For those who want to get away from civilization for a weekend, but still want the comforts of home, consider renting a cabin for your Kootenai National Forest camping trip. Cabin camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Each cabin offers quick access to one or more of Kootenai National Forest's most popular destinations.
Come stay with us on the beautiful Kootenai River in northwest Montana. RV site, tent sites and cabins are available in a scenic wooded location along the Kootenai River just two miles west of Troy, Montana on US Hwy 2. Improvements are made each year, including the addition of WiFi and a newly remodeled restroom/shower house in 2015. Some of the upgrades from previous seasons include a new well for greater water pressure, a solar water pre-heater to ensure hot showers, new fire rings and bbq grills, new picnic tables and new towels and linens in the cabins. We will be selling beer, wine, and cigarettes by 4th of July weekend Located in scenic western Montana, the campground is surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest and bounded by the Kootenai River. A wide variety of outdoor recreational activities are available in the Kootenai including fishing, hiking, backpacking, and hunting. The Kootenai is one of Montana's treasures, with extensive beauty and recreation without the crowds found near the national parks. Book your next vacation or come visit friends and family today! We look forward to your visit.
This remote cabin was built in 1908 and served as an administration building for the Wolf Creek District of the Blackfeet National Forest. The Blackfeet NF was dissolved in 1935 becoming part of the Kootenai & Flathead NF. Fairview was used as a remote work station until 1980. In 2011 major work was done to restore the cabin and put it on the rental system. The cabin is open year-round and is accessible by car.
Opportunities abound from this location. Hiking, fishing, floating, hunting, scenic and historical driving tours are just some of the activities to be enjoyed.
The Fairview Ranger Station is situated near Wolf Creek at an elevation of 2,995 feet within the Salish Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains in the Kootenai National Forest. Wolf Creek and its many tributaries provide habitat for a variety of trout and big game animals. Wolf Creek has been an important route through history as a trail for the Kootenai Indians, early prospectors and railroads.
$75 / night
If you are looking to unplug, this is your spot! Twenty acres situated minutes from lakes, rivers and US Forest Service land. Our acreage is partly forested, boasting aspen, fir and pine trees and partly pasture land. Horses are welcome! Other wildlife that pass through include coyote, elk, deer, bear, cougar and badger. Lots of bird life from woodpeckers and blue jays to eagles and owls.
Services and entertainment like fuel, groceries, dining, river access and golf available a short ten - fifteen minute drive away.
Beautiful Murphy lake access is a mere fifteen minutes away! Half a dozen other lakes including Frank, Rock, Alkali, Dickey, Koocanusa, Sophie, Tetrault and Martin lake within a thirty minute range.
We have a campfire ring set up at your RV/Camp site and camp wood is available. In addition we provide a few campfire tools for roasting and toasting. Fill up your canteen with fresh, potable water on site as well as electric hook-up.
We know pets are family too so bring them along, we have a spacious and secure accommodation for our four-legged guests! Since we do have neighbors and wildlife, we recommend pets to be leashed when not in the pet run. We are located outside of the range of cell service when on-site however, we do provide wifi access at the host cabin.
Schedule your free farm & garden tour with your host and stock up on tasty vittles from our Heritage Cabin Farmstand. Seasonal produce and mushrooms available as well as plant starts from the Heritage Cabin Nursery.
$25 - $65 / night
Yaak Mountain Lookout rests atop its namesake peak at an elevation of 4,977 feet within the Rocky Mountains in the Kootenai National Forest. The lookout tower has been used as an observation point for spotting forest fires since 1958. The lookout is typically open from mid-June through late September. Access is available via primitive roads, and high clearance vehicles are recommended. This rustic retreat offers a few amenities, but guests will need to bring most of their own gear and supplies.
Yaak Mountain Road is for non-motorized use only, with the exception of guests who reserve the lookout. Hikers can hike along this road, as well as explore the remnants of the structures that stood here before the current lookout. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout in the Kootenai River. The Yaak River and its many tributaries provide habitat for cutthroat, rainbow, brook and bull trout.
