes. The musical babble of Seely Creek provides a constant soundtrack, while the surrounding wilderness offers endless opportunities to discover secret fishing holes, wildlife corridors, and panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon.
Geological RegionThe mighty Wasatch Plateau, crown jewel of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, provides a dramatic backdrop for your mountain escape. This sky-island ecosystem rises dramatically from the valleys below, its ancient rocks telling stories of glaciers that once carved deep cirques and valleys into the plateau's face. Dense forests of spruce and fir blanket the higher elevations, while quaking aspens paint the hillsides gold each autumn. Crystal-clear lakes and reservoirs dot the landscape, remnants of the ice age that shaped this remarkable highland. Here, where wildflower meadows meet conifer forests and alpine terrain stretches in every direction, you'll discover why generations of forest rangers chose this spectacular perch to watch over the wilderness below.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are unclear; guests with mobility challenges should note the cabin's remote access and potentially difficult roads during inclement weather.
Sites SizeNo specific sizes for campsites are mentioned, but the outside camping area accommodates up to 24 people and six vehicles.
Sites PrivacySites are described as isolated, with one review noting that the location is 'at least a mile from Skyline Drive.'
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid visiting during wet weather conditions unless equipped with high clearance or 4WD vehicles. Bring all necessary supplies including water, as none is available on-site.
Best CampsitesThe cabin is the sole campsite, offering a unique and isolated experience.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 30 people, with 6 inside the cabin and 24 outside.
Groups
The site accommodates group camping with space for up to 24 people outside and six vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin includes bunk beds, kitchen facilities, a fireplace, and adjacent outdoor areas for camping.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 20 to October 6 for peak season reservations.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not mentioned; reservations are highly recommended due to limited capacity.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made prior to arrival. Cabins require cancellations 14 days prior to check-in to avoid penalties. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and the first night’s recreation use fee is forfeited for late cancellations.
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
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The guard station offers year-round recreational opportunities, including hiking, off-roading, snowmobiling, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Fishing is available at nearby attractions such as John August Lake, Pete's Hole, and Soup Bowl.
Hiking
Skyline Drive offers hiking trails along the ridge line above the cabin. Nearby Pete's Hole and Soup Bowl also provide hiking opportunities.Fishing
Fishing is available at John August Lake, Pete's Hole, and Soup Bowl. John August Lake offers scenic views and fishing opportunities less than three miles from the cabin.Biking
Skyline Drive provides opportunities for mountain biking along the ridge line near the cabin.Wildlife viewing
The area is known for its abundant wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. Autumn foliage is particularly noted for its beauty.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, back-country skiing, and snowshoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings outside the fenced cabin area.
Hazards
General hazardsTravel can be hazardous during inclement weather, requiring 4WD vehicles. Snow accumulation after September may limit access to snowmobiles only.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 38%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 18.8 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
Ferron is the nearest town for emergency services, hosting medical facilities and law enforcement.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 20, 2025 - October 6, 2025
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' site, and guests must bring garbage bags and remove all trash upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Seely Creek and within 3 miles of John August Lake, with fishing opportunities and scenic views.
Common complaintsReviews mention challenges with road access during rain and prior visitors not adhering to trash removal policies, leading to fly infestations. Some users felt the cabin was more run-down than photos suggest.
HostNo information about campground hosts is available.
Campground Map
115 West Canyon Road, P.O. Box 310
Driving directionsFrom Orangeville, travel west on State Highway 29 to Joe's Valley Reservoir. At the reservoir, turn right and follow the road around to the other side. Continue on Highway 29, which becomes a dirt road and is narrow and slick when wet. From here, it is approximately 11 miles to the top of the plateau. Look for Forest Road 050 and a sign on the left that says, 'Seely Guard Station 2 miles.' Take Forest Road 050 to the left and travel 1.25 miles to the cabin. Alternatively, from Ephraim, head east on State Highway 29 along Ephraim Canyon. Pass the Forest Boundary about 3.5 miles from town, and continue to the top of the plateau. Upon reaching Skyline Drive, turn right and take Forest Road 2326 to the left for just under a mile to the cabin.
The road becomes a narrow dirt path that is slick when wet and may require waiting for it to dry, especially if pulling a trailer. During inclement weather, the last mile to the cabin can become muddy, often requiring 4WD and/or high clearance vehicles. Snowmobile access may be necessary after significant snow accumulation after September.Nearby places
Ferron (14 miles), Orangeville (15 miles), Ephraim (12 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel can be found in Ferron, which is approximately 14 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Seely Creek Guard Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the scenic beauty, isolation, and unique experience of staying at a historic guard station. The vault toilet and fire pit are appreciated amenities, though some aspects like road accessibility during inclement weather and upkeep of the facility received mixed feedback.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the scenic beauty, isolation, and functional solar-powered lighting. 'Beautiful scenery and a lot of land to explore,' said one reviewer. The availability of cell service with Verizon...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the difficulty of accessing the site during rain and the lack of upkeep by previous guests, such as trash left behind. One reviewer mentioned killing 40 flies due to trash...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include using four-wheel drive vehicles for access during inclement weather, bringing trash bags, and being prepared for self-sufficiency since no water is available. One reviewer recommended...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the meadow's wildflower beauty and access to nearby lakes for fishing. Autumn foliage is noted as stunning. Winter brings opportunities for snowmobiling and skiing, but...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Very nice! Cute little cabin in a very nice open area.' 2. 'Had an enjoyable two-night stay at Seely Creek guard station.' 3. 'The previous people didn't pack out their trash and we killed about...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001, Loop: SEELY CREEK GUARD STATION received a mix of reviews: one user rated it 4/5 due to challenges like accessing the site in rainy weather, while another rated it 5/5 for offering a great...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility challenges arise due to the remote location and difficult access roads in wet conditions. No reviews specifically addressing experiences of users with disabilities are available.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed inside the cabin. No reviews offer further commentary on pet considerations.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025