About BUCK PARK CABIN
Overview Buck Park Cabin is located on Cuddy Mountain, 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-road vehicle trails. The cabin sits at an elevation of 7,280 feet within Buck Park, a scenic meadow surrounded by a dense conifer forest. Rush Lake, Hornet and Lower Hornet reservoirs are nearby. This very rustic cabin can accommodate a maximum of three people. Metal cots are provided, but guests must bring their own sleeping bags. A wood stove is provided for heat and cooking. No plumbing or electricity is available. A vault toilet is located outside. Guests must bring water, food, bedding and firewood. High clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing Buck Park Cabin. Further, access to Buck Park Cabin will be challenging if snow has fallen (more likely after mid-October). Recreation The cabin sits near small Rush Lake, which offers fishing opportunities. Hornet and Lower Hornet lakes are a short distance away. Hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and off-road enthusiasts will find several motorized and non-motorized trails in the surrounding area.Facilities This very rustic cabin can accommodate a maximum of three people. Metal cots are provided, but guests must bring their own sleeping bags. A wood stove is provided for heat and cooking. No plumbing or electricity is available. A vault toilet is located outside. Guests must bring water, food, bedding and firewood. Horse corrals and hitching racks are available within the cabin complex.Natural Features The cabin sits at an elevation of 7,280 feet within Buck Park, a scenic meadow surrounded by a dense conifer forest. Rush Lake, Hornet and Lower Hornet reservoirs are nearby. The Payette National Forest encompasses some of Idaho's most beautiful and diverse country. Located in west-central Idaho, north of Boise, the 2.3-million-acre forest extends 100 miles west to east, from Hells Canyon
How to Get There
From Council, drive 12 miles northwest on the paved Council-Cuprum Road 002, then 12 miles southwest on the gravel Buck Park Road 055 (high-clearance vehicles are necessary for passage). Continue 0.2 miles south on Buck Park Spur. Expect large rocks and a narrow, one-way road. Buck Park is a 1.5-hour drive from Council, Idaho.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 12 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BUCK PARK CABIN
Heading to BUCK PARK CABIN? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BUCK PARK CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for BUCK PARK CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234034) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BUCK PARK CABIN?
From Council, drive 12 miles northwest on the paved Council-Cuprum Road 002, then 12 miles southwest on the gravel Buck Park Road 055 (high-clearance vehicles are necessary for passage). Continue 0.2 miles south on Buck Park Spur. Expect large rocks and a narrow, one-way road. Buck Park is a 1.5-hour drive from Council, Idaho.
How do I contact BUCK PARK CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-549-4200.
References & Official Resources
