Within Challis National Forest, Cape Horn Winter Rental operates as a US Forest Service campground that requires advance reservations and prohibits pets. The site provides electric hookups at $40 per night, though RV length restrictions apply with a maximum length of zero feet indicated in the system data.
The forested terrain includes open areas, and campers can access the site by vehicle. Nearby forest service options include Thatcher Creek Campground and Beaver Creek Campground within a few miles. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds around Challis National Forest offer additional forest service alternatives.
Description
Overview
Cape Horn Winter Rental is located in beautiful Elk Meadow, approximately 16 miles northwest of Stanley, in central Idaho. It sits at an elevation of 6,660 feet. Guests enjoy the area for its endless winter recreation opportunities, including cross-country skiing, back country downhill skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Recreation
The Cape Horn area offers unlimited cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling opportunities in the surrounding meadows, and downhill skiing is available on the slopes behind the cabin. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.
Facilities
The cabin is open for reservations during the winter only. In the summer, it is used by Forest Service employees as a guard station. The cabin can comfortably accommodate four people on one double bed and one single bed, each with mattresses, and one couch. More people can use sleeping bags on the floor, but due to the cabin's size, group size is limited to eight people. Guests need to bring their own food, toiletries, towels, bedding and trash bags. The cabin is equipped with electricity, which powers the lights and a standard four-burner stove and oven, but due to heavy snowfall on power lines, electricity cannot be guaranteed at all times. Be prepared to cook meals on the wood stove if the power is out. Firewood is provided, though it may need to be split. A table and chairs and additional seating is provided, along with a battery powered lantern and a wooden rack for drying clothes. The water system is turned off during the winter season so the indoor flush toilet and running water are not available. A vault toilet is located behind the station.
Natural Features
The cabin is situated in a stand of lodgepole pines. On clear days, the cabin's front porch affords breathtaking views of the rugged Sawtooth Mountain Range to the south.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCape Horn Winter Rental is located in Idaho
Directions
The guard station it is less than two miles by skiing cross-country from State Highway 21 or approximately four miles by following the Stanley-Landmark Snowmobile Trail. If you are a first time renter, it is important to get detailed directions. To obtain these, click here or call the district office at (208) 879-4100.
Address
Cape Horn Winter Rental (ID) 311 North U.S. Highway 93
Challis, ID 83226
Coordinates
44.372744 N
115.118983 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 20 min from Boise, ID
- 2 hrs 45 min from Twin Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 24 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 5 hrs 23 min from Lewiston, ID
