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Established Camping

Yellowjacket Guard Station

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Yellowjacket Guard Station is located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, featuring forested terrain with surrounding mountains. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 10°F in winter. Visitors can explore the nearby Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Salmon River for outdoor activities.

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Location

Yellowjacket Guard Station is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Salmon, Idaho, take Highway 93 south 5 miles, to a right turn at Shoup Bridge onto Forest Road 021 and travel 44.5 miles to Cobalt Work Center facility on Panther Creek Road 055. Continue 8 miles south on Panther Creek Road, where you will come to Porphury Creek turnoff to the right, heading west. Continue approximately 11 miles along Porphury Creek Road/Forest Road 112 to Yellowjacket Guard Station. From Challis, Idaho, take Highway 93 north 8 miles, to a left turn on Morgan Creek Rd. Travel 6 miles and take a slight right onto Forest Road 055/ Morgan Creek Rd. Continue 26.7 miles and take a left on Porphury Creek/ Forest Road 112. Continue approximately 11 miles along Porphury Creek Road/Forest Road 112 to Yellowjacket Guard Station.

Address

311 MCPHERSON ST
Salmon, ID 83467

Coordinates

44.9947194 N
114.4827806 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

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General Info

Reservations


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5.0

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1 Review

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2019

Great Wilderness Access

This is one of the coolest places that I have ever stayed. I stayed here for a couple of nights before venturing into the Frank Church. Although this spot isn't quite in the wilderness, it sure feels like it! Driving up to Yellowjacket and through the abandoned mine sites feels like a step into the past. The "ghost town" looks more like several abandoned mines, but is still so interesting to see. The guard station sits in a little meadow beside a creek in a small canyon. The first night that I stayed here, the loudest thunder that I have ever heard rolled through the area! This is truly a wild, unpredictable, beautiful place.  The guard station is a lovely building. Depending on the time of year, there is available water, as well as water from the creek. There is a fire ring surrounded by stump seating in the field. There is a pit toilet a little ways from the guard station that oddly smells like pipe tobacco. There are also corrals for horses, and it seems like a great place to go riding. There aren't official tent sites, but there is lots of flat, grassy spaces that several tents can be comfortably set up in. I was in this area for about 2 weeks and didn't see anyone I didn't plan to! A refreshing breath of solitude. It is a pretty far trek to drive out, make sure to have directions ready ahead of time. In mid-May, this place was seemed like ground-zero for ticks. Watch out and check often! Other wildlife seen included rattlesnakes and deer, and I wouldn't be surprised if Bigfoot was hanging out here somewhere. This is a really unique place to experience and a great starting point to explore the Frank Church Wilderness and Salmon-Challis National forest. I would absolutely recommend visiting this spot.

  • Review photo of Yellowjacket Guard Station by Celine K., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Yellowjacket Guard Station by Celine K., October 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Yellowjacket Guard Station by Celine K., October 31, 2019
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Yellow Jacket Guard Station?

Yellowjacket Guard Station offers a rustic, wilderness-like experience while still providing basic amenities. The historic guard station building serves as accommodation, though guests should be prepared for a primitive setting. While specific facilities vary by season, the guard station provides shelter in a remote location that feels disconnected from civilization. The surrounding area features abandoned mine sites, adding to its unique character. Visitors should bring all necessary supplies including water, food, bedding, and other essentials as services are limited in this isolated location.

How do I make reservations for Yellow Jacket Guard Station?

Reservations for Yellowjacket Guard Station can be made through the National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov) or by calling their service line. The guard station is typically available for rent by the night and should be booked well in advance, especially during peak summer months. The station operates on a seasonal basis, so check availability calendars when planning your trip. Contact the local Forest Service office for specific details about seasonal opening dates or any special requirements before making your reservation.

How do I access Yellow Jacket Guard Station and what are the road conditions?

Yellowjacket Guard Station is accessible via forest service roads that wind through remote Idaho backcountry. The drive includes passing through abandoned mine sites, adding to the journey's adventurous feel. Road conditions can be challenging and typically require a high-clearance vehicle, especially after weather events. The remote location means you'll be traveling on unpaved roads for significant portions of the journey. The station sits near the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area, making it a relatively isolated destination. Check with the local Forest Service office before departing for current road conditions and recommended routes.