American River Guard Station

This was beautiful. The weather was perfect, and the river right outside the main door of the cabin was refreshing. We were there 2 weeks before the opening of the season for the area, so most grocery stores were closed that were near (Only open Thursday-Sunday during the closed season.) The place was pretty clean considering that no one had been there for months. Our family left some board games, and books for guests to enjoy, and we did a little cleanup of the grounds and house. The only downfall was that the outhouse was horrible. It was so full and the smell so bad we had to drive back to Whistling Jacks to use the port-a-potties. Other than the outhouse everything was great. We will definitely be returning next year. I would even pay more if they added running water and flushing toilets.

This cabin used to be maintained and cleaned by a nice couple that lived nearby. Things are continuing to fall apart. Showed up to mouse droppings in the drawers and cupboards and a drowned mouse in the sink bucket. For the price being charged I would expect a better kept up place.

We love this rustic cabin. This was our second visit and we will be back again.

Muy lindo el lugar espectacular 👌 😍

The location is very convenient and nicely wooded and the cabin is located by the river. There is no running water, but the river water is good for washing dishes, but not so much for drinking (there are some flotsam) unless it is filtered. Although we think there are mice in the cabin, since we can hear screeching noise behind the wall, we did not find any mice droppings in the cabin during our stays. The source of heat during cold weather months are the wood stove and the electric baseboard wall heater, both are in the living room. No heat in the bedroom and the loft. Warm sleeping bag is a must. There are plenty of wood outside and inside the cabin, but they are not as dry as to give much heat. 2 out of 4 dining table legs in the living room are coming loose from the brace. If you plan to move the the table, move it carefully. A couple of the dining chair slip seats are also detached, but functional as long as you don't move them around. One of the lampshades in the living room is broken. If you can bring and donate a lampshade it will appreciated.

Our stay, there was excellent, very comfortable, very easy to set up. They sent out reminders and the codes. The staff was very courteous and helpful, this is probably our third stay there it’s been excellent each time will go back again an extra thank you. to all the staff.

I will start by saying my wife and I fully support the USFS and know they are underfunded and understaffed, but we want to warn you...

The cabin is in a good location and right on the river, but the rest is not so nice and this is what we found. There is an outhouse, which is fine and we were aware of, but there was vomit on the floor and very little toilet paper left, with no extra rolls available.
Inside the cabin we found original floors that appeared t have never been cleaned. it is VERY rustic and not clean. The mattresses are filthy and there is a bucket under the kitchen (hidden behind a curtain) that collects all the drain water and it was putrid. The worst of it was there is obviously an active mouse population inside. We found feces on all the counters and stove. The mice had chewed up the foil under the heating coils to get whatever crumbs they could. The refrigerator was dirty with some old food left inside and just before leaving I had a mouse run in front of me through the bedroom.

We chose not to stay as it was obviously a health hazard. I called the local ranger station to let them know of the mouse problem and was told I would receive a call back, but never did. I also filed a claim to get a refund and only received one day of rent in return, despite it being a three night reservation, with no recourse for an appeal.

If you don't mind what I outlined above you will have a good time, but I am certain there is no one to clean the cabin except for the previous renter. I've left messages at the ranger station on two occasions and have never received a call back. I do not believe they really care and would not count on any of the problems being fixed in the near future.

Had a great time at this quaint, little rustic cabin. The cabin is exactly what you think a cabin in the wilderness would be like in the early 1900’s. So if your looking for the amenities of a hotel then this isn’t the place for you.
First, the cabin is comfortable but cleanliness is afar. There is electricity and plenty of outlets to charge your phone and others devices.
When we first walked in the cabin, we were swarmed by dozens of flies. Highly recommend to bring an insect trap of some sort. There is a old fridge and stove that look to be from the 1980’s and covered in rust. There is a cute wood fireplace/stove in the living room that we did not use. The floors look to be original and extremely dirty. Definitely wear flips flops or shoes in the cabin would not dare to go barefoot in there.
The beds are disgusting so I highly recommend to bring a mattress cover or air mattress to place on the bed. There are no linens or towels provided so bring your own. Also bring at least a 3-5 gallon jug for cooking and hygiene purposes as there is no running water.
Also the bathroom is not in the home but a lighted outhouse is located a few feet from the home which smelled like a honey bucket at a homeless encampment.
Although my review sounds negative, I was already expecting this as I had read the previous reviews. So nothing came as a surprise. What I love about the cabin was that it was on a pretty good size lot right next to the river. I was able to play catch with the kiddos and have ample space to move around. There is a picnic table and enclose firepit with a metal grate on a hinge. Highly recommend portable outdoor lights as the only lights is from the cable. The firepit and picnic table are is completely dark at night and with the fire an, no campfires which blows.
Also stock up on food. The closest market is toward yakima and is a good 30-40 minute drive. Also no wifi or cell phone service (Verizon) there bring lots of games and entertainment.

They only change the lockbox code here every few months so dozens of people (likely locals) could have access to the cabin while you're there. When we showed up there wasn't even a key in the lockbox. Beautiful area but cabin is in disrepair. If you don't have the resources to effectively manage and maintain the cabin then you shouldn't rent it.

It's a rustic cabin situated right on American River. There is a lot to love! The location, nearby hiking and adventure, relative remoteness, starry skies at night... However, there are some deferred maintenance issues that need addressed. The oven does not work; only the broiler element comes on, and even then, not very hot. We made do with the small electric toaster oven. The large burner on the stove does not work and needs replaced/re-wired. Stones and mortar at the kitchen door have failed and it is unsafe. The exterior light on the outhouse never comes on. The light in the outhouse was burned out, but we replaced with a yellow LED bulb we found in the kitchen. User fees are supposed to fund cabin repairs, but I don't see routine maintenance being done year to year (having rented the cabin for a few consecutive years now).