Dry Wolf Cabin provides rustic wilderness accommodations in Lewis and Clark National Forest, approximately 22 miles from Hobson, Montana. The site sits at an elevation of about 5,200 feet in the Little Belt Mountains, offering access to forested terrain and small waterways. The cabin operates year-round with seasonal road access sometimes restricted by snow conditions in winter months.
What to do
Hiking to ice caves: The Crystal Lake area features marked hiking trails leading to impressive natural ice caves. As one visitor noted, "Hiking trails to an overlook and the ice cave are marked" at Crystal Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The forest service lands surrounding Hobson support diverse wildlife. "We had abundant wildlife sightings with multiple deer right at our campsite," reported one camper staying at Crystal Lake Campground.
Creek exploration: Small waterways provide recreation opportunities throughout the region. At Jumping Creek Campground, visitors appreciate "a nice stream running along one side with shade" and the natural setting.
Fossil hunting: The geological formations around Hobson contain numerous fossils. Local campers recommend checking creek beds and exposed rock formations for specimens.
What campers like
Natural water sources: Many campers appreciate the access to streams near camping areas. One visitor at Jumping Creek Campground mentioned, "We stayed right next to the creek and had a very peaceful stay with beautiful scenery."
Seasonal beauty: Wildflowers transform the landscape during summer months. A camper at Kiwanis Park noted the "Grassy and some shade" environment that creates comfortable camping conditions.
Affordability: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the low-cost options. "This camping area has no fee (they will take your donation to help with upkeep of the site), but does have restrooms with running water," explained a visitor to Kiwanis Park.
Privacy: Less crowded campgrounds provide solitude. "We had the whole campground to ourselves," reported one camper at Jumping Creek Campground, highlighting the secluded nature of some sites.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to remote glamping spots requires preparation. A visitor to Crystal Lake Campground advised, "To get there it's a mix of about 20 miles of gravel and 1 lane paved roads. The gravel roads are well maintained. The 1 lane paved roads are a little iffy if you're pulling a trailer and its a busy travel day."
Limited amenities: When glamping in Hobson, Montana area, many locations have basic facilities. Jumping Creek Campground provides "two vault toilets and water available. This is a trash in Trash out campground."
Seasonal closures: Many forest service facilities operate seasonally. Crystal Lake Campground operates from "June 15 to Labor Day," while others like Jumping Creek remain open from "Memorial Day to Thanksgiving."
Reservation requirements: Some accommodations require advance planning. For group sites at Crystal Lake Campground, one camper advises to "call ahead during the week and get the lock pass code."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Kiwanis Park offers accessible camping for families with children. "Clean park with plenty of room to space out. Just pull in and pick your spot," notes one reviewer, making it suitable for families needing flexibility.
Water recreation: The small lakes and streams provide natural play areas. Crystal Lake "is a nice area. The lake is beautiful and small enough hike around it if you have a few hours."
Wildlife education: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife spotting opportunities for children. "We saw a few fish being pulled out of the lake, lots of hikers heading up the trails and a few deer passing through the meadow," reported a family staying near Crystal Lake.
Amenities checklist: Families should prepare for varying levels of services. One visitor to Kiwanis Park mentioned, "Flush toilets and running water. There's a shower at the civic center in town for $2, or one in Grass Lands for $5 just 30 min down the road."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many forest service roads limit larger recreational vehicles. A camper at Jumping Creek Campground noted, "The campground is large enough for small trailers. Some sites are not terribly level."
Campsite selection: RV campers should arrive early to secure suitable sites. "We were here on June 17, 2022. It was somewhat crowded but we managed to snag a spot for our 38' fifth wheel," reported one RVer at Kiwanis Park.
Utility availability: Most glamping options near Hobson lack hookups. At Kiwanis Park, "No electric but they do have some water spigots spaced throughout."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly. One camper noted, "Our AT&T has 2-3 bars of data and running 13 mbps" at Kiwanis Park, while others report "No cell phone service with Verizon" at Jumping Creek Campground.
