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State Park

Photo: Caribou-Targhee National ForestPublic domainRecreation.gov

Malad Summit Guard Station

Caribou National Forest · Downey, ID

Verify with the state park system

State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.

Directions

1

Total Sites

0.0

0 Reviews

1 Cabin

Official sources & verification

Managed by State Park

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Source of truth

Verify by phone or mail

  • Operator:208-236-7500
  • Address:4350 CLIFFS DRIVE · Downey, ID · 83204
We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this campground using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: Aug 8, 2026. Our copy is more than a month old — please reconfirm with the agency before relying on it.Spot an error in our data?

Live availability

via Recreation.gov
See every open campground nearbySame dates & filters, across the whole area

Availability is a recent snapshot, not a live hold — you always complete the booking on recreation.gov.

About

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](http://www.recreation.gov/marketing.do?goto=%2Fsafety.htm)). Anglers can fish for small brook trout in Mill Creek. Hunting for game and game birds is another popular pastime. Facilities Cabin amenities include a wood stove, table and chairs, two bunkbeds with mattresses, two folding cots, a broom and dustpan, sink and Electrical appliances (space heater, water heater, stove/oven). Guests may find limited dishes and cookware. The mudroom is equipped with shower facilities. Water is OFF from late Sept to late May A vault toilet outhouse, campfire ring and picnic table are outside. Parking is available for three RVs. The cabin's water is shut off Late Sept depending on weather, so winter guests need to bring their own water. Bedding, cleaning supplies, towels, garbage bags, first aid supplies, matches and lanterns or flashlights are not provided. Guests are expected to clean the cabin and pack out their trash before leaving. Natural Features The rustic single-room cabin is tucked into a forest of deciduous and conifers at an elevation of about 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](http://www.recreation.gov/marketing.do?goto=%2FwildlifeAlert.html)).

Reviews

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How busy it gets

Recreation.gov
4.1

26 camper reviews on Recreation.gov

Amenities

Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Accessible
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service

Cell reception

Camper reports · checked Sep 29, 2026

Major Issues

Average 0.9 of 4 bars · 24 reports across 3 carriers

Phone calls drop frequently; text messages delayed. No data, or mostly unusable data. Signal may be limited to small areas of site/facility. No social media.

  • Verizon

    Major Issues

    0.9/4

    9 reports

  • AT&T

    Some Coverage

    2.3/4

    3 reports

  • T-Mobile

    Major Issues

    0.5/4

    12 reports

Reported by campers on Recreation.gov, not measured by us. Reception varies by handset, weather, and where you stand in the campground. Recreation.gov

Check-in & Check-out

Check-in 2:00 PM

Check-out 12:00 PM

Campground Rules

  • Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting

Reservations

This campground accepts reservations. Book early for popular dates.

Make a Reservation

Individual Sites (1)

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#01

01

Loop MSGS

Check official pricing Max 15 guests50 ft
CampsiteCabinPets OKCampfires
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In this park

Trails at Caribou National Forest

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Within ~30 miles

Trails near Malad Summit Guard Station

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Hunt context

Hunting unit around this campground

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Idaho hunting page

Nearby Campgrounds

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