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Malad Summit Guard Station in Idaho
Hard to BookNational Forest

Malad Summit Guard Station

Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho

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As of October 2026, Malad Summit Guard Station is a campground in Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho with 1 campsite. Malad Summit Guard Station is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Malad Summit Guard Station for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Malad Summit Guard Station is located at 42.3511ยฐ N, 112.2644ยฐ W.
people allowed on each site
15

Malad Summit Guard Station reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 6 (1 site)Oct 11 (1 site)Oct 14 (1 site)

1 site open on Oct 6 at Malad Summit Guard Station. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 1 October 2026, 01:10 UTC.

Campsites at Malad Summit Guard Station

  • Cabin 1

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife, photography, offroad, horse riding.

All sites at Malad Summit Guard Station, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the MSGS loop.

SiteTypeSleeps
01Cabin15

About Malad Summit Guard Station

Overview

Malad Summit Guard Station is located 14 miles north of Malad, Idaho on Malad Pass just off I-15. The rustic one-room cabin is in a forested setting in narrow Mill Creek Drainage, and offers a secluded retreat on fenced acreage surrounded by scenic high country views.

The original guard station was established in 1908, but was replaced by the existing cabin in 1934. The cabin is accessible by car when there is no snow. Guests should be prepared in snowy conditions to ski, snowshoe or snowmobile half a mile from the

plowed road to reach the cabin. The guard station offers many amenities for a comfortable stay, but fewer conveniences are available in winter.

Recreation

The surrounding area offers a variety of recreational activities. Trails are provided for hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-road vehicles (Idaho OHV safety message).

Anglers can fish for small brook trout in Mill Creek. Hunting for game and game birds is another popular pastime.

Facilities

Malad Summit Guard Station is located near Mill Creek. The cabin can sleep six people on the three bunkbeds provided.

Amenities include three bunkbeds with mattresses, a wood stove, table with four chairs, a broom and dustpan, vacuum, cook prep area, and sink. Electrical appliances include space heater, lights, and induction stove.

A single vault toilet, campfire ring, grill, lantern post, and picnic tables are located outside the cabin.

Parking can accommodate up to three RVs.

The cabin's water is shut off late September to May. Winter guests need to bring their own water.

Forest road 041 is not maintained/plowed in the winter months. When snow accumulation doesn't allow for vehicles to access the cabin via Forest Road 041, cabin renters can park at the overnight winter parking area past the cattleguard at the USFS boundary. Cabin renters should not park on private property before the cattleguard. The overnight parking area is signed and can accommodate up to 4 vehicles. Renters can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile to Malad Summit Guard Station.

Guests may find limited dishes and cookware. Bedding, towels, first aid and emergency supplies, matches, lanterns, and flashlights are not provided.

Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash before leaving. Cleaning supplies are available. Guests should bring their own garbage bags and pack out all trash.

Malad Summit Guard Station is managed by Pinnacle Parks Llc under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For questions please contact 208-757-3999 between the hours of 8am and 9pm.

Natural Features

The rustic single-room cabin is tucked into a deciduous and conifer forest at an elevation of around 6,000 feet. Mill Creek meanders through the site.

The front porch invites guests to sit and enjoy views of the forest and possible wildlife sightings. Black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions and pronghorn are some of the species native to the area (bear safety tips).

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (208) 757-3999.

Rules and notices at Malad Summit Guard Station

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Malad Summit Guard Station on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Malad Summit Guard Station is managed by Pinnacle Parks Llc under a special use permit with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For questions please contact 208-757-3999 between the hours of 8am and 9pm.

An access code for the gate and door is sent in the reservation confirmation email.

Induction stove heating element will only activate if cookware is placed on the stovetop. Cookware must be made of a magnetic material.

Shower facility, oven and refridgerator are no longer available. Guests should plan on bringing their own coolers for cold food storage.

No water is available at the cabin during winter months beginning late September through May. Winter guests should bring their own water.

Forest road 041 is not maintained/plowed in the winter months. When snow accumulation doesn't allow for vehicles to access the cabin via Forest Road 041, cabin renters can park at the overnight winter parking area past the cattleguard at the USFS boundary. Cabin renters should not park on private property before the cattleguard. The overnight parking area is signed and can accommodate up to 4 vehicles. Renters can hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile to Malad Summit Guard Station.

Please leave the cabin clean for the next occupant.

This is a pack-it-in/pack-it-out facility.

Smoking is prohibited.

Pets are allowed, but guests must ensure no damage to furnishings and no harassment of wildlife; guests must clean up after their animals.

Please make sure fires in the outside campfire ring are extinguished completely before leaving the cabin. Abandoning campfires during any point in your stay at the cabin can result in a violation. Since water is not available during the off season at the cabin, please bring extra water to help extinguish a campfire.

Off-road vehicle stickers are required for ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles using the area

Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more

Click here for more information about Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Don't Move Firewood: Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our national forests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Malad Summit Guard Station FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Malad Summit Guard Station is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Malad Summit Guard Station?

Cancellations happen frequently at Malad Summit Guard Station, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Malad Summit Guard Station have?

Malad Summit Guard Station has 1 campsites.

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