How much does camping cost at Hells Canyon Guard Station?

Camping fees at Hells Canyon Guard Station range from $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hells Canyon Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Hells Canyon Guard Station 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 Hells Canyon Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Hells Canyon Guard Station has 10 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 Hells Canyon Guard Station?

Hells Canyon Guard Station 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 Hells Canyon Guard Station?

Hells Canyon Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Hells Canyon Guard Station?

Fire policies at Hells Canyon Guard Station: Firewood is available, but not always guaranteed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hells Canyon Guard Station have?

Hells Canyon Guard Station 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 Hells Canyon Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Hells Canyon Guard Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hells Canyon Guard Station?

Hells Canyon Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hells Canyon Guard Station?

Popular activities at Hells Canyon Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hells Canyon Guard Station

4.57

32 reviews

1820 Meadowlark Ln, Butte, MT 59701, USA

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Hiking Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,516 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1 - Dec...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Butte/Jefferson Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,516 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1 - Dec...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Butte/Jefferson Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Hells Canyon Guard Station

$55.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $55.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-494-2147

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1820 Meadowlark Ln, Butte, MT 59701, USA

Hells Canyon Guard Station

1820 Meadowlark Ln, Butte, MT 59701, USA

Nearby places

Whitehall (~20 miles south on Highway 55), Butte (~34 miles northwest)

Weather at Hells Canyon Guard Station

Current alerts(6)

All garbage and food must be packed out.
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 .
Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest .
The cabin remains locked; contact the Butte Ranger District during office hours to obtain a key code. The Ranger District is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Best Time to Camp at Hells Canyon Guard Station

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather and the fullest range of activities — expect sunny, clear days with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s at 6,500+ ft. Trails, creek access, wildflower meadows and biking routes are at their peak, and fishing and wildlife viewing are excellent as animals use lower-elevation riparian areas. Expect moderate but manageable crowds (July–August are the busiest); reserve the guard station early (reservat Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers reliable conditions, peak trails, fishing and wildflower displays July–August.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1 - December 31, reservations start from June 22.

About Hells Canyon Guard Station

Hells Canyon Guard Station is a historic rental cabin operated by the Butte/Jefferson Ranger District in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, located in mid-elevation forest outside Butte. The cabin offers solitude and access to hiking, fishing, and biking trails, with potable water and vault toilets on-site. Reviewers praise the cozy design and beautiful surroundings, though the rocky, narrow access road requires a high-clearance vehicle.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable, comfortable weather and the fullest range of activities — expect sunny, clear days with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s at 6,500+ ft. Trails, creek access, wildflower meadows and biking routes are at their peak, and fishing and wildlife viewing are excellent as animals use lower-elevation riparian areas. Expect moderate but manageable crowds (July–August are the busiest); reserve the guard station early (reservat Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation6516 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryHells Canyon Creek runs past the cabin through mountain meadows where sagebrush steppe meets alpine ecosystems. The Highland Mountains rise as an island range between valleys, supporting both prairie and alpine species in close proximity. Elk graze the meadows at dawn, mule deer move through in the afternoon, and upland birds flush from the grass. The isolation is real: one visitor saw only 3 people in 5 days.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe facility consists of a single-room cabin that accommodates up to 4 people with bunk beds. There is no electricity, but features such as a wood stove for heating and cooking, and a propane cooktop are available. Guests are required to bring their own bedding, towels, and other amenities such as propane canisters for the lantern. Some user reviews report the cabin being dirty and lacking essential supplies, while others praise its rustic charm and peaceful location. "Cabin was dirty and unkept," said one reviewer, while another described it as "a great spot in a wonderful part of Montana."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Best Campsites

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Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 nights per reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 guests in bunk beds.

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 via website, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content, but user reviews highlight the need for high-clearance vehicles to access the cabin due to the rough, rocky road. Additionally, winter access may require hiking, skiing, or snowmobiling.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to 4 people, and the surrounding area has space for additional recreational activities like horseback riding or hiking.

PrivacyThe cabin is situated in an isolated and serene location, offering high levels of privacy and solitude. User reviews frequently highlight the peacefulness and lack of nearby visitors. "Talk about out there! I only saw 3 people in 5 days!" wrote one reviewer.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommend bringing high-clearance vehicles for access and packing essential supplies (propane, bedding, cleaning supplies). Winter visitors should pack avalanche safety gear.

Need help booking Hells Canyon Guard Station?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Amenities available

Hells Canyon Guard Station offers basic amenities suitable for a rustic experience. The single-room cabin includes bunk beds for up to 4 people, a wood stove for cooking and heating, a table, and chairs. Drinking water is available during summer months, but water must be boiled if sourced outside of these seasons. The cabin does not offer electricity, but guests can use a provided propane cooktop located outside on the porch. There is also a propane lantern available, although users must bring their own 16-ounce propane canisters. Kitchen utensils, pots, pans, and cleaning equipment are described as being provided, although some reviewers noted missing cleaning supplies. A vault toilet is located outside the cabin but has received numerous negative reviews related to cleanliness and maintenance. Cell phone service is described as rare to nonexistent. "Cell phone service is rare or nonexistent in the area." Guests are required to pack out all trash and clean the cabin before departure. Shooting is prohibited in the vicinity of the cabin.

Potable water

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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).

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

32 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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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Go if

You want a remote cabin experience with hiking and fishing access and have a high-clearance vehicle.

Skip if

You need easy road access or expect well-maintained vault toilets.

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