Cache National Forest manages Egan Basin Guard Station, a remote campground that requires advance reservations and prohibits pets. Located along a forest service road that can challenge vehicles without all-wheel or four-wheel drive, the site sits about a quarter-mile off the main route. The A-frame cabin accommodates up to five people for $30 per night, though campers must bring all water and supplies since no utilities are available.
A stream runs alongside the access road, providing fishing opportunities for those with proper licenses. The isolation means limited cell service and requires planning for the hour-plus drive to resupply points. Mosquitoes can be heavy during summer months, so insect protection is essential for comfortable stays.
Description
Overview
Egan Basin Guard Station is a rustic retreat in the Montpelier Ranger District of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest of southeastern Idaho, near the Utah border. The Montpelier area is known for its abundance of year-round recreational opportunities. The guard station is accessible by SUV/4 wheel drive during warmer weather. Snow conditions may exist in the Fall and spring. The cabin is used as a warming hut during the winter months and is not reservable (December 1 to April 30). The cabin provides few amenities, so guests should be prepared to haul most of the gear and supplies they'll need to make their stay comfortable.
Recreation
Guests can enjoy nearby trails for hiking, mountain biking and off-road vehicles (Idaho OHV safety message). Winter sports include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Anglers can fish in nearby Beaver Creek. Hunting areas are located nearby.
Facilities
The guard station has a maximum capacity of 15 people. This is a single-room A-frame cabin with a table and chairs, two single beds and a sleeping loft. A wood stove is provided for heat and firewood may be available. A picnic table is just outside the cabin. An outhouse with vault toilet is located on-site. Water and electricity are not available. Guests must provide their own drinking water. A cook stove, light sources, cookware, kitchen utensils, bedding and emergency supplies are not provided. Guests must bring trash bags to pack out their garbage, and are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
Natural Features
Egan Basin Guard Station is situated in an open meadow surrounded by mixed conifers and aspens. Wildflowers dot the landscape in the summer. The cabin sits at an elevation of 7,500 feet surrounded by the limestone and dolomite peaks of the Bear River Mountains. Large populations of deer, elk and moose inhabit this rugged backcountry. Pikas and marmots make their home here as well. Beavers are often spotted in the mountain streams.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundEgan Basin Guard Station is located in Idaho
Directions
Egan Basin Guard Station is located 31 miles southwest of Montpelier, Idaho. Follow Highway 89 south 17 miles to St. Charles. Turn west on 200 North. Continue west 1.5 miles to Forest Road 411 (Green Canyon) and follow 411 west/southwest to Forest Road 415. At this intersection, follow the signs west 5 miles to the guard station sign, turn south for 1/4 mile to the guard station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.
Address
322 N 4TH ST
Montpelier, ID 83254
Coordinates
42.0536111 N
111.5708333 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
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Logan, UT
- 1 hr 46 min from Ogden, UT
- 2 hrs 13 min from Salt Lake City, UT
- 2 hrs 36 min from Pocatello, ID
