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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

LA BARGE GUARD STATION

Smoot, Wyoming · Lincoln County · Campground

Overview Historic La Barge Guard Station is located 87 miles north of Kemmerer, Wyoming in the Hams Fork Area of Bridger-Teton National Forest. The cabin is situated in beautiful La Barge Meadow, among vibrant summer wildflowers at the base of pine-covered Commissary Ridge. Constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservat…

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About LA BARGE GUARD STATION

Overview Historic La Barge Guard Station is located 87 miles north of Kemmerer, Wyoming in the Hams Fork Area of Bridger-Teton National Forest. The cabin is situated in beautiful La Barge Meadow, among vibrant summer wildflowers at the base of pine-covered Commissary Ridge. Constructed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the rustic cabin welcomes guests for sightseeing, hiking, fishing and more. Pets and horses are allowed at the cabin. Recreation Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are popular summer activities in the surrounding area. The Wagner Pass Trail begins behind the cabin, offering scenic hiking as it follows the Lander Cutoff Historical Trail. Snowmobiling and cross country skiing can be done right out the front door in winter. La Barge Creek offers pleasant trout fishing opportunities. Facilities The guard station is a basic, 1930s style CCC cabin with two rooms. It sleeps six people on three bunkbeds with mattresses. The cabin is available year-round. The cabin is equipped with a propane oven, refrigerator, lights and a wood stove. Water is not guaranteed and if water is on, indoor plumbing is still not available. A vault toilet is located behind the cabin. Some dishes, pots, pans and utensils are provided, but the presence of these items is not guaranteed. No electricity, linens or bedding are provided. In winter, no drinking water is available, so guests should bring plenty for drinking and cooking. Recommended items to bring include dish soap, dish towels, toilet paper, garbage bags and a flashlight. If firewood is on site, this is a courtesy but is not guarenteed. If available, please use only what you need. Always be prepared to collect wood locally or bring to site from local resources. Natural Features The cabin sits near La Barge Creek in a grassy meadow at about 8,500 feet in elevation. Pine trees dot the land around the cabin and cover the surrounding hillsides. Moose, elk, eagles and sandhill cranes are among the wildli

How to Get There

From Kemmerer, WY, follow US-189 north to the junction of La Barge Road, just south of the town of La Barge. Turn left on La Barge Road and travel 25 miles (the first 11 miles of this road are paved) to the forest boundary. Continue following La Barge Road/Forest Road 10138 for 14 more miles to the Tri Basin Divide/Forest Road 10072 junction and turn left. Drive 1/2-mile and turn left. La Barge Guard Station is at the end of the road. From Afton, WY, follow US-89 south 14.5 miles to the Smith's Fork Road/Forest Road 10072 junction. Turn left at the junction and follow Smith's Fork Road for about 22 miles to the La Barge Guard Station road. Turn right. La Barge Guard Station is at the end of the road. Winter access is by snowmobile only on a 22-mile trail.

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 0 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
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed 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 LA BARGE GUARD STATION

Heading to LA BARGE GUARD STATION? 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 LA BARGE GUARD STATION?

No central reservation system listed for LA BARGE GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234582) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to LA BARGE GUARD STATION?

From Kemmerer, WY, follow US-189 north to the junction of La Barge Road, just south of the town of La Barge. Turn left on La Barge Road and travel 25 miles (the first 11 miles of this road are paved) to the forest boundary. Continue following La Barge Road/Forest Road 10138 for 14 more miles to the Tri Basin Divide/Forest Road 10072 junction and turn left. Drive 1/2-mile and turn left. La Barge Gu…

How do I contact LA BARGE GUARD STATION?

You can reach the park at phone: 307-877-4415.