Cub River Guard Station was established in 1907, and the first cabin was built in 1909 about a mile from the current site. This cabin was short-lived, and a second structure was built in 1922 and used until 1934. A third structure occupied this area after that until it burned down in 1957. The current cabin was built 2 years later.
The cabin is open year-round and can be accessed by car in warmer months. Guests must snowmobile to the cabin on groomed trails in the winter. Many modern conveniences are provided at the guard station, but some are seasonal and not guaranteed, so guests should be prepared to bring much of their own equipment and supplies.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Sep 16 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Cooking and Fire
Firewood Available
On Site Services
Basketball Court
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Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
Cub River Guard Station offers a beautiful and rustic setting, perfect for both gatherings and solitude, with comfortable accommodations and plenty of outdoor activities like fishing. Guests appreciate the relaxing riverside atmosphere and the overall fun experience. However, some have noted issues with maintenance, such as the lack of hot water and firewood availability, but many express a desire to return.
We love most things about this site and have stayed here multiple times, but this time we found broken equipment outside. Both swings were broken - at the top cross bar, the tetherball rope was broken, and one side of the volleyball net fell down before we used it. We fixed the net with zip ties, but it was disappointing to plan a few days for families with small kids and teenagers and the equipment was broken. It would also be nice if the water heater wasn't locked up.
Beautiful setting with a rustic cabin. Pack comfortable sleeping equipment. We ate simple meals, which was best. Lots of grass and outdoor activities. Fishing was good. Great for gathering or being alone.
The cub river station is a gem. It's comfortable and has a lot of outside fun. Being next to the river was very relaxing, and there is space for plenty of people.
The cub river station is a gem. It's comfortable and has a lot of outside fun. Being next to the river was very relaxing, and there is space for plenty of people.
We love this campsite. This year though they did not bring in firewood like they have always done in the past and they still refuse to fix the hot water heater so that we can have hot showers. I worked to see that this site was cleaned before my family came in. People leave old icky foam pads there which I bagged up and took to a garbage place. I mopped and washed out the vaulted toilet. I wish that the powers that be could check things out before a new group arrives though to make sure that they clean reasonably well.
We love this campsite. This year though they did not bring in firewood like they have always done in the past and they still refuse to fix the hot water heater so that we can have hot showers. I worked to see that this site was cleaned before my family came in. People leave old icky foam pads there which I bagged up and took to a garbage place. I mopped and washed out the vaulted toilet. I wish that the powers that be could check things out before a new group arrives though to make sure that they clean reasonably well.
From Preston, Idaho, head approximately 3 mi south on U.S. Highway 91. Turn east on Cub River Road/Forest Road 406. Proceed about 10 mi to the guard station. This road is heavily traveled throughout the summer with other recreationists, so please ...
From Preston, Idaho, head approximately 3 mi south on U.S. Highway 91. Turn east on Cub River Road/Forest Road 406. Proceed about 10 mi to the guard station. This road is heavily traveled throughout the summer with other recreationists, so please travel slowly and use caution.
Call the district office four days before arrival to confirm the security combination.
Cancellation policy
Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Accessibility
Check snow conditions with the Montpelier Ranger District Office before reserving from November to June.
Utilities
Water availability is limited; bring drinking water outside of June 1 to September 15.
Vehicles & parking
Wheeled vehicles are prohibited on groomed trails from December 15 to April 15; use snowmobiles for winter access.
Amenities
A basketball court with a cement pad is available on-site.
A covered 20x20 dining pavilion is available on-site.
Fires & fuel
Firewood may be provided, but it needs to be chopped.
Obtain firewood near your destination and burn it on-site to prevent pest spread.
Safety & rules
Leave the cabin clean for the next guest.
All waste must be packed out; no trash disposal on site.
Local regulations
ATVs require a state license and registration for use on all roads in Franklin County, including Cub River Road.
General
Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Pets
Pets are not allowed inside the guard station; they must be leashed outside and waste cleaned up.
