Cabin camping near Cooke City, Montana provides access to wilderness areas with elevations ranging from 5,800 to 10,000 feet in the surrounding mountains. Many cabins remain operational through early fall with seasonal closures typically beginning in October. Winter cabin access often requires snowmobile transportation as many roads close due to heavy snowfall that can exceed 200 inches annually.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Visitors staying at Canyon Campground can explore numerous hiking opportunities. "Great hiking and camping in the National Park," notes Lynda K., who recommends the area for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground serves as a convenient base for day trips.
Fishing in Yellowstone River: The Yellowstone Edge RV Park provides direct river access for anglers. "We parked on one of the river sites, and the river was about 15 feet from our back door, absolutely beautiful!" reports Dawn R. The campground operates May through October with cabins available alongside RV sites.
Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. At Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North, one visitor reported, "The view of the mountains is breathtaking, elk roam the campground and that's super cool!" Guests can often spot elk, deer, and occasionally bears in the early morning or evening hours.
What campers like
Convenient location: Indian Creek Campground provides an ideal base for northern Yellowstone exploration. "We felt so lucky to get a spot with a couple of days advance notice for Yellowstone National Park. The campground was serene, beautiful, and remote," shares James W. The campground operates from June 12 to September 14.
Privacy between sites: Snowbank Group Campground offers more secluded cabin and tent sites. "Snowbank is an excellent off-the-grid semi-developed and hosted FS campground. Spacious and private sites better for small RVs, trailers, and all tents," reports TMB. The campground features bear-proof storage boxes for food safety.
Natural surroundings: Many campers appreciate the natural setting of cabins near Cooke City. "We stayed in site #8 which had room for two vehicles a large area AND another very private area surrounded by trees with a path to get to the creek. The creek has a 'beach' area made of rocks and was cold and relaxing," writes Jeff K. about Snowbank Group Campground.
What you should know
Weather conditions: Mountain weather can change rapidly even in summer. At Red Lodge KOA, a visitor noted, "In late May, the snow is still in patches on the ground, and in fact it snowed a little bit overnight the night we stayed there." Pack layers and rain gear regardless of season.
Cabin amenities vary significantly: Some cabins have minimal furnishings while others offer more comforts. At Perry's RV and Campgrounds, a visitor shared, "The tent sites didn't have electricity but that was fine for us. The price was good & the owner was nice." Most cabins require guests bring their own bedding.
Reservation requirements: Most cabins require advance booking. "This campground is on recreation.gov and sites are reservable," explains a Snowbank Group Campground visitor. Peak summer months (June-August) typically fill 3-6 months in advance, especially for weekend stays.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Red Lodge KOA offers family-oriented amenities. "Safe and clean sites with lots of fun things for the kids! Pool is great with showers close by. Super fun campground to explore!" says Hailey L. The campground remains open year-round with cabin options available throughout all seasons.
Safety considerations: Proper food storage is crucial in bear country. "This is active bear territory and there are ample warnings. This is a beautiful, remote campground that we are enjoying," reports Art S. about Snowbank Group Campground. Most cabins provide bear-safe containers or lockers.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. At Canyon Campground, "Campfire programs both during the day and night, plus the ranger station has fishing poles and nature backpacks to check out for kids for free," notes Chelsea K. These programs typically run from June through August.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose cabin locations carefully based on specific needs. "If you have accessibility issues, you may want to choose your site carefully. Our little guy with vision issues (5) tripped over roots and the 'makeshift' steps they installed on the hillside a few times," advises Kari T. about Canyon Campground.
Utility considerations: For cabins with electrical hookups, weather impacts utilities. "Temps turned for the worst yesterday and it is only Sept. 19. Did not come prepared with heated water hose so hopefully we are good," reports Stephanie A. at Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North. Bring appropriate adaptors and extension cords for cabin power access.
Road conditions: Access to some cabins involves unpaved roads. At Snowbank Group Campground, a visitor noted, "The road getting in here was mostly paved with about 3-4 miles of a well kept dirt road. RVs will make it here easily." Check road conditions before arrival, especially during spring or after heavy rain.
