Deer Park Cabin
Closed — Closed for the season. The cabin operates from late May through late September and is accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles in good weather. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Call Idaho City Ranger District at (208) 392-6681 24-48 hours before arrival to confirm lock combination.
Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03
Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.
Explosives and Exploding Target Order 04-2021-02
This order prohibits the use of explosives and exploding targets on National Forest System lands within the Intermountain Region.
Atlanta Area Roads 268M & 268MX1 Closure
The purpose of this order is to protect public health, safety and natural resources along two short roadways associated with the community of Atlanta's transfer station.
Granite Creek Seasonal Road Closure for Snowmobile Grooming
National Forest System Road 327 (also known as Granite Creek-Rabbit Creek Road) is closed to wheeled motorized vehicles beginning near its junction with Hwy. 21 and ending at the North Fork Boise River bridge near Deer Park.
Lava Fire Road Closure
Updated closure of National Forest System Road 625, and portions of NFSRs 653 and 624 due to safety hazards resulting from the 2024 Lava Fire. These routes are closed to motorized and mechanized travel, but open to foot and livestock use.
Public Safety Occupancy and Use on all Boise National Forest Lands
This Order applies to all National Forest System lands and roads within the Boise National Forest for purposes of public health and safety.
Flat Fire GNA Salvage Road and Trail Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety during timber operations near the Flat Fire burn area. These will be in effect from June 20 through December 31, 2025.
Lowman Ranger District Dispersed Camping Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect undeveloped campsites along portions of Highway 21 and National Forest System Roads 582 and 524 from overuse and to let highly impacted areas to recover.
William Pogue and Roaring River Trail Closure Order
Portions of the William Pogue and Roaring River Trails are closed.
South Fork Salmon Road Closure
This order prohibits motor vehicles on the South Fork Salmon River Road having more than 10,000 lbs on the steering axle and tire width less than nine inches, or more than 300 lbs per inch of tire on all axles, from March 15th through June 1st annually.
Rainbow Basin Occupancy and Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources values and public health and safety within Rainbow Basin.
Grimes Creek Area Closure
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and natural resources.
Occupancy and Use
Details camping stay restrictions for more than 14 days during any 30-day period throughout the year.
Wilson Creek Trail System Temporary Closure to Motor Vehicle Use
The purpose of this Order is to protect big game during critical life stages.
About
Deer Park Cabin preserves its historic character from the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps era while offering a comfortable backcountry experience in Boise National Forest. The site was originally established as Deer Park Ranger Guard Station in 1913, with the current cabin dating to CCC reconstruction in the 1930s and receiving upgrades in 2018. Located at 4,400 feet elevation in an open meadow surrounded by mature Ponderosa pines, the cabin overlooks the North Fork Boise River as it rushes through jagged granite canyon walls. The cabin accommodates up to 6 people with two sets of bunkbeds and a futon, all with mattresses provided. The kitchen area includes a table and chairs, propane stove, refrigerator, cookware, dishes, utensils, and a dry sink. A wood stove provides heat, with firewood available from the surrounding forest. Outside, guests will find a vault toilet, a shed housing a hand pump for potable water, a picnic table, and a campfire ring. Note that the cabin has no indoor plumbing or electricity, and guests must bring their own bedding, pillows, lighting, and emergency supplies. Recreation opportunities abound with the North Fork Boise River Trail beginning directly behind the cabin. This 5-mile trail passes through some of Idaho's most scenic canyon terrain before dipping to the river's edge at a dramatic rock bluff. Horse Heaven Trail, located about a mile from the cabin, connects with the Swanholm and Warrior trail systems, all open to hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and motorcyclists. The North Fork Boise River offers good rainbow trout fishing after July 1st, and the area is popular for big game hunting. Wildlife watching opportunities include deer, elk, black bears, waterfowl, bald eagles, and osprey.
Directions
From Idaho City, travel State Highway 21 for 18 miles to Forest Service Road 384 (Crooked River/Little Owl Road). Turn right onto FS Road 384 and proceed 13.5 miles to FS Road 327 (North Fork Boise River Road). Turn left onto FS Road 327 and drive upstream for 5 miles to FS Road 348 (Hunter Creek Road). Go straight ahead on FS Road 348 for 1/4 mile where you will see a meadow and a road turning off to the right. Proceed 300 yards to Deer Park Cabin.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 392-6681 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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