The lookout is located in the Yaak Area, which features mountainous and heavily forested terrain, as well as several lakes scattered at varying elevations. Guests can enjoy outstanding views of the town of Troy, especially for 4th of July fireworks, as well as the Kootenai and Yaak River valleys and the surrounding mountains. Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions (bear safety). A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.
Yaak Falls is a popular destination just a short drive northwest from Yaak Mountain. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the snowmelt finds its way over the falls.
$55 / night
The Upper Ford Ranger Station is situated near the Yaak River at an elevation of 2,984 feet within the Rocky Mountains in Kootenai National Forest. This remote cabin was built in 1926 and was at the heart of the Upper Ford Ranger District until 1942, when it was combined with the Yaak Ranger District and became a remote work center. The cabin is open year-round and is accessible by car. Several amenities are provided, but guests will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear.
Fishing in the Yaak River and nearby streams can yield a variety of trout, as well as kokanee salmon, mountain whitefish, large scale sucker and long nose dace. Big game hunting is also possible in the area. Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, which is located in the very northwest corner of the Yaak Area, offers several hiking trails. Equestrian trails are near the cabin. Winter brings skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing opportunities for all experience levels.
The cabin is situated on the slope of Clark Mountain in the Purcell Range above the Yaak River drainage. The Yaak River and its many tributaries provide habitat for a variety of trout. The Yaak area is heavily forested and features several lakes scattered at varying elevations. The area is home to grizzly bears, wolves, elk, deer and a variety of smaller mammals and birds (bear safety).
$75 / night
The Mount Baldy - Buckhorn Ridge Lookout sits at an elevation of 6,529 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. This location has been used as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1910. The current lookout tower was built in 1957. The lookout is typically available from late June through late September, and is accessible by car, though high clearance vehicles are recommended for the primitive roads. Some creature comforts are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in many of their own amenities.
Aside from exploring Mount Baldy, hikers can find a network of trails in the surrounding Yaak Area. The Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, located in the northwest corner of the Yaak Area, offers a variety of hiking trails in beautiful settings. Hunting is also possible nearby. Wild berries grow in the area, inviting berry pickers.
The lookout offers views of the Kaniksu National Forest in Idaho, the Cabinet Mountain Range and Rock Candy Mountain. The panorama features endless mountain peaks and evergreen forest. Guests have an ideal location for watching sunrises and sunsets, or for gazing out over the starry night skies. Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions (bear safety). A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.
Yaak Falls is a popular destination just a short drive from the lookout off Yaak Highway 508. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the snowmelt finds its way over the falls.
$55 / night
$50 / night
Garver Mountain Lookout is perched on top of Garver Mountain at an elevation of 5,874 feet. The lookout is located in the Yaak area of the Kootenai National Forest, characterized by its minimal services and rugged beauty. This destination is ideal for visitors with an adventurous attitude, looking for a plethora of outdoor activities. Garver Mountain Lookout has been used as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1929. The first lookout was a one-story log cabin, which is still on the site. The current lookout was built in 1963 and is available for rent for up to four people.
Garver Creek is located near the lookout and offers opportunities for trout fishing. Day hiking is another popular pastime in the area around the lookout. The Lookout is situatied along the Pacific Northwest National Scenic trail, and through hikers may visit you in the lookout.
The Yaak area is home to grizzly bears, wolves, elk, deer and a variety of smaller mammals and birds. The Yaak River and its many tributaries provide habitat for cutthroat, rainbow, brook and bull trout. There are also several lakes scattered at varying elevations for hikers and fisherman to enjoy.
$45 / night
McGuire Mountain Lookout was originally constructed in 1923 and was actively used as an observation point for detecting forest fires for over 20 years before it was abandoned around 1944. The structure was later renovated between 1983 and 1998 and is now available for rent for up to four people. McGuire Mountain is located approximately 14 miles southwest of Eureka. Access to the lookout requires a 2.5 mile hike from the parking area at Little Sutton Mountain; visitor arrival is dependent on road and weather conditions.
Backpacking opportunities abound in the area surrounding McGuire Mountain. Take trail #446 past the lookout and enjoy many more miles of scenic views. A day trip to Koocanusa Reservoir offers visitors the option of biking, fishing, hiking or boating around the lake. Trail #90, which starts just off of the Koocanusa Reservoir on Hwy 37, follows McGuire Creek closely for a scenic hike along the water. Because the McGuire Lookout is surrounded by windows on top of one of the area's tallest summits (almost 7,000 feet), visitors have the best views of the sunrise and sunset over the surrounding cabinet mountains.
