Can you reserve a site at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Yes, Malad Summit Guard Station is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Malad Summit Guard Station?

50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station.

Are campfires allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Campfires are allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Malad Summit Guard Station, Idaho — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Malad Summit Guard Station is located 14 miles north of Malad, Idaho on Malad Pass just off I-15. The rustic one-room cabin is in a forested setting in narrow Mill Creek Drainage, and offers a secluded retreat on fenced acreage surrounded by scenic high country views.

The original guard station was established in 1908, but was replaced by the existing cabin in 1934. The cabin is accessible by car when there is no snow. Guests should be prepared in snowy conditions to ski, snowshoe or snowmobile half a mile from the plowed road to reach the cabin. The guard station offers many amenities for a comfortable stay, but fewer conveniences are available in winter.

Recreation

The surrounding area offers a variety of recreational activities. Trails are provided for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-road vehicles (Idaho OHV safety message).

Anglers can fish for small brook trout in Mill Creek. Hunting for game and game birds is another popular pastime.

Facilities

Malad Summit Guard Station is located near Mill Creek. The cabin can sleep six people on the three bunkbeds provided.

Amenities include three bunkbeds with mattresses, a wood stove, table with four chairs, a broom and dustpan, vacuum, cook prep area, and sink. Electrical appliances include space heater, lights, and induction stove.

A single vault toilet, campfire ring, grill, lantern post, and picnic tables are located outside the cabin.

Parking can accommodate up to three RVs.

The cabin's water is shut off late September to May. Winter guests need to bring their own water.

Forest road 041 is not maintained/plowed in the winter months. When snow accumulation doesn't allow for vehicles to access the cabin via Forest Road 041, cabin renters can park at the overnight winter parking area past the cattleguard at the USFS boundary. Cabin renters should not park on private property before the cattleguard. The overnight parking area is signed and can accommodate up to 4 vehicles. Renters can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile to Malad Summit Guard Station.

Guests may find limited dishes and cookware. Bedding, towels, first aid and emergency supplies, matches, lanterns, and flashlights are not provided.

Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash before leaving. Cleaning supplies are available. Guests should bring their own garbage bags and pack out all trash.

Malad Summit Guard Station is managed by Pinnacle Parks Llc under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For questions please contact 208-757-3999 between the hours of 8am and 9pm.

Natural Features

The rustic single-room cabin is tucked into a deciduous and conifer forest at an elevation of around 6,000 feet. Mill Creek meanders through the site.

The front porch invites guests to sit and enjoy views of the forest and possible wildlife sightings. Black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions and pronghorn are some of the species native to the area (bear safety tips).

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (208) 757-3999.

The facts

1 bookable site
Vehicles up to 50 ft
Up to 15 people per site
Loops: MSGS

Site types

1 Cabin Electric

Amenities

Campfires allowed
Fire pits
Shade
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, picnic tables, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Malad Summit Guard Station

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
01	MSGS	Cabin Electric	—	Gravel	50 ft	15	🐾

Getting there

Malad Guard Station is located 11 miles north of Malad, ID. On 1-15, take Exit 22 (Devil Creek Reservoir). Go north on N. Old Highway 191 for 3.5 miles. Turn left on E11000N/Forest Road 041 and cross over the interstate, drive 1.3 miles. At the bend keep right and continue on Forest Road 041 road for another mile. At the forest boundary there will be a Malad Summit Cabin sign and entrance gate. The cabin is located a few hundred feet past the entrance gate. Call the Westside Ranger District for winter parking instructions and access at 208-236-7500.

42.35111, -112.26444 · 42°21'4.0"N 112°15'52.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 89°F in Jul, down to 32°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	32	37	48	58	67	78	89	88	77	62	46	34
Low °F	14	18	25	31	38	44	51	49	41	31	23	16
Precip in	1.1	1.1	1.5	1.5	2.3	1.3	1.0	1.0	1.4	1.3	1.1	1.1

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Malad Summit Guard Station

Can you reserve a site at Malad Summit Guard Station?: Yes, Malad Summit Guard Station is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Malad Summit Guard Station have?: 1 site.
What is the maximum RV length at Malad Summit Guard Station?: 50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station?: Yes, pets are allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station.
Are campfires allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station?: Campfires are allowed at Malad Summit Guard Station. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Malad Summit Guard Station

Malad Summit Campground 0.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Third Creek Group Site 13.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Scout Mountain Campground 24 mi · Campground · we watch it
Mink Creek Group Site Campground 27.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Curlew Campground 29.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Big Springs - Caribou 29.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pebble Guard Station 29.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Hawkins Reservoir Campground 11.6 mi · Campground
Goodenough Creek Campground 21 mi · Campground
Dry Canyon Campground 21.2 mi · Campground
Redpoint Campground 27.1 mi · Campground
Maple Grove Campground 27.6 mi · Campground

Contact

Phone 208-236-7500
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Malad Summit Guard Station