Basin Station Cabin
4.2121 reviewsPO BOX 520, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT 59758, USA
Basin Station Cabin
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The recreation use fee for staying at the cabin is $65 per night, applicable year-round. Additional fees may include a $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person). Late cancellations for cabins will forfeit the first night's fee.
About this campground
Escape to Basin Station Cabin, where rustic charm meets wilderness adventure in the heart of Custer Gallatin National Forest's Hebgen Lake Ranger District. This year-round primitive retreat offers the perfect basecamp for those seeking authentic solitude and immersion in Montana's untamed beauty. Here, the modern world fades away as you embrace a simpler way of living, surrounded by pristine nature and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Basin Station Cabin offers rustic, primitive cabin lodging with limited amenities. It is suitable for campers seeking a secluded but adventurous experience.
Historical SignificanceJust 9 miles from the gateway town of West Yellowstone, Basin Station Cabin serves as your private portal to some of America's most storied landscapes. The nearby Earthquake Lake Visitor Center tells the dramatic tale of the 1959 earthquake that reshaped this region forever. With Yellowstone National Park practically at your doorstep, you'll find yourself at the crossroads of natural wonder and American heritage, where the spirit of the Old West still echoes through the valleys.
Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms Basin Station into a distinct wilderness experience. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a backcountry wonderland accessible only by snowshoe or ski—your personal winter playground awaits. Spring awakens the meadows while keeping adventurers on their toes with dynamic road conditions. Summer brings sun-drenched days perfect for exploration, followed by crisp mountain evenings around the cabin. Fall paints the landscape in golden hues, though access may require extra planning. Smart visitors always check local forecasts before embarking on their journey to this remote sanctuary.
ElevationNot provided.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to panoramic views across wildflower-dotted meadows, framed by towering evergreen forests and majestic mountain peaks that pierce the Montana sky. This is grizzly country—raw, wild, and breathtaking—where you might spot magnificent bison grazing at dawn, elk bugling across the valley, or pronghorn racing through the sage. Every window frames a postcard-perfect scene of the American West in its purest form.
Geological RegionNestled in the spectacular Upper Madison River Valley, Basin Station Cabin sits at nature's crossroads where mountain forests meet flowing waters. The legendary Madison River's South Fork Arm winds nearby, while the vast expanse of Hebgen Lake shimmers in the distance. Encircled by evergreen-cloaked peaks, this geological wonderland showcases millions of years of Earth's artistry, from ancient mountain uplifts to glacier-carved valleys that define Montana's rugged character.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is accessible via snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling during winter months. It is parking accessible during warmer months. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements.
Sites SizeThe cabin is described as one of the larger USFS cabins by users.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is not isolated, with several nearby cabin homes. It is described as quiet and peaceful by reviewers but also close to a heavily traveled road.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a pillow, extra matches, and cookware. Avoid leaving food behind to deter critters. Screen doors need rigging for closure. Consider seasonal road accessibility.
Best CampsitesThe cabin is the sole accommodation available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 nights per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 persons maximum per group at the cabin site.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin site surrounded by open meadow.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round availability.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all reservations must be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of arrival. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before the arrival date) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. No modifications or cancellations are allowed on the check-in date.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Basin Station Cabin provides access to diverse recreational activities year-round. Hiking, mountain biking, ATV/UTV trails, and fishing at nearby Hebgen Lake are popular options during warmer months. Winter guests can enjoy snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with grizzlies, bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose among the species noted.
Hiking
The area surrounding Basin Station Cabin features trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. However, horseback riding is prohibited at the cabin itself, and the corral is reserved for administrative use.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at Hebgen Lake, which is accessible from a public boat launch two miles away. A user recommended visiting the dam near Quake Lake for impressive trout viewing.Biking
Mountain biking trails are accessible around Basin Station Cabin.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at nearby Hebgen Lake, with a public boat launch located two miles from the cabin. Additional lake access is available via surrounding day-use areas.Wildlife viewing
The cabin is situated in grizzly bear habitat and is frequented by bison, elk, pronghorn, moose, foxes, and wolves. Trumpeter swans were also noted by one user during a ski outing.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. One user noted snow can form drifts, making hiking slower but manageable.Water Sports
Limited to boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities at Hebgen Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood is provided October 1 - May 31 for indoor use only. Campfires are prohibited near the cabin.
Hazards
General hazardsGrizzly bears frequent the area requiring strict food storage protocols. Risks from hantavirus exist in remote cabins. Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months.
Active alertsNo current alerts.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 41%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in West Yellowstone, MT, 9 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1st to December 31st annually.
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all trash and belongings. Garbage bags are necessary for waste disposal.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity (approx. 2 miles) to Hebgen Lake and South Fork Arm of Madison River. Public boat launch available at Lonesomehurst Campground.
Common complaintsComplaints from reviews include lack of window screens, mosquito presence, poor air circulation during warm months, and occasional unpleasant odors from the outhouse.
HostNo host information available.
Campground Map
PO BOX 520, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT 59758, USA
Driving directionsSummer: Proceed west on U.S. Highway 20 for approximately 6.5 miles. Turn right on Denny Creek Road and continue approximately two miles north. The cabin is located on the right side of the road. Winter: Proceed west on U.S. Highway 20 for approximately 7.5 miles. Parking is available at the Buttermilk Trailhead, located approximately one mile up Highway 20 from Denny Creek Road, to the left. Guests will need to ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe one mile down Highway 20 from the Buttermilk Trailhead parking lot, and proceed along the two mile trail to the cabin. Spring and Fall: Call the Hebgen Lake Ranger District at (406) 823-6961 for road conditions and access.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle during warmer months. Road access can vary greatly during spring and fall, requiring guests to check conditions. Winter access involves skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling up to three miles.Nearby places
West Yellowstone (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, can be found in West Yellowstone, MT, approximately 9 miles from the cabin.
Camper Reviews
4.2
21 reviews
Basin Station Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight Basin Station Cabin as a peaceful, scenic retreat with convenient access to Yellowstone National Park and Hebgen Lake. Complaints typically focus on issues like the outhouse odor, lack of screens on windows, and proximity to a busy road.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the cabin's beauty and rustic charm, proximity to Yellowstone and Hebgen Lake, availability of firewood during winter months, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Several...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include unpleasant outhouse odors, lack of window screens leading to mosquito issues, and upkeep challenges like missing cookware or poorly secured screen doors. Some users also...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers advise bringing extra pillows, cooking stoves, cookware, water containers, and mosquito nets or screens. Winter guests recommend preparing for snow drifts and ensuring the wood stove is...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews often note the benefits of firewood availability and the cozy warmth inside the cabin despite cold outdoor temperatures. Summer reviews highlight challenges with mosquito infestations...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Spent a week here with the family several years ago. Very convenient to West Yellowstone and the park. Very secluded and quiet.' - Brian Trickey
2. 'The cabin is in such a beautiful location and...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most reviews pertain to campsite 001 in the AREA BASIN STATION CABIN loop. Positive site experiences include cozy interiors and abundant wildlife sightings, while negative aspects include outhouse...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Users with disabilities did not provide specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but should not be left unattended due to risks such as escaping into the road or wildlife encounters. One user successfully used a temporary fence to secure their pets.
Based on 21 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025