The McGuire Mountain Lookout is located in the Rexford Ranger district within the Koocanusa Area, which is primarily centered along the narrow 90-mile Koocanusa Reservoir, formed by the Libby Dam. The Koocanusa Reservoir is the major recreation attraction in the area and contains a large and stable population of Kookanee salmon, Kamloops (rainbow) trout, bull trout, West slope cutthroat trout and burbot. The Koocanusa Area is the perfect setting for year round recreational attractions, including: fishing, water sports, rock and ice climbing, and driving for pleasure, especially during the fall Western Larch color change.
Two paved highways running adjacent to the reservoir and extending from Eureka to Libby have been designated by the Forest Service as a Scenic Byway. Traffic is light and views along the roadways are memorable, including glimpses of the Ural-Tweed Big Horn Sheep herd, located on the eastern side of the reservoir along Hwy 37.
$45 / night
The Bull River Guard Station was built in 1908 as the Ranger's house and office. This structure was a primary ranger station from 1908 to 1920, surviving the legendary 1910 fires that swept through the area. The cabin was home to Granville "Granny" Gordon (District Ranger), his wife and three daughters. Full vehicle access to the cabin depends on weather conditions. The road is normally plowed within 1 mile of the cabin during winter months.
The Bull River is 24.7 miles long from its headwaters to where it meets the Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. Fish species include westslope cutthroat trout, large scale sucker and mountain whitefish. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website for fishing regulations and hunting seasons and permits. Hikers might be interested in two excellent day hiking options located near the guard station: the Pilick Ridge Trail #1036 and the Berray Mountain Trail #967. Both lead to lookouts with impressive views of the Cabinet Mountains. The Berray Mountain Lookout tower, built in the 1930's, is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. For those interested in horseback riding, there is plenty of opportunity to explore the surrounding land. Stock animals are not allowed in the cabin area, but visitors may tie up across the road or 50 yards behind the station. As always, certified weed free hay is required on all Forest Service lands.
The Bull River Guard Station is located in the Cabinet Mountain Range near the East Fork of the Bull River in the Kootenai National Forest. The Cabinet Mountains were named by early French settlers who thought the mountains had a cabinet-like appearance when viewed from the valley floor. The cabin is located minutes from from the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness area which is home to a large range of wildlife from the high rocks of the mountain goat, mountain sheep, pika and golden eagle, to the lower slopes and brushy canyon bottoms of the beaver, woodrat, and beautiful Western Tanager. Fall foliage in this area is truly stunning with a wonderful assortment of Mountain Maple scarlets, Mountain Ash reds, Alder browns, and the Larch golden yellows.
$75 / night
Ranger
We did not stay overnight, but it's a beautiful spot, with 360 degree views. It's quiet and peaceful. The road up to the lookout is pretty rough and wouldn't recommend it in a car. There's a lovely hiking trail from the parking area as well which leads to even more spectacular views. Recommended for a day trip or overnight!
Traveler
Modern and beautiful campground. Close to all the wonders of Idaho's panhandle. They have several back in and pull through sites with more on the way. Choice of full hookups, or water and electric. Their showers are emaculant and luxurious. Wife refused to use ours. They have luxury cabins and covered wagon glamping. Very family and senior friendly. Reasonably priced, can't loose booking here.
TravelerI couldn’t book through Dyrt in app on the date. I called and booked with Munro on busy 4th weekend and got it done. A very nice stay on very loud 4th weekend of fireworks at Bonners Ferry(to be expected). Campsite with fire ring, wooded, picnic table was awesome. Bathhouse and facilities were very clean. Wood, icecream, laundry detergent, and more for sale at office/bathhouse. Definitely, stay again.
Scout
Johnie and his staff are over the top to accommodate. We stayed in the cabin and it was clean, warm, comfortable. Located central to sights in Idaho as well as Montana. We will be back next year. Guided fishing tours available as well as great food.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Park Place in Montana has a great quiet spot to bring your camper, setup a tent, or stay in their cabin and enjoy some time away, while also having lakes and other conveniences not too far. Check them out and share your stay on the Dyrt!
