
Weekend availability at Johnson Guard Station
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Nov 3, 4:45 PM PT- Fri, Nov 6Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Nov 13Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Nov 20Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Nov 27Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Dec 4Limited1/1 sites
- Fri, Dec 11Limited1/1 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
How booked is Johnson Guard Station?
as of November 4Sites are open right now — we found space out to Jan 2027. That changes fast at a campground. We check Johnson Guard Station around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Weekdays still have room — for now.
Weekends (Saturday night)
Weekdays (Wednesday night)
Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 1
About this campground
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).
Getting there
From Soda Springs, take Highway 34 north approximately 12 miles to the China Hat turnoff (Blackfoot River Narrows). 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 National 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.
Activities
- WINTER SPORTS
- HUNTING
- HIKING
- FISHING
- CAMPING
- BIKING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Diamond Creek Guard StationCaribou-Targhee National Forest1 mi
- Stump Creek Guard StationCaribou-Targhee National Forest8 mi
- Clear Creek Guard StationCaribou-Targhee National Forest14 mi
- Blackfoot Reservoir CampgroundBlackfoot River22 mi
- Eight Mile Guard StationCaribou-Targhee National Forest23 mi
- Montpelier Canyon CampgroundCaribou-Targhee National Forest27 mi
Never miss an opening at Johnson Guard Station
Popular Idaho campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Johnson Guard Station around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.