Cabin camping near Fishtail, Montana offers opportunities for outdoor recreation within the foothills of the Beartooth Mountains. Located approximately 60 miles southwest of Billings, the area sits at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 feet, creating diverse terrain for hiking and wildlife viewing. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, with cooler nights even during peak season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Visitors staying at Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch can fish directly on-site. "Beautiful grounds with clean restrooms and showers along the river," notes one camper. The campground stocks ponds with trout and even cleans fish for guests.
Mountain exploration: Drive the Beartooth Highway from Red Lodge KOA. "This campground is beautiful! Mountains all around! Great place to stay to take in the beartooth Highway, most beautiful drive in the country I've seen!" writes one reviewer. The scenic byway reaches elevations over 10,000 feet with alpine lakes and viewpoints.
Wildlife viewing: Head to Prairie Dog Town State Park near Big Timber. "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," mentions a visitor to the area.
What campers like
Riverside relaxation: Many cabins and campsites near Fishtail offer water proximity. At Perry's RV and Campgrounds, "The tent sites didn't have electricity but that was fine for us. The price was good & the owner was nice. We just spent a night here heading to Yellowstone." Another camper noted, "The tent sites give you a primitive feel and are right on the heavy flowing Rock Creek making sleeping nice."
Trail access: Snowbank Group Campground provides direct access to hiking trails. "A trailhead is just outside the entrance. Tall grass was everywhere and we never saw anyone parked there. We're assuming that it doesn't get used as much," reports one visitor. Others mention access to Forest Service roads and additional hiking opportunities nearby.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviews highlight the well-maintained facilities at campgrounds in the area. "The showers were nice as well as most everything else about the grounds," notes a reviewer. Another camper appreciated that "Perry's has great tent, cabin, and RV spots. The bathroom and shower facility is perfect and everything on the site is always well maintained."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some backcountry cabins requires navigating unpaved roads. A visitor to Fourmile Cabin mentioned it was a "Great location off main road. Has refrigerator that works and power." Know your vehicle capabilities before attempting remote cabin access.
Bear safety: This is active bear territory. "This is grizzly country so proper food storage and best practices are required by law," warns a camper at Snowbank Campground. Bear-proof storage boxes are provided at some sites, but bring appropriate containers if staying elsewhere.
Booking timeline: Reserve cabins early, especially for summer visits. The most popular Forest Service cabins fill months in advance. KOA locations offer more availability but still recommend reservations during peak season (June-August).
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Big Timber-Greycliff KOA offers family-oriented amenities. "Lots of kids having a blast at the pool, riding their bikes and playing in the creek that borders the campground," reports a camper. Another mentions "a huge bouncy 'platform'" that children enjoy.
Mosquito preparation: Bring appropriate insect repellent, especially for creek-side cabins. "The mosquitoes in the area can carry you away so prepare your campsite for that," warns a camper at Perry's RV and Campgrounds.
Fruit picking opportunities: Some campgrounds offer edible landscape features. "There are raspberries bushes around the pool that you can pick. We made raspberry jam on the fire. Chokecherry trees surround the camp grounds that can also be picked," shares a visitor to Big Timber-Greycliff KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At West Bridger Cabin, equestrians should note the horse facilities. "There is a 40 acre pasture fenced to turn horses in with a creek running through it. There is also a nice little Corral if you have any horse that doesn't get along with other animals or one that you can't catch very easily," advises one equestrian camper.
Power considerations: Most Forest Service cabins have limited electricity. "The cabin has an electric stove, small fridge and freezer, and a couple small lamps and even a toaster and coffee maker," reports a West Bridger visitor, though they noted it was "quite drafty" during colder weather.
Length restrictions: Larger RVs may struggle at certain sites. "It's a bit of a tight squeeze to get a big horse trailer in there I would not recommend anything much over 30 feet," mentions a West Bridger visitor. Similar constraints exist at other Forest Service cabin sites, where access roads may limit larger rigs.
