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Caribou Mountain Guard Station
FSU.S. Forest Service — Montpelier · Idaho · Caribou-Targhee National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Caribou-Targhee National Forest |
| Location | Montpelier · Idaho · Caribou-Targhee National Forest · 43.15028, -111.32000 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 cabin nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 1 sites Water hookups at 0 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 1:00 PM · Out 11:00 AM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 208-847-0375 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-09-26.
From the official listing
Overview Caribou Mountain and the National Forest are named after a man known as "Cariboo Jack," who discovered gold in this area in 1870. He was an adventurous man who became a local legend. Today, the guard station on Caribou Mountain is a haven for adventurers who enjoy a variety of recreational activities.
The guard station can be accessed by car during the warmer months, but only snowmobiles or skis can be used in winter. Guests should be prepared to make the 6-mile trek with all the gear and supplies they need to make their stay comfortable. Recreation Guests at Caribou Mountain Guard Station can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Off-road vehicle trails include the Caribou Mountain ATV Trail and the Caribou Mountain Mine Trail. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message. Facilities The cabin can accommodate a maximum of 15 guests. One sleeping room is available with a total of six single beds. Guests must bring their own bedding and sleeping pads. A propane cook stove, propane lights and space heater are available, in addition to a supply of propane. A dining area includes a table and chairs. Only a few dishes and cups are provided. A vault toilet and picnic table are located outside.
Drinking water is not provided. Guests are required to bring their own water, as well as garbage bags to pack out their trash. Bedding, dish soap, cooking pots, kitchen utensils and emergency items like a first aid kit are not available. Natural Features Caribou Mountain is the second highest peak in southeastern Idaho, with an elevation of 9,803 feet, and the tallest mountain in the Caribou Range. The marshes of Grays Lake spread out below the summit at an elevation of 6,386 feet.
The guard station sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet and is tucked into a stand of mixed conifers at the edge of a meadow. Wildlife in the area include black bear, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lion and pronghorn ( bear safety tips ). Nearby Attractions Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a popular place for bird watching. Sandhill cranes, whooping cranes and trumpeter swans are the main attractions, but the refuge is home to many bird species. Areas of the refuge are open for hiking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Directions, from the listing
From Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 33 miles. Turn left on to Greys Lake Road. Drive north about 11.5 miles on Greys Lake Road and turn right onto McCoy Creek Road (Forest Road 087). Follow McCoy Creek Road (Forest Road 087) for 6.5 miles to the guard station. Maps are available upon request at the district office.
Nearest federal campgrounds
9 mi straight-line · Idaho Falls IdahoBLMBureau of Land ManagementBlowout Campground
13 mi straight-line · IdahoBLMBureau of Land ManagementCutthroat Trout Campground
13 mi straight-line · IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceCalamity
13 mi straight-line · IdahoFSU.S. Forest ServiceAlpine North Loop
14 mi straight-line · Targhee Idaho
Trip Card — Caribou Mountain Guard Station
Montpelier · Idaho · Caribou-Targhee National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Montpelier · Idaho · Caribou-Targhee National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234252 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.