Hells Canyon Guard Station

Star4.57
32 reviews
1820 Meadowlark Ln, Butte, MT 59701, USA

Quick Facts

6,516 ft

Price

$25 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1 - Dec...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Butte/Jefferson Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Hells Canyon Guard Station
$25.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The cabin is $55 per night during peak season. A non-refundable reservation fee of $25 applies, with an additional $10 fee for changes in scheduled...
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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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Provider
406-494-2147
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 32 reviews

Most mentioned

viewswater

"Overall, user reviews are mixed, with many appreciating the cabin's rustic charm and remote location but criticizing its cleanliness and maintenance. "Beautiful location! Nice little cozy cabin," one user noted, while another stated, "Vault toilet was absolutely repulsive." Users frequently advise bringing extra supplies and equipment."

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Campground Map

1820 Meadowlark Ln, Butte, MT 59701, USA

Hells Canyon Guard Station

1820 Meadowlark Ln, Butte, MT 59701, USA

Driving directionsFrom Whitehall, travel south on Highway 55 for about 20 miles. Turn right off the highway just before crossing the Jefferson River, onto Forest Service Road 125, and continue west about 14 miles on a dirt road. Winter access varies with snow conditions. Guests may need to hike, ski or snowmobile to the cabin during winter months.
Access includes a 14-mile dirt road which can be rocky and narrow; high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Winter access depends on snow conditions and may require hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling.
Nearby places
Whitehall (~20 miles south on Highway 55), Butte (~34 miles northwest)
Nearby supplies
For groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, visitors must travel to Butte (~34 miles northwest).

Best Time to Camp at Hells Canyon Guard Station

Experience the Highland Mountains' dramatic seasonal transformations at Hells Canyon. Summer graces the meadows with wildflower blooms and crystal-clear days, with comfortable temperatures peaking around 56°F—ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. When winter blankets the landscape in snow, the cabin becomes a coveted destination for backcountry enthusiasts ready to explore on snowshoes or skis. Come prepared with proper equipment, as winter access requires navigation through deep snow and mountain terrain.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 22% in MT

Summer brings wildflower blooms, clear days and comfortable temps; reviewers praise summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn meadows and elk tracking highlighted; scenic fall colors and wildlife activity noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 10% in MT

Spring brings creek flows and wildflowers; fewer reviews than summer but positive notes exist.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter offers cozy woodstove but road access and deep snow can be problematic.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31 (Peak Season for Cabin Nonelectric). Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open January 1 - December 31, reservations start from June 22.

About Hells Canyon Guard Station

Step back in time at Hells Canyon Guard Station, where a century-old log cabin beckons adventurers to Montana's rugged Highland Mountains. This charming 1906 homestead has transformed from a humble rancher's shelter into a beloved backcountry retreat, offering modern explorers an authentic taste of frontier living. Whether you're tracking elk through autumn meadows, carving fresh tracks in pristine powder, or simply seeking solitude beneath star-filled skies, this rustic sanctuary serves as your perfect wilderness basecamp.
Hells Canyon Guard Station offers cabin accommodations in a remote and serene natural setting, ideal for those seeking a rustic experience. Primitive camping and group camping are not explicitly mentioned.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 14 nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Potable water
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The area surrounding Hells Canyon Guard Station offers a variety of recreational activities during different seasons, including hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. "Hunters frequently use the cabin as a base camp," and fishing is available in nearby Hells Canyon Creek. Off-road vehicles and motorcycles are allowed on designated trails, provided they are properly permitted and licensed.
HikingHiking trails are available in the Hells Canyon area, including popular scenic routes such as Silica Butte. "Silica Butte, a grassy knob to the north around mile marker 14, is a fun hike," noted one user review. Trails range in difficulty, and wildflowers are abundant during the summer months.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in nearby Hells Canyon Creek. "Fishing was excellent for us to enjoy," according to one reviewer, who highlighted the summer season as ideal due to the ice-free creek.
BikingMountain biking and dirt biking are popular activities in the area. "Lots of great trails for mountain biking and dirt biking," wrote one reviewer, emphasizing the rugged terrain.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a notable activity in the area, with species such as elk, deer, and upland game birds frequently sighted. "Elk and deer are the most sought after by hunters," and moose sightings have also been reported by users.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGuests should be aware of bear safety, water safety, and avalanche risks during winter.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Hells Canyon Guard Station

Reviews

4.6
32 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Hells Canyon Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews are mixed, with many appreciating the cabin's rustic charm and remote location but criticizing its cleanliness and maintenance. "Beautiful location! Nice little cozy cabin," one user noted, while another stated, "Vault toilet was absolutely repulsive." Users frequently advise bringing extra supplies and equipment.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned in user reviews include the cabin's cozy design, beautiful surroundings, and variety of recreational opportunities. "The solitude and beauty are incredible," wrote one...
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Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor road conditions, lack of cleanliness in the cabin and outhouse, and missing supplies such as toilet paper. "Road in last 15 miles was so bad it took 1 hour and 45...
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Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing high-clearance vehicles for the rough access road, extra propane canisters, cleaning supplies, and personal items such as towels and toilet paper. Winter visitors should...
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Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User experiences vary significantly by season. Winter visitors report challenges with road access and deep snow but appreciate the cabin's cozy woodstove. Summer visitors highlight the area's...
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Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Fishing was excellent for us to enjoy." "Bring your own TP if you want to be sure and have some." "Silica Butte, a grassy knob to the north around mile marker 14, is a fun hike." "Vault toilet was...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many reviews focus on the cabin's solitary site and surroundings. "The cabin is at mile marker 15, and the solitude and beauty are incredible," noted one user. Other complaints and praises regarding...
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Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges are frequently noted due to the rough road conditions and seasonal snow. "Definitely suggest a high-clearance vehicle as the road is rocky and narrow" wrote one user.
Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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