Scaler Guard Station
4.297 reviews308 US HWY 189 N
Scaler 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 rate for the cabin is $60. This fee applies to both peak and non-peak seasons. It does not include reservation fees, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled deep in the heart of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, 78 miles north of Kemmerer, Wyoming, Scaler Guard Station beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. This historic cabin serves as your personal basecamp for exploring endless trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, while big game hunters will find themselves in prime territory for memorable pursuits.
Scaler Guard Station provides cabin camping accommodations in a historic three-room structure constructed in 1937.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to 1937 when the Civilian Conservation Corps built this sturdy guard station, originally serving as a remote outpost for forest rangers protecting these wild lands. The cabin's weathered walls tell stories of decades spent sheltering those who watched over this pristine wilderness, and now it stands ready to host modern adventurers seeking their own forest tales.
Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms Scaler Guard Station into a different world entirely. Winter wraps the landscape in pristine snow, accessible only by snowmobile for those seeking true solitude—though you'll need to bring your own water during these frozen months. As summer arrives, the surrounding meadows burst into a tapestry of wildflowers while wildlife emerges in abundance. The cabin's open setting means you'll want to embrace the sunshine, as shade is a precious commodity here.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to panoramic views across rolling sagebrush meadows dotted with native grasses, where scattered pine trees stand like ancient sentinels against the vast Wyoming sky. This is prime wildlife territory—don't be surprised to spot majestic moose browsing nearby, elk moving through distant meadows, eagles soaring overhead, or hear the distinctive calls of sandhill cranes echoing across the landscape. Summer transforms the grounds into nature's own garden, with wildflowers painting the meadows in brilliant splashes of color.
Geological RegionYour stay places you within the legendary Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the last remaining large, nearly intact ecosystems in the northern temperate zone. The Bridger-Teton National Forest encompasses pristine watersheds that feed some of the West's mightiest rivers, immense wildlands that stretch beyond the horizon, and serves as a vital corridor for the region's abundant wildlife populations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the provided content.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates six guests with three bunkbeds.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is isolated, offering limited shade from pines and surrounding sagebrush and grasses. User reviews noted beautiful views and proximity to a creek.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should bring their own axe or hatchet for firewood and additional blankets to cover mattresses that may not be clean.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 10:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Amaximum of six guests may stay at the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin features three rooms: a kitchen, a refrigerator room, a two-bunk room, and a four-bunk room.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen January 1 - December 31. Reservations are available starting June 21 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or the app.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyCancellations cost $10, and late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds are given for no-shows or cancellations after the scheduled 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
Activities you can enjoy
Scaler Guard Station offers a variety of recreational activities. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding along nearby trails such as the Absaroka Ridge Trailhead, which leads hikers and horseback riders into Pomeroy Basin. Mountain biking and horse travel are also popular in the LaBarge Creek area. Wildlife viewing opportunities include moose, elk, eagles, and sandhill cranes.
Hiking
The Absaroka Ridge Trailhead near the Scaler Guard Station provides hiking opportunities along Fontenelle Creek and access into Pomeroy Basin. Other trails in the LaBarge Creek area cater to hikers.Fishing
Fishing is among the recreational activities highlighted in the vicinity, although detailed descriptions of specific fishing areas or species are not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity on trails within the LaBarge Creek area.Wildlife viewing
Campers can observe moose, elk, eagles, and sandhill cranes. Summers offer abundant wildflowers and the potential to spot diverse wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter access to the cabin is by snowmobile only on a 16-mile trail. Winter activities such as snowmobiling and wildlife viewing are possible.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Guests are advised to use firewood sparingly and bring additional firewood if necessary. Fire safety precautions should be observed due to the presence of bears.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBears are known to frequent the area. Winter conditions require snowmobiles for access, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended in summer due to gravel and dirt roads.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 12 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closest emergency services are in Kemmerer, WY, approximately 78 miles away, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesSeptember 1 - October 31 and November 1 - December 31
Trash and recyclingThis is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out facility. Campers are expected to bring garbage bags and remove their trash upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is situated close to a creek.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention poorly marked hiking trails and roads that are not well-maintained. Some found the cabin layout unsuitable for larger groups, while others noted that certain amenities (like axes and clean mattresses) were missing or in poor condition.
Hostnull
Campground Map
308 US HWY 189 N
Driving directionsFrom Kemmerer, WY, follow US-189 north to the junction of La Barge Road, just south of the town of La Barge. Turn left on La Barge Road and drive 25 miles to the forest boundary. (The first 11 miles of this road are paved.) Continue on La Barge Road/Forest Road 10138 for about 4 more miles to the Scaler Guard Station Road/Forest Road 10013 junction and turn left. Drive 1 mile and turn right. Scaler Guard Station is adjacent to the road on the right. From Afton, WY, follow US-89 south about 14.5 miles to Smith's Fork Road/Forest Road 10072 junction. Turn left at the junction and follow Smith's Fork Road/Forest Road 10072 for 23 miles to the Tri-Basin Divide. Turn right at the Tri-Basin Divide junction onto Forest Road 10138. Drive south about 10 miles to the Scaler Guard Station Road/Forest Road 10013 junction and turn right. Drive 1 mile and turn right. Scaler Guard Station is adjacent to the road on the right.
Summer access is on gravel and dirt roads; high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Winter access is by snowmobile only on a 16-mile trail. The first 11 miles of La Barge Road are paved, but subsequent roads are dirt and gravel.Nearby places
Kemmerer (78 miles north), Afton (approximately 37.5 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be accessed in Kemmerer, WY, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.3
7 reviews
Scaler Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Scaler Guard Station are mixed, with sentiments ranging from admiration for its scenic location to complaints about maintenance and cleanliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the scenic location, proximity to the creek, and historic charm of the cabin. "Great views!" "Beautiful area," "The cabin sits close to the creek and right at the edge of the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some guests complained about poorly marked trails, maintenance issues, and insufficient cleaning supplies. "The hikes are not well marked and the roads are not well maintained." "The mattress covers...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommended bringing cleaning supplies, an axe for firewood, and additional bedding to cover mattress covers. "Make sure to bring a separate sheet or blanket to lay down over the mattress...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
During winter months, no drinking water is available, requiring visitors to bring their own. Access is only by snowmobile on a 16-mile trail. In summer, wildlife viewing and wildflower sightings are...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Wish I could have stayed longer!!" "Really enjoyed the location of Scaler, beautiful area. Everything was great." "Great views! Please remember you are responsible for cleaning the cabins when you...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specific to the cabin mention its layout, proximity to scenic areas, and issues with maintenance. "The layout of this guard station did not work well for us. It has a bathroom, a 2-bunk room,...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but owners must clean up after them. "Pets are welcome, clean up after them inside and out. Do NOT allow them to harass the wildlife."
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025