Brenda K
VerifiedJuly 14, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
Great rustic retreat
Helpful
About Cub River Guard Station
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
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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
Missing information?
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Cub River Guard Station.
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
🏠
Cabin
Select dates to check availability
- 75 guests
Site Details
Up to 75 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Reviews
51 reviews
Summary
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.3
Overall rating
Based on 51 reviews
5 stars
52.9% (27)
4 stars
27.5% (14)
3 stars
13.7% (7)
2 stars
5.9% (3)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 51 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Nathan S
VerifiedMay 5, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
Me and my family really enjoyed our time at the cabin but the one thing that bothered us was the smashed glass bottles broken all over the fire pit, so the persons that might ruin others people stay get your ***t together. Thank you forest services for everything you do
Helpful
Nathan S
VerifiedMay 5, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
Me and my family really enjoyed our time at the cabin but the one thing that bothered us was the smashed glass bottles broken all over the fire pit, so the persons that might ruin others people stay get your ***t together. Thank you forest services for everything you do
Helpful
Chris H
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
Great get away spot in the winter. I did have to contend with all the snowmobile noise since I hiked in. But the cabin was warm with the wood stove.
Helpful
Chris H
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
Great get away spot in the winter. I did have to contend with all the snowmobile noise since I hiked in. But the cabin was warm with the wood stove.
Helpful
Alexander L
VerifiedJanuary 3, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
The cabin has running water nearby to filter or boil, it has 8 beds on 4 sets of bunks and the propane stove works great. There are no kitchen supplies provided so bring everything you need. Propane lighting worked ok but most of the mantels were damaged with no replacements to be found. Wood shed is almost empty, probably 5 nights worth remaining. About 1 ft of snow as of Jan 1.
Helpful
Alexander L
VerifiedJanuary 3, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
The cabin has running water nearby to filter or boil, it has 8 beds on 4 sets of bunks and the propane stove works great. There are no kitchen supplies provided so bring everything you need. Propane lighting worked ok but most of the mantels were damaged with no replacements to be found. Wood shed is almost empty, probably 5 nights worth remaining. About 1 ft of snow as of Jan 1.
Helpful
Chauntell C
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
I love this gaurd station. So much to do, so fun, so peaceful, easy to get to, 4 wheeling trails and I love that its gated so my pups can enjoy running around a new place but I can still keep them in my site.
Helpful
Chauntell C
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
I love this gaurd station. So much to do, so fun, so peaceful, easy to get to, 4 wheeling trails and I love that its gated so my pups can enjoy running around a new place but I can still keep them in my site.
Helpful
Robert J
VerifiedAugust 28, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: CUB RIVER GUARD STATION
The Cub River Guard Station is a great place for family groups. We tried to water the lawn as much as possible to keep it green. We enjoyed the shelter, basketball court, horseshoe pit, volleyball net, and the fire pit. If we can get it reserved, we will return. While at this location we have ridden our ATV, and hiked to the spring near Willow Flat campground.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Cub River Guard Station
322 N. 4th St., Montpelier, ID 83254 United States
Elevation: 1,663 ft
Getting There
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.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Explore Montpelier, ID
Population: 2,694
Nearby city: Logan, UT
Approx. 29 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 5,981 ft
Montpelier, ID
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the USDA Forest Service