The Bitterroot National Forest surrounding Sula, Montana offers rustic cabin accommodations at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,500 feet. Winter temperatures frequently drop below zero, while summer daytime highs typically reach the 70s and 80s. Most forest service cabins near Sula require advance reservations through the national recreation reservation system, with booking windows opening six months prior to arrival date.
What to do
Fishing access points: Travellers Rest Cabins & RV Park provides convenient access to Bitterroot River fishing opportunities. "We were in the area to fly fish and just needed a basic place to park our RV with power," notes one visitor who appreciated the location's proximity to prime fishing spots.
Wildlife viewing: Hogan Cabin offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities at its 7,200-foot elevation. According to a visitor, "I loved the isolation of the location. Up at 7200ft you get a little winded hiking around, but the incredible scenery is worth it... Saw several deer and elk feeding in the field near the cabin, as well as a moose in the marsh along the creek."
Winter activities: During colder months, the higher elevation cabins provide access to snowshoeing trails and backcountry skiing routes. Forest service roads typically remain unplowed, creating natural winter recreation corridors. One visitor mentioned Hogan Cabin specifically for "Amazing remote location. Great wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, hiking, etc."
What campers like
Peaceful settings: McCart Lookout tower provides panoramic mountain views and isolation from crowds. "Well worth the drive and the short hike up the mountain. Beautiful views from all around the tower. Very peaceful and relaxing," reports one camper who valued the secluded setting.
Clean facilities: Sula Country Store and Resort maintains well-kept accommodations and amenities. A camper observed, "They kept the restaurant, showers & bathroom & store very very clean." This attention to cleanliness extends to their cabin offerings as well.
Friendly management: Travellers Rest Cabins consistently receives praise for staff hospitality. As one visitor explained, "The owner/employees were friendly and helpful during our entire stay." Another mentioned, "The campground owner Libby was very helpfull and nice to us."
What you should know
Primitive conditions: Most forest service cabins lack running water and electricity. Visitors to McCart Lookout should prepare accordingly: "Items provided are a coleman latern, a 2 burner propane stove, a wood stove for heat, a bow saw, and an axe."
Variable property maintenance: Condition of cabins can differ significantly between locations. Woods Cabin has received criticism regarding upkeep: "It was very dirty and not well maintained. Most of the furniture was broken."
Temperature management: Winter cabin stays require consistent fire tending. A Woods Cabin visitor noted, "We stayed in the winter and the fireplaces needed to be refilled hourly to keep it somewhat comfortable."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity remains spotty throughout the area. A Travellers Rest visitor reported, "The cell service and wifi were quite unreliable most of the day and evenings when streaming movies or videos."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Sula Country Store and Resort offers recreational options beyond standard camping. "There is free put-put golf, horseshoes, tetherball and a small well stocked fishing pond with benches to watch the action or simply admire the beauty of the surroundings."
Room configuration considerations: When staying at forest service cabins, plan sleeping arrangements carefully. At Hogan Cabin, one family noted, "With only 2 sets of bunk beds, my wife and I put the bedding on the floor and made a full sized bed."
Water planning: No running water means additional preparation for families. Pack multiple gallons per person per day, especially when traveling with children. A Hogan Cabin visitor advised, "There's no running water so be sure to bring plenty."
Downtown accessibility: When needing civilization access with children, consider proximity to services. Travellers Rest Cabins offers "Right next to downtown, so plenty of shops, restaurants, and saloons nearby for something to do."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Sula Country Store and Resort accommodates larger vehicles with appropriate connections. One RVer mentioned, "There was plenty of room for our 36' toy hauler. Dogs were happy to play in the creek."
Budget-friendly tent options: For those traveling with both RV and tent campers, Travellers Rest offers economical alternatives. "Really nice flat grass for tents. $12 gets you campsite showers and toilets, WiFi and coin laundry."
Convenience amenities: RVers appreciate accessible showers and laundry facilities after forest adventures. According to one Sula Country Store visitor, they received "a towel and shampoo/conditioner for the shower, they had complimentary and coin washing machines, and coin dryers, all very efficient."
