Cabin camping near Nye, Montana offers access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness with elevations ranging from 5,000 to over 10,000 feet. The area experiences wide temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 75°F and overnight lows dropping to 40°F even in July and August. Mountain weather conditions can change rapidly, requiring campers to pack appropriate clothing layers regardless of season.
What to do
Horseback riding access: From Meyers Creek Cabin, riders can explore multiple trail systems. "This is one of the best camping cabins for equestrians that I found so far in Montana... And the trails into the forest service are endless in a couple different directions," notes Kathi F., who recommends planning ahead as "you need to plan and Reserve this cabin in advance as it goes really fast every year."
Fishing opportunities: Trout fishing is readily available at several locations around Nye. At Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch, stocked ponds supplement river fishing. "The river for trout fishing was easily accessible and lovely," reports Mary H., while Lillie D. adds that "they also stock the ponds with trout so that for dinner you can eat fish. They also clean the fish for you."
Wildlife viewing: The greater Nye area offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. In Snowbank Campground, located approximately 40 miles from Nye, campers should "Expect to see wildlife, and this is grizzly country so proper food storage and best practices are required by law," advises TMB. Lauren T. notes the area feels remote, with "Stars are amazing at night!"
What campers like
Mountain access: The Red Lodge KOA serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring nearby mountains. "Great place to stay to take in the beartooth Highway, most beautiful drive in the country I've seen!" writes Jayne W. Another visitor, Michael M., confirms: "Beartooth hwy was undescribable! Amazing views."
Riverside locations: Many cabins feature creek or riverside settings that enhance the camping experience. At Perry's RV and Campgrounds, Kim B. shares that "tent sites give you a primitive feel and are right on the heavy flowing Rock Creek making sleeping nice." Charley K. appreciated the "pretty river running next to the park."
Privacy levels: Campgrounds around Nye vary in privacy options. At Snowbank Campground, Art S. describes, "Sites have different feels to them. Ours stretches- car then teardrop then picnic table then fire pit and finally extra space for tents." Jeff K. highlighted that his site "had room for two vehicles a large area AND another very private area surrounded by trees with a path to get to the creek."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Mountain weather patterns affect cabin camping experiences. At West Bridger Cabin, Kristin experienced challenges with temperature regulation: "It was quite cold when we arrived, and we started a fire pretty quickly... The cabin is quite drafty and we struggled to keep it warm. We pinned a sheet up in the doorway to keep the heat contained in the sleeping area."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote cabins can present challenges. For Deer Creek Cabin, Sarah N. advises, "follow the FS directions exactly, do not use google maps. Any car can make it in the road is maintained." However, she cautions it's "a very difficult 4mi hike on a trail with significant tree fall, not marked, at times difficult to find a trail at all and not traveled much."
Cash-only policies: Some campgrounds require specific payment methods. Perry's RV and Campgrounds is a "cash only campground" according to Kim B., while others like Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch typically accept credit cards. For West Bridger Cabin, reservations must be made through the Forest Service website.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Big Timber-Greycliff KOA offers water recreation for children. Melissa H. notes, "There was a nice playground, pool, enormous jumping pillow (I had never seen one before - this was definitely a treat, even for adults!)" Another visitor, Juanita R., found that "The pool was nice and refreshing. There are raspberries bushes around the pool that you can pick."
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. Christyn T. shares about Spring Creek Campground: "I have 5 kids of all ages. They love it here. Fishing ponds and river too... Kids got to feed fish in the pond just stop in and ask for the food." Hailey L. describes Red Lodge KOA as "Safe and clean sites with lots of fun things for the kids! Pool is great with showers close by."
Insect preparation: Be ready for insects in certain locations. Kim B. warns about Perry's RV and Campgrounds: "The mosquitoes in the area can carry you away so prepare your campsite for that." Kathi F. similarly notes that at Meyers Creek Cabin, "The only down holes are mosquitoes."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA, Ron M. advises, "The spots on the river were really tight. The river was really beautiful though, so maybe it was worth it. We were on a pond, and had plenty of room." At Big Timber-Greycliff KOA, Thomas W. suggests, "I'd ask for a back-in spot because those are somewhat more secluded and off the road."
Size limitations: Several cabins have restrictions on vehicle size. Kathi F. notes that for West Bridger Cabin, "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." Lisa S. similarly cautions about Snowbank Campground: "nice road getting to, once there the road at campground in a tad uneven and skinny but doable, wouldn't take a big motorhome, but good for under 30 ft."
Noise considerations: When selecting an RV site, consider proximity to highways. Hollie P. notes about Big Timber-Greycliff KOA: "Only complaint is the sites are backed right up to the Highway. Would serve the park to build a wall or even just a tall wooden fence to help cover some of the road noise." Similarly, Maggie C. gave "3 stars due to the proximity of the highway (you can definitely hear the traffic) and train tracks."
