Rustic cabins near Shoup, Idaho offer wilderness accommodations with minimal amenities at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 7,200 feet. Most cabin rentals require advance booking through recreation.gov or private operators, with reservation windows opening 6 months ahead for peak summer season. Winter access to higher elevation cabins often requires snowshoes or cross-country skis, particularly from December through March.
What to do
Fishing access points: The nearby Bitterroot River provides trout fishing opportunities at Sula Country Store and Resort. According to a visitor, "There is free put-put golf, horseshoes, tetherball and a small well stocked fishing pond with benches to watch the action or simply admire the beauty of the surroundings."
Cross-country skiing: Winter trails near Hogan Cabin offer backcountry ski routes. One camper noted, "Spent 3 nights at Hogan Cabin, MT last summer (Aug 2018). I loved the isolation of the location. Up at 7200ft you get a little winded hiking around, but the incredible scenery is worth it."
Wildlife viewing: The meadows surrounding cabin sites provide opportunities for animal sightings. A Hogan Cabin visitor reported, "Saw several deer and elk feeding in the field near the cabin, as well as a moose in the marsh along the creek."
What campers like
Remote solitude: Many cabins offer significant distance from population centers. A visitor at Twin Lakes shared, "It is a very off the beaten path, tucked away in the woods, true getaway from the busy city life. Travel south on 278 from Wisdom, MT and take the chance on an 18 mile gravel road to find a place only you see in pictures and read about in magazines."
Lakeside locations: Several cabins provide direct water access. One Twin Lakes camper explained, "Large, flat sites - many of which are right on the water. Gorgeous views with the lakes nestled between mountains! Plenty of space between sites. Great hiking trail."
Rustic amenities: Simple accommodations allow for disconnection from modern distractions. A camper at Hogan Cabin described, "The cabin itself is nothing to jump up and down about. With only 2 sets of bunk beds, my wife and I put the bedding on the floor and made a full sized bed. There's no running water so be sure to bring plenty."
What you should know
Access challenges: Many cabin roads require appropriate vehicles. A Twin Lakes visitor cautioned, "The road is pretty long, and narrow. Not advisable for pulling a large trailer. Every time we have went there is only one other occupied site."
Water availability: Most forest cabins require guests to bring their own water supply. At Twin Lakes Cabin, a camper noted, "Parking space was limited to one single vehicle without a trailer. Firewood and lantern were not provided."
Temperature variations: High elevation cabins experience significant day-night temperature swings. One Twin Lakes Cabin guest advised, "The mosquitos are terrible so bring lots of deet, and in July it gets to be around 30* F at night so bring lots of extra blankets."
Tips for camping with families
Non-motorized water activities: Some lake cabins restrict watercraft types. A Twin Lakes visitor mentioned, "No motorized boats allowed, so bring your own kayak or canoe and a fishing pole or two to enjoy the refreshing waters at the bottom of the mountains. Even in July, you can see snow atop the mountains on the Montana-Idaho border."
Limited parking capacity: Plan transportation needs carefully. A camper observed, "Overall it was a great campsite. There are currently 17 camping spots with a cabin as well. The campsite is located right on the lake and it's about a 15 mile commute on a gravel road to get there."
On-site recreational options: Some private cabin rentals include family activities. At Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park, visitors appreciate location benefits: "Its very close to the city. So you can walk and leave your camper on the ground."
Tips from RVers
Full-hookup alternatives: For those seeking amenities between wilderness adventures, private parks offer more services. One guest at Andreas on the River RV Park noted, "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. Kind of shocked it was $45 a night after so much free camping!"
Walking distance conveniences: Some cabin locations provide easy access to supplies. A visitor reported, "We enjoyed 2 nights here alongside the river with full hookups. The host was very kind and helpful with our questions. Easy 5 minute walk to town. Great local grocery, bakery, and a few breweries."
Seasonal access considerations: Mountain roads can be challenging in certain seasons. One camper advised, "Road is best traveled with AWD-4WD. Campgrounds are nice and level for tents."
