Camping cabins near Big Timber, Montana range from basic Forest Service rentals to full-service campground accommodations, with options available year-round. Located at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet in the Crazy Mountains region, cabin rentals typically experience cool nights even in summer months, with temperature swings of 30-40 degrees common between day and night. Winter access to remote cabins requires advance planning due to seasonal road closures and limited plowing.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch offers stocked ponds in addition to Boulder River access. "The river for trout fishing was easily accessible and lovely," notes one visitor, while another mentions "They also stock the ponds with trout so that for dinner you can eat fish. They also clean the fish for you."
Wildlife viewing: At Big Timber-Greycliff KOA, check out the nearby Prairie Dog Town State Park. "Be sure to stop by at Prairie Dog Town State Park (walkable distance from campground). It's simple but a cute place to watch prairie dogs and check out the local flora," recommends a camper.
Mountain trail access: For equestrians, Meyers Creek Cabin provides extensive trail access. "The trails into the forest service are endless in a couple different directions," notes an experienced rider, adding that the cabin has "Corrals for horses and pasture."
What campers like
Mountain views: Cabins in the Crazy Mountains provide dramatic scenery. At Ibex Cabin, one visitor reports, "The area is nice and open... the views were lovely and there's a nice babbling stream right behind the campfire pit which added a nice ambiance."
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer features specifically for children. "We have 8 children and we have so much fun here every time we go!" shares a family staying at Spring Creek Campground. Another visitor to Big Timber-Greycliff KOA mentions "a nice playground, pool, enormous jumping pillow (I had never seen one before - this was definitely a treat, even for adults!)"
Privacy options: Some cabins provide more seclusion than others. At Porcupine Cabin, a visitor called it a "Hidden treasure. A great cabin hidden in the Crazy Mountains, totally worth checking out. I never wanted to leave."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near railroad tracks experience nighttime noise. At Bear Canyon Campground, one visitor warns, "the trains roll through the entire evening, with horns sounding their arrival. Made it pretty tough to sleep."
Temperature variations: Mountain cabins experience significant temperature swings. At West Bridger Cabin, visitors during cold months should prepare for drafts. One visitor notes they "pinned a sheet up in the doorway to keep the heat contained in the sleeping area, and that helped considerably."
Seasonal considerations: Most rustic cabins require different preparations depending on season. For Deer Creek Cabin, accessibility changes seasonally. "We hiked in from Jim's Gulch TH, follow the FS directions exactly, do not use google maps... This is a very difficult 4mi hike on a trail with significant tree fall, not marked, at times difficult to find a trail at all and not traveled much."
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparations: Bring appropriate supplies for seasonal insects. At many cabins, flying insects can be problematic. One visitor to Bear Canyon Campground recommends: "Clean campground with friendly staff. You can hear train horns during the night so if you're a light sleeper bring ear plugs."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer water features popular with children. At Yellowstone Edge RV Park, the riverside location provides entertainment. "We parked on one of the river sites, and the river was about 15 feet from our back door, absolutely beautiful!" reports one visitor.
Local food options: Big Timber offers family-friendly dining options. A Spring Creek visitor mentions, "Right down the road to Big Timber is a small drug store with the best shakes that brings a perfect end to the day."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some cabin campgrounds have difficult approaches for larger vehicles. Bear Canyon Campground presents particular challenges: "The entrance is quite tricky and very steep. We missed the entrance and had to find a place to unhook and turn around. (We're in a 36' RV pulling a Jeep)."
Site spacing: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy between campgrounds. At Yellowstone Edge RV Park, visitors appreciate the layout: "Sites are fairly wide so there is some privacy. Not all sites have tree coverage, something to keep in mind if you prefer shade."
Utility specifics: Utility access varies between campgrounds. At Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday, a visitor notes: "Right on the Yellowstone river, nice playground and covered pool, dog friendly, nice little store, a nice pavilion, nice helpful staff, Wi-Fi good until after dinner. The road coming into the park is HORRIBLE!! The sites are a bit too close but there's room for your slide outs."