LegendAshley here from The Dyrt! It was great to work with Rachel and get this campground added to our platform. Rachel and her family recently purchased this location, and are putting in so much work! Check them out and leave them some love.
Scout
A very nice small campground. About 2/3 of the sites are full hookups. Rest water and electric. Tent sites. Owners are great people. Very helpful for sure. They have a path you can walk down right to the Kootanie river with chairs and picnic tables to sit on. Very nice. Grounds are clean and tidy. Owners care a lot about their customers. Bathrooms are clean. Showers also clean. Would recommend staying here if your in the area.
GuideOwners were very accommodating and informative. Beautiful campground. Very clean and well kept.
ScoutWe enjoyed our time at this camp. Most sites are for RVs, but we got a tent site. Unfortunately, my two year old son didn’t settle for bed easily when camping. I ended up in hotels a couple nights, just because I didn’t want to bother the other campers. The time I did stay there was nice. The hosts are very helpful and kind as well.
ScoutNice RV campsites with water & electric hookups yr round. WiFi & free laundry, bathroom,&showers via coded entry.
Traveler
Not about the cabin itself but the Riverside camp spots This is one of my all time favorite camping memories. If you want to float the Flathead, north of Polebridge, or simply enjoy the exquisite views of the backside of Glacier where there’s no traffic or crowds, this is worth the effort!
Legend
When you see the vintage camper with cartoon animals painted on it being pulled by a vintage VW bug, you know you have arrived. If you are trying to see more than Glacier while visiting the area, this might be a good choice. There's the BEST cherry's in the world grown just south along the East site of Flathead Lake. If they are in season, go to one if the many U Pick Orchards. It's a great time. Whitefish is a really nice town and area. Check out the Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir. It's beautiful and a great story. The local brewery has a nice restaurant and the Gunsight Saloon is a must, especially on Taco Tues. I thought the campground was nice enough. Basic. Convenient. Super nice folks.
ScoutGreat campground, well kept up. Great help.
Location is good if you want to do outdoor activities.
The little store had what we needed.
Guide
Some cool features but more driven for kids. We stayed for two nights to ride the downhill park but wish we chose something closer with hooks ups. There was some cover but it was hot when the sun was shining.
We were asked to turn our generator off by our neighbors but were told it can be ran during daylight hours from staff.
One huge turnoff for me was dogs running around unleashed. It seems it was the vibe here and others mentioned it as being cool, but having two dogs who don’t like others invading their space made it difficult. Our pooches spent most of their stay indoors for this reason.
We took our 24’ trailer in with our Tundra. It was gravel, bumpy and steep in spots I would not advise anything longer.
GuideIt’s about a half hour’s drive outside of the Park, but is easy-in, easy-out with a big rig. Very pleasant staff, nice restrooms, and plenty of space to walk dogs. While the laundry facility is nice, it’s expensive- $5.50 to wash, $2 to dry.
GuideThis is an amazing camp ground! With bikes for rent. Along with paddle boards. Bike trails for all abilities and ages. The owners are so rad. A family business and they make you fell part of the tribe. Very clean and maintained. And a lot of extra for mountain biking.
TravelerI been through the area a couple times on quick trips,I always wanted to return and explore the area without knowing much about it and the people were very helpful. Yes they told us how to get to Ross Creek Cedars and Kootenai falls (go early), absolutely stunning! I also found Libby Dam, we sat on the tailgate eating lunch and watched eagles soaring and fishing on the bottom side of the dam. The trail down to the river was great, the boys had a blast riding their bikes on it. The only downside was being right next to the highway but that also made it nice for getting out and exploring too.
ScoutWe stayed here for two nights for our first “plugged in” camper experience. Owners were super friendly and helpful! At their recommendation visited both the Kootenai Falls and Ross Creek Cedars, both very fun and memorable experiences for us and our toddler. Camp store packed with fun goodies. Also met some new friends while at camp, excited to meet up with them again someday! Will definitely be back!
