Cabins near Belt, Montana provide access to Little Belt Mountains recreation with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 9,000 feet. The region features limestone formations, alpine meadows and mixed conifer forests. Winter accommodations remain accessible when many traditional campgrounds close, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Several cabins serve as gateways to Little Belt Mountain trails. Camp Rotary offers proximity to hiking areas with "each campground has cabins which hold about 11 people and tent spaces outside. The cabin do have semi-decent heating, but not AC," according to Sterling C.
Creek exploration: Water features provide recreational opportunities near most forest cabins. At Dry Wolf Cabin, one visitor noted, "Creek nearby for water (or campground a few miles up road has well and spring with potable water). Lots of activities nearby rock hounding/fossils, hikes, small waterfall, swimming in creek."
Winter activities: The cabins become bases for snow sports when weather permits. A visitor to Kings Hill Cabin shared, "it's right by the highway so it's accessible year-round and it's a perfect winter wonderland. The area is near Showdown Ski Bowl with tons to do!"
What campers like
Historic structures: Many visitors appreciate the heritage value of forest service cabins. While rustic, these buildings offer cultural significance alongside shelter.
Natural privacy: Small forest service cabins provide seclusion compared to larger campgrounds. At Moose Creek Campground, David T. found "There were only half a dozen sites or so, and no amenities. And of course, no cost... It's right on the creek and it was delightful. There was one other camper in there the evening I was there."
Modern alternatives: When primitive accommodations prove too challenging, developed options exist. One visitor at Great Falls KOA shared, "This place overall is pretty amazing Parks pool playsets petting zoo it's got all the p's. Perfectly level pad in the trees fire pit and picnic table in your own little grassy area cabins tents glamping RVs tent camping got it all."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Cabin availability changes throughout the year. While Kings Hill operates June through Thanksgiving, other cabins remain open year-round with different conditions each season.
Amenity limitations: Most forest service cabins lack standard utilities. At Monument Peak Lookout, Lindsay B. warns visitors should "Reserve this lookout on Recreation.gov for an amazing trip. The only downside is that this place is FULLLLL of dead flies when you get there. Mentally prepare yourself. Bring 100% of your own bedding to not sleep on dead flies."
Preparation requirements: Visitors must bring specific supplies based on cabin type. Dry Wolf Cabin offers "Propane stove makes cooking easy," but water comes from a nearby creek, requiring filtration or treatment.
Reservation systems: All forest service cabins require advance booking through Recreation.gov, typically $60 per night. Private facilities like Benton RV Park use separate reservation systems with different pricing structures.
Tips for camping with families
Facility selection: Choose cabins with appropriate amenities for children. One parent at Great Falls KOA noted, "KOA has everything you need. An outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, tent, cabin and rv spots. Outside kitchens. Shower area, small store, playground, and wifi. A lot of room to move around and have fun."
Weather preparation: Mountain conditions change rapidly year-round. Camp Rotary provides reliable shelter as "The bathrooms are really big and well developed (and super warm for the winter). There is also a big 'roof building' with picknick tables to eat food."
Activity planning: Create backup options for inclement weather. Great Falls KOA offers structured activities when outdoor exploration becomes impractical, with one visitor noting, "This is a very kid friendly campground, almost too much. Twice within an hour a train full of kids rolled by my site shouting."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most forest service cabins have no RV accommodations. For RV camping, commercial facilities provide necessary hookups.
Access considerations: Roads to remote cabins may not accommodate larger vehicles. At Benton RV Park & Campground, Robert R. shared, "Clean and well maintained. It's probably the bright spot in the entire town... Everything worked and the front desk was friendly. Stopped here for a one nighter on the way to another destination."
Seasonal planning: Weather impacts RV accessibility to cabins differently than tent campers. One visitor warned about summer conditions at Benton RV Park: "We were here in mid July and it was 94° with about a 35 mph wind howling across the Prairie. Quite a shock considering we had just come down from the mountains!"
