Cabin options near Leadore, Idaho range from rustic Forest Service accommodations to riverside facilities with amenities. At Vigilante Campground in Bannack State Park, cabins provide access to a preserved ghost town where visitors can explore historic buildings. The park offers two campgrounds with basic facilities including vault toilets and water access. One visitor noted, "Campgrounds are right by the creek, awesome 100+ year old buildings." The nearby Forest Service cabins require advance reservations and typically have minimal amenities without running water or electricity.
What to do
Explore ghost town history: Bannack State Park features a well-preserved ghost town with numerous original structures. The buildings are stabilized but not restored, creating an authentic historic experience. A visitor explains, "This town holds quite a lot of history. It's open to exploration by the public. Every building is a slowly fading time capsule of a long forgotten time."
Creek fishing opportunities: Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park offers access to Grasshopper Creek, which provides fishing opportunities for those staying in cabins. "Caught a few fish on the fly too. Mosquitos were bad, no surprise there with the creek close by," reports one camper.
Seasonal events: Check the schedule for special events that enhance the cabin camping experience. "Check out Bannack Days!" recommends one visitor, referring to the popular summer festival when volunteers dress in period clothing to recreate life in the mining town.
What campers like
Historical immersion: The cabins at Bannack State Park provide immediate access to Montana's first territorial capital. One camper explains, "Bannack Montana was the 1st Territorial Capital of Montana. The Ghost town allows you a look at how settlers and miners leaved in the early day of Montana. See the 1st Territorial Governors Manson (ok, small cabin)."
Riverside locations: Cabins at Andreas on the River RV Park feature private decks overlooking the Salmon River, providing relaxing views and wildlife watching opportunities. A visitor describes, "We have done only boondocking but were tired and wanted proximity to town. A few spots left and asked for one on the river, which had its own deck."
Natural setting: Many cabins feature creekside locations with shade trees. "Awesome little campground next to Grasshopper Creek. There aren't many sites here but we were lucky enough to get two. Each space has plenty of room for the kids to run around and play," notes a camper about the Vigilante Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: All cabin accommodations in the area require advance booking, with Forest Service cabins like Horse Prairie Cabin available through recreation.gov. Availability is extremely limited during summer months, requiring reservations 3-6 months in advance.
Seasonal operations: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. Andreas on the River RV Park is only open from May 1 to November 1, while other cabin facilities may have different seasonal availability.
Amenity variations: Cabin amenities vary widely across the region. The Henneberry House cabins offer electricity and picnic tables but no running water, while other locations provide more services. Forest Service cabins typically require guests to bring all supplies including water.
Tips for camping with families
Junior Ranger programs: Bannack State Park offers educational opportunities for children. "Kids visiting the park can work on a Jr. Ranger program. Great time to visit is when they have volunteers dressed in period clothing," advises a camper.
Specialty accommodations: Some locations offer unique lodging options beyond standard cabins. "You can stay in a teepee. Excellent campsite right next to a ghost town," reports a visitor to Vigilante Campground.
Supply planning: When staying at cabins near Leadore, families should plan carefully for supplies. Salmon, Idaho (30 minutes away) has grocery stores, but most cabins require bringing bedding, cooking equipment, and water. "Just empty your tanks and fill up on water, food and supplies in Dillon," recommends one experienced camper.
Tips from RVers
Walkable options: Some cabin locations provide convenient access to nearby towns. At Andreas on the River, one visitor noted, "Easy 5 minute walk to town. Great local grocery, bakery, and a few breweries."
Host interactions: Cabin and campground hosts can provide valuable local information. "Host is a bit peculiar, almost grumpy but if you chat for a bit he's actually a wealth of local folklore," explains a visitor to Andreas on the River RV Park.
Generator considerations: Some locations have noise restrictions or limitations. One camper at Bannack State Park explained, "Bring a generator to charge you bank, though I felt bad about running them because of the disruption in the serenity."