LegendSure, I have a bias against tent camping in RV Land. There's usually no tree coverage, all the spaces are the same, and you have to deal with fumes, motors and people who are, essentially, driving around large living rooms. That said, there are some good folks to meet, colorful camphosts and extreme ease of setup. This spot, while not the sexiest, checks off a lot of boxes. You have lots of mountains, lakes, the glorious Glacier National Park nearby and some cute cabins.
LegendNearby Whitefish, MT has a growing reputation for fantastic trails, hikes and mountain bike areas, and this full-service oasis takes advantage of all of it. The $50 per night fee (for the tent sites) comes with a sauna, bike repair and washing station, gift shop, hot showers, laundry, wi-fi, a bike skills area, trails for all levels…all intertwined with the Beaver Lake series of trails and small lakes. Very kid and pet friendly, a community-building locale. There's a large lodge for people wanting a roof over their heads. As another example, if you bike in, they would usually try to make space for you (even if everything was full) and charge $15. Plus, there are bike trails/easy routes to every other major biking area around Whitefish - Spencer Mountain, Lyon Mountain, Reservoir Lake and Big Mountain Nordic. I could be nit-picky and say that the camping sites are a little on the small side and crammed together, but there's personality to each one and to the area in general. Word of caution - reserve in advance! 😯 There was only one campground left on a Sunday evening in June. The friendly attendant said they can make some exceptions for large groups.
Scout
My family and I stayed here for a week, if you’re looking to get away from it all, this is definitely the place. We can’t wait for our next vacation!
Scout
We love going camping and fishing at Sylvan Lake, always wanted to try the Yurts but also book out, great place for family .
Guide
Really cool cabin located right off the North Fork rd just north of Polebridge MT. The road near the cabin is extremely busy and dusty during the day but at night hardly anyone comes by. Summer months are very busy.
ScoutTo start off, I rarely write reviews. We were in the area in August of 2019 and we stopped here to potentially tent camp. We went inside and asked if there was anything available for the night. We wanted a quiet campground with access to the Kootenay River in which they had both. So one of the owners let us check out the sites and trail to the river. However, we wanted something right on the river and it was a little bit of a walk to gain access to it.
We went back in and said we wanted something along the river and the owner recommended a different campground further down the road. (Which ended up being a great recommendation.) She didn't have to do that. She wasn't greedy whatsoever. That's how businesses should operate. That what makes people want to come back because of little stuff like this. I even offered to buy some firewood because she recommended a different campsite and she told us to get it at the camp in which we were staying.
That's why I'm writing this review because it's hard to find good service like that anymore. Although we didn't stay here, I highly recommend this campground. Great service, very clean, and nice atmosphere.
RangerOnly spent 1 night here in Aug 2019, but it was amazing. The cabin itself is a nicely restored 2 story with kitchen (including gas refrigerator and range) and sleeping space for 6, with folding futon downstairs and 1 full size upstairs across from 2 singles. Nicely fenced in yard gives an extra feeling of security when you hear the bears or wolves at night. There's a nice sized fire ring and plenty of wood in the garage. There was even a bike in the garage. Although unrestored, there are 2 cabins out back, within the yard. One was the original mess hall, and the other was the bunkhouse. Behind those, there's a well made horseshoe tossing area. Gas lights provide plenty of light in the ranger station. Bring your own water and bedding. There's a well kept outhouse, just outside the gated area. Can't wait to return.
Traveler
This is an fire lookout that has been converted to accommodate renters. It has panoramic windows with breathtaking views of glacier park and flathead valley. It is well kept and clean, with propane appliances, so there is heat and a stove to cook on as well as propane lamps on the walls inside. Sunsets and sunrises are particularly amazing from this location. I highly recommend waking up before dawn to watch the sunrise over Glacier National Park. The one downside is that the road up can be kind of rough, but any vehicle with decent ground clearance should be able to make it (like a Subaru).
Traveler
This old Guard Station is in the perfect location. Easy to drive to and close to miles and miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest. Plenty of beds for a full family - four upstairs and one downstairs. History galore in the building and surrounding areas. Some complaints of mice - but that’s to be expected from a building from 1908.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Kootenai National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Kootenai National Forest is Kootenai River Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Kootenai National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 cabin camping locations near Kootenai National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
