Hiking, berry picking, and wildlife viewing draw families to this US Forest Service cabin rental located 25 miles from Ashton within Targhee National Forest. The $40-per-night cabin accommodates up to six people with bunk beds, though campers report bringing air mattresses improves comfort significantly. Basic amenities include a wood stove, table, chairs, dishes, and cookware, but no electricity or garbage service.
The forested setting provides regular wildlife sightings, including bears that require proper food storage and garbage management. Campers exploring campgrounds near Targhee National Forest should note the rough access road and pack out all trash to avoid extra fees. The cabin works well for groups of five or fewer seeking outdoor activities in a wooded environment.
Description
Overview
Squirrel Meadows Cabin is located 24 miles east of Ashton, Idaho, just off the Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road. The current cabin was built in 1934, but the site has been used for administrative purposes since 1907. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Only one other cabin in Wyoming was constructed with the same building plan. The 2-room cabin is made of lodgepole pine and features a wood shingled roof. Guests can drive to the cabin from mid-May through mid-November, although about 10 miles of the trip are on gravel roads. Snowmobiles and cross-country skis are required to access the cabin from approximately early December through mid-May. The trek from the nearest available parking at the snowmobile trailhead to the cabin is 10 miles.
Recreation
The cabin provides access to a variety of year-round recreational activities, including horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Berry picking is available in late summer. Some of the other activities located within a few miles include off-road vehicle and motorcycle riding, snowmobiling, hiking and mountain biking. Game and game bird hunting is a popular pastime in season.
Facilities
This cabin sleeps six and provides bunkbeds, mattresses, a wood stove for cooking, table and chairs, and firewood. A hand pump, vault toilet, picnic table and horse corrals are located outside. Electricity is not provided. Guests may wish to bring battery or propane-powered lighting. Bedding, matches, and emergency items like a first aid kit are not provided. Trash bags are needed to pack out garbage.
Natural Features
Squirrel Meadows Cabin is situated at 6,500 feet on the Yellowstone Plateau of southwest Wyoming. The cabin sits in a meadow surrounded by pine trees. Guests can enjoy views of the distant mountains. Wildlife in the area includes black bear, wolf, elk, moose, mule deer, and grizzly bear.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSquirrel Meadows Cabin is located in Idaho
Directions
From Ashton, ID, take Highway 47 a half-mile to Highway 32 and turn right (south). Travel 1 mile to Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road (#261). Turn left (east) and travel 22 miles to Road #032. Turn right (south) and go a half-mile to the cabin.
Address
ASHTON/ISLAND PARK RANGER DISTRICT
Ashton, ID 83420
Coordinates
44.0630556 N
111.0222222 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 45 min from Idaho Falls, ID
- 3 hrs 28 min from Pocatello, ID
- 4 hrs 31 min from Bozeman, MT
- 4 hrs 49 min from Logan, UT
