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Camping · Idaho

JOHNSON GUARD STATION

USFS · Campground · Fee

Fast facts

Cost
Fee charged
Managed by
USFS
Type
Campground
Hours
Open 24 hours/day
Reservations
recreation.gov
Phone
208-847-0375
Coordinates
42.7211, -111.2072
Last verified
September 19, 2026
42.7211° N · 111.2072° W
Last verifiedSeptember 19, 2026

About this place

Overview Johnson Guard Station is located 30 miles east of Soda Springs, Idaho, on a site that was established in 1910. The current building was constructed in 1934, and is named after James J. Johnson, who served as ranger of the Georgetown Ranger District from 1907-1913. It's been used for various purposes over the years, from serving as summer headquarters to housing work crews. The cabin is accessible by car in warmer months and by snowmobile in winter. The cabin provides a few conveniences, so guests should be prepared to bring the supplies and equipment they need to make their stay more comfortable. Recreation The Bear Canyon OHV Trail is about 1 mile north of the guard station ( Idaho OHV safety message ). Hikers and mountain bikers will also find trails nearby. The area surrounding the cabin is a playground for snowmobilers and skiers in the winter months. Anglers can fish in nearby Diamond Creek. The surrounding area also attracts game and game bird hunters. Facilities The guard station has a maximum capacity of 15 people. One sleeping room is available with four single beds.. Guests need to provide bedding and sleeping pads. The kitchen has a gas stove for cooking and a dining table with chairs. A gas furnace heats the cabin. Propane is provided for the lights, cook stove and heater. A vault toilet and picnic table are located outside. No water or electricity is available at the cabin. Guests will need to supply their own water for drinking, washing and cooking. Bedding/sleeping pads, cookware, kitchen utensils and emergency supplies are not provided. Guests are required to bring garbage bags to pack out their trash. The cabin should be cleaned before leaving, so guests should bring some cleaning supplies. Natural Features The cabin sits in a meadow at an elevation of 6,500 feet surrounded by the peaks of Dry Ridge and the Webster subrange in southeastern Idaho. Stands of aspen and lodgepole pine dot the landscape. Wildlife in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest includes black bears, wolves, elk, moose, mule deer, bison, grizzly bears, mountain lions and pronghorn ( bear safety tips ).

From the USFS.Official page

Is JOHNSON GUARD STATION free?

No. JOHNSON GUARD STATION charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.

How do I get to JOHNSON GUARD STATION?

From Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 12 miles to the Chi Hat turnoff (Blackfoot River rrows). This road will follow Blackfoot River for another 11 miles to a junction; there is a Forest Service sign at this point. Take the right fork (Caribou tiol Forest Road 102) southeast for another 10 miles to the guard station. The road will turn into Diamond Creek Road. Maps are available upon request at the district office.

Nearby

No other services within 50 mi on the record.

SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.

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Disclaimer TerrainKit is an independent product with no affiliation with, sponsorship from or endorsement by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service or any other public agency. Site and access information is compiled from publicly available sources and can go out of date without notice. Confirm current rules, closures, fire restrictions and stay limits with the managing ranger district or field office before you camp.
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47.5053° N · 111.3008° W
JOHNSON GUARD STATION, Camping in Idaho - TerrainKit