Cabin camping near Arlee, Montana offers outdoor access at 3,094 feet elevation in the Flathead Indian Reservation. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s and cold winters dropping below freezing. Arlee sits in a valley between the Mission Mountains and the Rattlesnake Wilderness, creating varied terrain for different camping experiences throughout the seasons.
What to do
Creek activities: At Jocko Hollow Campground, visitors can enjoy wading and fishing in the adjacent creek. A visitor noted, "This campground is nice and small and tucked away so that you can explore the woods and wilderness around it. It is very well kept and a great value for the price."
Rock collecting: The streams and creeks around Arlee provide excellent rock-hunting opportunities. One camper at Jocko Hollow Campground shared, "The rocks are the most beautiful and rock collectors' dream! Be careful camping next to the rivers as in early spring, waters rise in the evenings and will flood out the lower Plains."
Hiking trails: Within 25 minutes of Arlee, Beavertail Hill State Park offers walking paths suitable for all ability levels. A visitor reported, "We did a little exploring by the beaver pond and river. The staff was super friendly. It was great access - right off the interstate."
Water recreation: Located 45 minutes from Arlee, Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park offers swimming and boating opportunities. "I had site T-001, which is very accessible and has amazing views of the lake. Site is quiet, clean with easy access to the lake," according to one camper.
What campers like
Creekside sounds: Many cabins and campsites near Arlee feature creeks that provide natural sound barriers. One visitor to Jocko Hollow mentioned, "We were right next to the river which was amazing. They have a laundry room, showers and bathrooms. Not the cleanest. But do the trick."
Wildlife viewing: The area around Arlee offers regular wildlife sightings. At Finley Point Unit — Flathead Lake State Park, a camper reported, "Wildlife like it here too. Saw deer every night."
Clean facilities: Missoula KOA Holiday, approximately 25 miles from Arlee, maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. A recent visitor stated, "Bathroom is a vault toilet with too many bugs, but oh well, it's camping."
Small cabin settings: Smaller cabin options provide more intimate camping experiences. The Holmestead Dry Cabin maintains a quiet setting with minimal traffic compared to larger campgrounds in the region.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Creek-side cabins and camping spots can flood during spring. A camper at Jocko Hollow Campground warned, "Be careful camping next to the rivers as in early spring, waters rise in the evenings and will flood out the lower Plains."
Mixed-use facilities: Some cabin locations near Arlee serve both transient campers and long-term residents. A visitor noted, "Some of the sites are for permanent residents, which feels weird."
Varied bathroom quality: Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between properties. One camper at Jocko Hollow reported, "They have a laundry room, showers and bathrooms. Not the cleanest. But do the trick."
Staff assistance: Many cabin locations offer last-minute availability and accommodating staff. A recent Jocko Hollow visitor shared, "Old lady was sweet to us, I saw the reviews about her being not so sweet but she was nice and got us in last minute."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Granite Peak RV Resort offers cabin accommodations with family-friendly amenities approximately 30 minutes from Arlee. A visitor mentioned, "Great amenities, well taken care of, individually owned. -WiFi -hook ups -small&big sites -clean showers -shop with stickers -gym -mini golf -en route to glacier via Missoula."
Kid-friendly activities: Families seeking cabin camping options with extensive children's activities should consider Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA. One camper reported, "This campground has it all. Lots of fun for the kids with mini golf, bikes, paddle boats, and arcade games. Lots of spaces. Free breakfast in the morning was a great touch."
Sleeping arrangements: When booking cabins with children, verify bed arrangements in advance. A visitor to Missoula KOA Holiday shared, "This is my daughters favorite place. From the bike rental to the playground, putt putt golf, swimming pool (2 Adult hot tubs - very clean)."
Wildlife education: Several cabins near Arlee provide wildlife viewing opportunities for children. Consider bringing field guides to help identify local species.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites at Beavertail Hill State Park Campground offer varying degrees of privacy. A camper mentioned, "The park is relatively small, but the sites all seemed large enough and well spaced. There were a few large RVs there."
Hookup availability: Verify which cabin properties offer power for RV use. Many smaller properties have limited electrical access outside of cabin units.
Road conditions: Some cabin properties have challenging access roads. Check ahead for road conditions, especially during spring melt or after heavy rains.
Noise factors: Some cabin locations near Arlee experience traffic or railway noise. A camper at Beavertail Hill noted, "The park is not far off of the interstate. While the traffic can be heard, it was not distracting. There is also a set of RR tracks that run along the freeway. There were 8-10 trains that went by daily."
