Paddy Flat Guard Station

USDA Forest Service campground, 2 sites

Overview

The Paddy Flat Guard Station is located in the Payette National Forest of central Idaho. Guests enjoy the remote area for its hunting opportunities and abundance of hiking, biking, horseback riding and off-highway vehicle roads and trails. Abundant streams and numerous alpine lakes within travel distance offer fantastic fishing opportunities. 

Recreation

The Paddy Flat Guard Station serves as an excellent jumping-off point for adventures via horseback, motorcycle, ATV or hiking. Numerous trailheads within a few miles allow access to alpine lakes for fishing, meadows for watching birds and wildlife, as well as peaks ranging as high as 8,681 foot elevation for excellent views of the South Fork of the Salmon River drainage. 

Facilities

Two cabins are available for rental at this guard station. Please be respectful of visitors at the adjacent cabin. The cabins were fully renovated in 2024.

• Limited kitchen utensils such as dished and silverware are provided, but please bring your own so you have what you need.

• The Guard Station is a "Pack-It-In, Pack-It-Out" facility. All garbage/trash must leave with you. Please clean up after use.

• Pets are allowed, however please be sure to clean up after and maintain control of your animal.

• Administrative buildings on site are not available for use.

• Firewood gathering is available in the forest areas surrounding the Paddy Flat Guard Station, although none is provided on site. Do not bring firewood that is not local to the area. Don't Move Firewood! Help prevent the spread of tree-killing pests in our National Forests by obtaining firewood in proximity to your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

• No camping at the guard station. If camping is desired, Kennally Creek Campground, and a number of dispersed campsites are nearby.

Cabin East

• The occupancy within the Cabin East is four people. The unit is fully accessible and includes an access ramp off the backdoor. The bathroom has a wheel-chair accessible shower stall, toilet and sink. 

• A second rental cabin is located at this Guard Station. Please be respectful to other parties using that facility. 

• Parking: Parking for this unit, is directly behind the cabin, with space for three vehicles. 

• EAST UNIT ONLY: Up to four head of pack and saddle stock are permitted at this site. Parking is adequate for one four-horse stock trailer. All stock feed must be certified weed free and provided by tenants. Use of the Barn is not allowed.

  • Update for 2026: Stock must remain contained within the provided corral or pasture. No pickets or high lines are permitted outside the corral or pasture. However, we recommend supplemental electric fencing due to the location and nature of the facilities, which may not be adequate to contain your stock. Questions on bringing your stock? Call the Payette National Forest at 208-634-0700.

Cabin West

• The occupancy within the Cabin West is four people. Sleep quarters are on the second floor and include a queen size bed and twin-size bunk beds. There are two bathrooms at this house. On the first floor, the full bathroom includes a wheel-chair accessible shower stall, toilet and sink. On the second floor, the bathroom includes a tub/shower, toilet and sink.  

• A second rental cabin is located at this Guard Station. Please be respectful to other parties using the adjacent rental cabin. 

• There are stairs leading into the unit. The basement is off limits. 

• This unit does not have a fire pit outside. 

• Parking: Parking for this unit is near the garage to the rear of the property with capacity for three vehicles. 

Natural Features

This Guard Station sits at an elevation of 5,250 feet and is situated within a scenic meadow surrounded by a dense conifer forest. The Payette National Forest contains some of Idaho's most beautiful and diverse country. Located in west-central Idaho, north of Boise, the 2.2 million-acre forest extends 100 miles west to east, from Hells Canyon to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and 70 miles north to south, from the Salmon River to the Weiser River.

Nearby Attractions

While the Paddy Flat Guard Station is located within some of the most scenic forest areas of Idaho, you may find a desire to visit "civilization" during your visit. If you hanker for a pizza, hot lunch or subway sandwich, the town of Donnelly is just a bit of back-tracking away. While you are there, take some time to explore the historic town of Roseberry or take the ten mile drive to Gold Forks Hot Springs for a relaxing dip in their pools. While McCall is a bit further of a drive north, a walk through downtown is always a fun way to while away the afternoon. Spend some time on the waterfront, take in a local museum, visit Ponderosa State Park, or take a tour through the McCall Fish Hatchery.