MCCALL LODGING FIELD GUIDE
Derail: Sleep in a 1930s log schoolhouse at Burgdorf Hot Springs
A winterized, off‑grid log cabin with one queen bed and no electricity or running water—this guide explains what to bring and how the stay at Burgdorf Hot Springs’ Derail works.
Derail: Sleep in a 1930s log schoolhouse at Burgdorf Hot Springs.
Tucked into the Burgdorf Hot Springs enclave near McCall, Idaho, Derail is a tiny historic log cabin—originally built in the 1930s and once used as a winter schoolhouse—that offers a deliberately simple, rustic overnight: one queen bed for two guests, heat from a wood‑burning stove, no electricity or indoor plumbing, and outhouses close by.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A 1930s log schoolhouse with stories
Derail was among the handful of cabins commissioned in the 1930s and later rebuilt in the 1970s; it once served as the winter schoolhouse for Burgdorf’s children, and its simple provenance is part of the stay’s appeal.
Cozy, off‑grid nights by a wood stove
The cabin is winterized and fitted with a wood‑burning stove, a recently purchased mattress and mattress cover on a queen bed, and a clean sheet on which guests place their own bedding; cabins are sparsely furnished so expect minimal comforts.
No electricity or running water—walkable to the pool and office
There is no electricity or water inside the cabins; firewood is kept on the porch, outhouses are nearby, and all cabins sit within walking distance of the Burgdorf office and pool area.
What the day feels like
What the stay feels like
Arrive at Burgdorf and make your way on foot to Derail; settle into a small, sparsely furnished log interior, learn the rhythm of the wood stove for heat and cooking, fetch water from the central spigot, and rely on nearby outhouses—the experience is more like elevated camping in a historic cabin than a conventional lodge.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this stay suits—and who it doesn’t
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Stays are offered for 2–5 nights; reservations are accepted up to 90 days in advance.
Bring your own sleeping bag or bedding and pillow, cookware and utensils (propane camp stoves only; no charcoal grills), lamps or rechargeable lighting, a container for water from the central spigot, and extra toilet paper; rechargeable battery lights will be fitted inside cabins to remain there.
Cabins have no electricity or running water; firewood is provided on the porch; outhouses are nearby and all cabins are a short walk from the office and pool area.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I stay at Derail?
Stays are offered for two to five nights.
How far in advance can I make a reservation?
Reservations are accepted up to 90 days in advance.
Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed on the property or in your car; service animals are always welcome and emotional support or therapy animals are accepted on a limited basis.
Is there electricity or running water in the cabin?
No—the cabins do not have electricity or indoor plumbing; outhouses are close by and water must be carried from a central spigot.
What bedding and cooking gear will I need to bring?
Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow or other bedding; cooking utensils and supplies are required—propane camp stoves are permitted and there is limited ability to heat pans on the wood stove, but charcoal grills are not allowed.
How many people does the cabin sleep?
Derail has one queen bed and accommodates two guests.
Is the cabin heated?
Yes—the cabin is heated by a wood‑burning stove and firewood is provided on the porch.