Black Butte Cabin

4.34

33 reviews

5 FOREST SERVICE ROAD, ENNIS, MT 59729, USA

Stargazing

Featured in:Winter Camping Montana

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from July 1 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Madison Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from July 1 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Madison Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Black Butte Cabin

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin fees range from $25 to $45 per night. Recreation use fees are non-refundable within 14 days of arrival. Changes in reservation dates may incur...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-682-4253

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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 33 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocationhiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Black Butte Cabin are mixed, with mentions of breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and excellent snowmobiling opportunities. However, traffic noise and issues with facility upkeep were frequent complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5 FOREST SERVICE ROAD, ENNIS, MT 59729, USA

Black Butte Cabin

5 FOREST SERVICE ROAD, ENNIS, MT 59729, USA

Driving directionsBlack Butte cabin is located one quarter mile from the junction of Forest Service roads FS290, FS1012 and FS237. From Ennis, travel south on US Highway 287 for about 32 miles to the West Fork Rest Area. Turn right onto West Fork Road/Forest Road 209 and continue for about 2 miles. Turn right onto Standard Creek Road/Forest Road 237 and travel 18 miles to the cabin. This is the easiest option by snowmobile. Maps may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District. Another option is to take MT287 southwest of Ennis, toward Virginia City, about 2 miles to the Varney Road, which will lead to the Gravelly Range Road FS290, total distance about 40 miles. A third option is south of Alder, up the Ruby River on Centennial Road, FS100. From FS100, travellers can reach the Gravelly Range Road FS290 from Warm Springs Road FS163, Cottonwood Road FS1012 or Eureka Basin Road FS347.

Road accessibility is seasonal and challenging; all roads in the Gravelly Range are closed to wheeled motorized use from April 1 through June 30. Over snow vehicles are permitted December 2 through May 15. During winter or depending on snow conditions, snowmobiles may be necessary for up to 21 miles of the route. Four-wheel drive and chains may be needed in muddy or snowy conditions.

Nearby places

Ennis (approximately 32 miles away, driving time varies by road conditions). Virginia City (approximately 40 miles away). Alder (distance not specified).

Nearby supplies

Nearest supplies likely found in Ennis, MT. Visitors must bring water, bedding, food, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies as these are not provided at the cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Black Butte Cabin

Each season transforms Black Butte Cabin into a distinctly different wilderness experience. Winter wraps the landscape in deep snow, creating a pristine wonderland accessible only by snowmobile—an adventure that demands respect for avalanche conditions and mountain weather. As spring melts into summer, the meadows explode with Indian paintbrush, lupine, and countless alpine wildflowers, while temperatures become perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Autumn arrives with golden aspens and crisp mountain air, though early snows can surprise visitors and close access roads without warning. No matter the season, mountain weather here changes quickly—sunshine can give way to thunderstorms in minutes, making layers and preparation essential for any visit.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews emphasize hiking, wildlife and accessible trails; listed as peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Late-fall access and changing weather noted; fewer clear positives than summer/winter.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Cabin closed Apr 1–Jun 30; roads closed to wheeled vehicles in spring.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in MT

Winter praised for snowmobiling and pristine deep-snow conditions; popular in winter reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 1 to March 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from July 1 to March 31. Roads in the area are closed to wheeled vehicles from April 1 to June 30.

About Black Butte Cabin

Step back in time at Black Butte Cabin, a beautifully preserved 1919 log sanctuary nestled deep in the Gravelly Range. This authentic mountain retreat invites up to four adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Montana's high country, where propane lanterns cast warm glows against hand-hewn logs and wood stoves crackle with mountain pine. Days here unfold at nature's pace, with endless trails beckoning from your doorstep and wildlife wandering through meadows that stretch toward snow-capped peaks. Though the amenities remain refreshingly simple—an outhouse and manual water pump keep things rustic—the rewards are extraordinary: star-filled skies untouched by light pollution, mornings that dawn with elk bugling across valleys, and the profound quiet that only comes from true remoteness.

Black Butte Cabin is a primitive lodging facility suitable for up to four people. Tents or camping units for additional guests are not permitted.

Historical SignificanceThis weathered log cabin has stood sentinel in these mountains since 1919, when Forest Service rangers first raised its walls as a backcountry inspection station. For decades, it served as a crucial outpost for monitoring the vast sheep allotments that dotted the Madison National Forest, sheltering rangers who spent weeks at a time ensuring the sustainable use of these alpine grasslands. The cabin's sturdy construction—built to withstand fierce mountain winters and isolation—tells the story of early conservation efforts and the hardy souls who shaped America's public lands. Today, every hand-hewn log and weathered board whispers tales of solitary rangers, massive sheep drives, and the enduring relationship between humans and this spectacular landscape.

Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms Black Butte Cabin into a distinctly different wilderness experience. Winter wraps the landscape in deep snow, creating a pristine wonderland accessible only by snowmobile—an adventure that demands respect for avalanche conditions and mountain weather. As spring melts into summer, the meadows explode with Indian paintbrush, lupine, and countless alpine wildflowers, while temperatures become perfect for hiking and wildlife watching. Autumn arrives with golden aspens and crisp mountain air, though early snows can surprise visitors and close access roads without warning. No matter the season, mountain weather here changes quickly—sunshine can give way to thunderstorms in minutes, making layers and preparation essential for any visit.

ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,900 feet above sea level, Black Butte Cabin offers visitors a true high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, thin, and impossibly clear. At this elevation, you're living above the clouds more often than below them, watching weather systems roll through valleys far beneath your feet. The alpine environment creates its own microclimate—expect cool nights even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms that materialize from nowhere, and the kind of brilliant sunshine that only exists in rarified mountain air. This lofty perch provides unparalleled views across multiple mountain ranges and offers intimate encounters with high-country wildlife perfectly adapted to life at the roof of Montana.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom its perch on the edge of a windswept meadow, Black Butte Cabin frames one of Montana's most dramatic mountain panoramas. The volcanic summit of Black Butte towers overhead at 10,542 feet, its dark, craggy face a testament to the ancient fires that shaped these peaks. To the west, Lion Mountain prowls the horizon, its ridgelines catching first light and last glow each day. Crystal-clear mountain streams tumble through the meadows, their banks lined with willows where moose browse in the early morning mist. Rocky bluffs and talus slopes provide sanctuary for pikas and marmots, while the surrounding forests of whitebark pine and subalpine fir create a tapestry of green that shifts with every passing cloud. In this pristine wilderness, each view feels painted specifically for the moment you're experiencing it.

Geological RegionThe Gravelly Range stands as one of Montana's most geologically fascinating mountain chains, and Black Butte Cabin sits at the heart of this ancient volcanic landscape. The namesake Black Butte, looming at 10,542 feet as the range's highest peak, is actually a volcanic cone—a dramatic reminder of the fiery forces that sculpted these mountains millions of years ago. The surrounding peaks showcase a complex geological story written in layers of volcanic ash, ancient seabeds, and glacial moraines. This unique geology creates diverse habitats ranging from alpine tundra to lush meadows fed by mineral-rich springs. The Gravelly Range's remoteness has preserved not just its geological treasures but also its wild character, making it one of the last places in the Lower 48 where you can experience mountains much as they existed centuries ago.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Earliest check-in is 3:00 PM.

Check-out

Latest check-out is 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 6 nights during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is 4 people.

Groups

No group camping facilities are available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin setup with outhouse facilities. No areas for tents or additional camping units.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-in availability; reservations only. Cabin is locked, and combination must be obtained prior to arrival.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations within 14 days of the check-in date also lose the first night's fee. Changes to reservation dates may incur an additional $10 fee.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned.

Site SizeThe cabin can sleep up to four people.

PrivacyThe cabin is noted for its remote and private location, though traffic on nearby roads was frequently mentioned in user reviews.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend bringing cleaning supplies, flypaper, and a camping table for food preparation. Snowmobiles are necessary during winter.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Black Butte Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, and fishing. Wildlife observation is another popular activity, with opportunities to see pronghorn antelope and mule deer.

HikingNumerous hiking trails originate along the road near the cabin, exploring various drainages in the area. A user-created trail allows hikers to summit Black Butte. Reviews highlighted hikes to Wolverine Basin and Freezeout Mountain, though the latter requires navigational skills due to unmarked trails.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in nearby Standard Creek, where anglers may catch cutthroat and brown trout.

Wildlife viewingThe area surrounding Black Butte Cabin is home to diverse wildlife, including pronghorn antelope and mule deer. User reviews also mentioned observing antelope and mule deer bucks during their stay.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include avalanche risks in winter, exposure to hantavirus due to mice droppings, and encounters with guard dogs protecting sheep herds.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyWood is provided for the wood stove but not for campfires. Guests must follow firewood hygiene and safety rules.

Emergency ServicesMadison Ranger District Office, phone: 406-682-4253, is available for inquiries during business hours. No explicit emergency services noted.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food, as there are no trash or recycling facilities available on-site.

Water FeaturesProximity to Standard Creek provides fishing opportunities for cutthroat and brown trout.

Camp HostNo host information available.

Weather at Black Butte Cabin

Reviews

4.3

33 reviews

Recommended

Black Butte Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Black Butte Cabin are mixed, with mentions of breathtaking scenery, wildlife sightings, and excellent snowmobiling opportunities. However, traffic noise and issues with facility upkeep were frequent complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 33 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the cabin’s remote and scenic location, opportunities for wildlife observation, and access to nearby trails for hiking and snowmobiling. Many reviews also commended the cleanliness and...

Based on 33 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included constant traffic noise from nearby roads and the condition of amenities, such as the propane stove being greasy or the firewood being buried in snow. Other concerns...

Based on 33 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing a camping table for food preparation, cleaning supplies, and additional cooking equipment. Several reviews suggested exploring nearby Black Butte and visiting Gravelly Range...

Based on 33 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews frequently highlighted snowmobiling as a top activity, while summer reviews focused on hiking and wildlife observation. Some users noted that accessing the cabin during late fall could...

Based on 33 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The scenery is breathtaking and varied. From beautiful mountains to fields of lovely flowers, there was always something to see." - Karen Sloan 2. "Constant traffic screaming by... it is like...

Based on 33 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specific to campsite 001 (the cabin) were mixed, with users highlighting its scenic location and amenities but frequently complaining about traffic noise and maintenance issues.

Based on 33 reviews