How much does camping cost at Black Butte Cabin?

Camping fees at Black Butte Cabin are $25 - $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Butte Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Butte Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Butte Cabin before I book?

Yes! Black Butte Cabin has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Butte Cabin?

Black Butte Cabin is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Butte Cabin?

Black Butte Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Black Butte Cabin?

Fire policies at Black Butte Cabin: Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Black Butte Cabin have?

Black Butte Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Butte Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Black Butte Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Black Butte Cabin?

Black Butte Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Butte Cabin?

Popular activities at Black Butte Cabin include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Butte Cabin

4.34

33 reviews

5 FOREST SERVICE ROAD, ENNIS, MT 59729, USA

Top 6% in MTWinter

B-Report Card

Scenic Views

Featured in:Winter Camping Montana

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Snowmobiles are nece...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Snowmobiles are nece...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Black Butte Cabin

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $25.00; Cabin Nonelectric: $45.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-682-4253

I manage this campground

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5 FOREST SERVICE ROAD, ENNIS, MT 59729, USA

Black Butte Cabin

5 FOREST SERVICE ROAD, ENNIS, MT 59729, USA

Nearby places

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

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.

Weather at Black Butte Cabin

Current alerts(11)

All garbage and food must be packed out. Do not leave anything that you brought with you.
Be aware that this facility is not cleaned between user visits. Please bring cleaning supplies for your visit as renters are required to clean the facility before they leave. We are doing the best we can to keep facilities open and available to the public.
Cabin is locked. The cabin combination is available with your paid receipt. You may call the Madison Ranger District 8:00 AM - 4:30PM weekdays if you do not receive the combination. The office is NOT open on Federal Holidays.
Earliest check in time is 3:00 PM and latest departure time is 11:00 AM.

Best Time to Camp at Black Butte Cabin

Best season: winter. Winter offers the most unique and dramatic experience at Black Butte Cabin: heavy alpine snowpack creates a true backcountry setting with near-total solitude and spectacular snowy vistas of Black Butte. Expect daytime temperatures commonly between 0°F and 20°F (-18°C to -6°C) with nights often dipping well below 0°F; deep, powdery snow makes snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ski tours the primary ways to reach and explore the area. Winter is when wildlife tracks are clearest, photography and stargr Peak months: February, January, July, August Avoid: April, May, June

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MT

Winter is noted as the best season: heavy snowpack, snowmobile/skier access, and praised snowmobiling reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Snowmobiles are necessary to reach the cabin in winter, but not allowed until after December 1. Renting the cabin in October and November can be a risk due to the possibility of deep snow and vehicle inaccessibility.

About Black Butte Cabin

Black Butte Cabin sits in the high-elevation alpine terrain of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Ennis, operated by the Madison Ranger District. This remote rental cabin serves primarily as a winter destination, where heavy snowpack and subzero temperatures create a true backcountry experience accessible by snowmobile or skis. The cabin includes bunk beds, a wood stove, and basic cooking equipment, with vault toilets and fire rings outside.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the most unique and dramatic experience at Black Butte Cabin: heavy alpine snowpack creates a true backcountry setting with near-total solitude and spectacular snowy vistas of Black Butte. Expect daytime temperatures commonly between 0°F and 20°F (-18°C to -6°C) with nights often dipping well below 0°F; deep, powdery snow makes snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ski tours the primary ways to reach and explore the area. Winter is when wildlife tracks are clearest, photography and stargr Peak months: February, January, July, August Avoid: April, May, June

Elevation8900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin faces Black Butte, a 10,542-foot volcanic cone that dominates the skyline. The Gravelly Range is built from layers of volcanic ash, ancient seabeds, and glacial moraines, creating diverse terrain from alpine tundra to meadows fed by mineral-rich springs. The surrounding landscape includes whitebark pine and subalpine fir forests, rocky talus slopes, and clear mountain streams cutting through the meadows. In winter, heavy snowpack blankets everything, turning the already remote location into true backcountry. Reviews frequently mention wildlife sightings and expansive views from nearby Gravelly Range Road.

Lodging & AccommodationsBlack Butte Cabin is a primitive one-room lodging facility capable of accommodating up to four people. It features two bunkbeds with mattress pads, a wood stove, propane stove, and lanterns (propane not supplied). Guests are required to bring their own bedding, water, and other essentials.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.

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.

Need help booking Black Butte Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Black Butte Cabin provides a range of amenities suitable for a rustic camping experience. The cabin includes two bunkbeds with mattress pads, a propane camp stove and lantern (propane not supplied), a wood stove for heat, basic cooking equipment, a dining table and chairs. Firewood is available (stacked near the fence behind the cabin) but availability is not guaranteed, especially in late winter and early spring. Vault toilets are located approximately 100 feet from the cabin. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning purposes. Other necessary items include bedding, towels, food, toilet paper, and garbage bags. Cell phone service is unavailable at the cabin but may be accessible a few miles south along Gravelly Range Road #290. Camping units or tents for additional people are prohibited.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Black Butte Cabin

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.

Winter Activities5.0/5Top 6% in Montana

Hiking4.0/5

Numerous trails originate near the cabin, with routes into multiple drainages and summit access.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area hosts pronghorn and diverse fauna; wildlife observation is a commonly noted activity.

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation and remote setting imply dark skies and good stargazing potential.

Photography4.5/5Breathtaking, varied alpine scenery, wildflowers and wildlife provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

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

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