Cabin camping near Ennis, Montana offers accommodations across forested areas and lakeside locations, with sites situated at elevations between 4,800-5,800 feet. Montana's southwest region experiences warm summer days and cool nights, with temperatures often dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset even in July. Most cabins operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Fishing access: Multiple cabin sites provide direct access to the Madison River and Ennis Lake for trout fishing. Ruby Valley Campground and RV Park offers sites "adjacent to the water" with one camper noting they appreciated "the serenity and space" of the waterfront locations.
Historical exploration: Virginia City and Nevada City are within 15 minutes of several cabin locations. A visitor at Rambling Moose Campground mentioned, "Rode our bikes to Virginia City - lots of fun!" while another said they "got the overview of Virginia City and a local mine" from attentive owners.
Hot springs soaking: For relaxation after outdoor activities, Bozeman Hot Springs Campground provides cabin guests with hot springs access. A visitor explained, "Campers are given bracelets for access to use the Hot Springs 12 pools which are... incredible. The indoor and outdoor pools vary in temperature from 106-56 degrees."
What campers like
Cabin variety: From basic structures to well-appointed units, cabins range from rustic to comfortable. At Spanish Creek Cabin, a visitor described, "Cute, clean cabin. Sleeps four, a bunk bed and two more beds in a loft. Creek was running in winter, can hear it at night with the window open a crack."
Proximity to town amenities: Several cabin sites provide convenient access to local services. Madison Valley Campground is noted as a "Small campground tucked away in town. Walking distance to the cute center of town. Clean—and convenient."
Outdoor recreation access: Many cabins serve as basepamps for outdoor activities. Spanish Creek Cabin offers winter accessibility with "4 mile ski in from the gate with some gentle up and down grades, traveling on an unplowed road. Easy to find. Comfortable and beautiful scenery, hiking trails near by."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin properties operate from May through October with limited winter access. Visitors should check road conditions during shoulder seasons as spring snow and fall storms can affect accessibility.
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities differ significantly across properties. At Axolotl Cabin, a visitor noted, "It's a lookout cabin; so it stands high on stilts to watch for fires. I have ridden some of the trails and it's a beautiful place to ride deep in the forest surrounding the lake."
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential during peak season (June-August). Some properties like Ruby Valley Campground accept walk-ins during shoulder seasons, with their owner Jim described as "welcoming and he has free coffee at 8 am."
Pet policies: Restrictions vary by property. While many welcome pets, Spanish Creek Cabin and Axolotl Cabin prohibit pets entirely, requiring advance arrangements for pet care if traveling with animals.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offers cabin accommodations with educational programs. A parent shared, "Did you know you can print out a packet for your little ones to become Cub Rangers at this State Park? There are great amenities for both camping and RV'S with a child's playground located on the camp."
Playground access: Several cabin locations feature play areas. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park has facilities specifically for children, with one visitor noting, "We camped here with a group of families and the playground was nice for the kids."
Child-friendly activities: Cabin sites often provide family-oriented recreation. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground features "wristbands for the hotsprrings pool and fitness center adjacent to the campgrounds" and "a delicious breakfast from 7:30am to 9:15am each morning."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Most cabin locations also accommodate RVs with varying site dimensions. At Lake Shore Lodge, a visitor reported, "We stayed three nights at the beginning of July. Our site had water, sewer, and 30amp service. We were able to fit our 39ft toy hauler in with almost no issues."
Utility hookups: Cabin campers with small RVs should verify which utilities are available. Lake Shore Lodge provides "water, sewer, and 30amp service" while other properties may offer more limited connections.
Off-season access: Some properties remain open year-round with reduced services. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground operates throughout winter with the caveat that "the bathroom showers don't have a lot of pressure due to I think the hot springs being the source of the heat."
