Cabin options near St. Ignatius, Montana range from rustic to semi-modern structures along Flathead Lake and surrounding areas. Situated about 45 miles north of Missoula at an elevation of 2,940 feet, St. Ignatius experiences warm summers and cold winters. Many cabin rentals close seasonally between October and May due to winter conditions, with most reopening around Memorial Day weekend.
What to do
Explore by water: Finley Point State Park offers excellent access to Flathead Lake with cabin accommodations within walking distance of the shoreline. According to one camper, "I stayed to the north at Big Horn and on the west side. This was by far the best spot out of all three. Great views of the water. Great sunsets. There is a swimming beach next to the boat docks. Very clear."
Visit Wild Horse Island: Big Arm State Park provides cabins and yurts with views of Wild Horse Island. "Wild Horse island in Flathead Lake is incredible, absolutely worth the trip (by boat only)," notes one visitor. The park's combination of lakefront cabins and water recreation makes it popular for extended stays.
Enjoy riverside relaxation: Cabin options along the Jocko River provide a different experience from lakeside accommodations. A visitor to Jocko Hollow Campground mentioned, "This is a cute little camp site. We were right next to the river which was amazing." The riverside cabins offer a more secluded setting than the busier lakefront properties.
What campers like
Private cabins: The Holmestead's dry cabin receives high marks for seclusion and basic comforts. As one guest noted, "This cabin is so lovely, my dogs had a blast playing in the stream. I was happy to have a big real bed!" This type of accommodation provides a middle ground between tent camping and fully-equipped rentals.
Family-friendly amenities: Missoula KOA Holiday offers standardized cabins with predictable amenities. One camper reported, "The campground store is the best stock store of all the KOA's that I stayed in on this trip. They have everything from ice cream sandwiches to souvenirs." Their cabins provide reliable accommodations for those wanting consistent standards.
Winter availability: While most cabins close seasonally, several properties remain open year-round. According to reviews, Polson-Flathead Lake KOA maintains cabin rentals during winter months with heated facilities. A visitor noted, "Beautiful spot with great views of Flathead Lake. The RV sites were nice and spacious and level with their own patio and chairs. They also offer cabins and tent sites."
What you should know
Seasonal rate variations: Cabin rates fluctuate significantly between high season (June-August) and shoulder seasons. Winter rates can drop by 30-50% for the few properties that remain open. Most cabin rentals require minimum stays of 2-3 nights during peak summer.
Bathroom facilities: Many basic cabins use shared facilities. At Polson-Flathead Lake KOA, "The bathroom was very clean and I loved the private showers. The laundry area was spacious and clean." Understanding the bathroom situation is crucial when booking cabin accommodations.
Limited winter access: Snow can make accessing some cabin properties difficult from November through April. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for winter cabin stays. Most properties do not provide snow removal services for individual cabin driveways.
Tips for camping with families
Book early for summer: Family-friendly cabin options book 6-9 months in advance for peak season. Whitefish-Kalispell North KOA is particularly popular with families. One reviewer mentioned, "This campground has it all. Lots of fun for the kids with mini golf, bikes, paddle boats, and arcade games. Lots of spaces. Free breakfast in the morning was a great touch."
Bring indoor activities: Mountain weather can change quickly even in summer. Smart families pack board games and indoor entertainment options. A visitor noted, "This is a really fun spot a little ways off busy Hwy. 93. You got your mini golf, outdoor go carts, paddle boats, arcade, donkey petting, pizza and all level of camp sites."
Check pet policies: Pet policies vary widely between cabin properties, with some charging additional cleaning fees. According to one reviewer at Jocko Hollow, "Old lady was sweet to us, I saw the reviews about her being not so sweet but she was nice and got us in last minute. The gentleman brought us a whole tractor full of wood and was nice as well."
Tips from RVers
RV vs. cabin considerations: Many properties offer both RV hookups and cabin rentals, allowing flexibility. At Eagle Nest RV Resort, "Very much enjoyed my stay and my hosts (super sweet couple from PA!). Impeccable grounds, enjoyed my neighbors, so convenient to everything in Polson, and hope to return soon."
Storage options: Some cabin properties provide secure RV storage for seasonal visitors. This allows travelers to leave their RV on-site while using cabin accommodations during inclement weather. Most locations charge weekly or monthly rates for RV storage.
Hookup differences: Properties with both cabins and RV sites often have different utility setups. According to one visitor, "Right next to beautiful golf course in Polson MT. All the hookups. Pool, hot tub, pickle ball courts." Understanding these differences helps travelers decide between bringing an RV or staying in a cabin.
