Is Notch Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Notch 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 Notch Cabin before I book?

Yes! Notch 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 Notch Cabin?

Notch Cabin is open Open from July 1 through November.. 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 Notch Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Notch Cabin?

Fire policies at Notch 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 Notch Cabin have?

Notch 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 Notch Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Notch Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Notch Cabin?

Popular activities at Notch Cabin include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Notch Cabin

0 review

5 FOREST SERVICE RD.

Top 9% in MTFall

Romantic GetawayPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Mountain Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,470 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from July 1 thr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,470 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from July 1 thr...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Notch Cabin

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-682-4253

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Notch Cabin

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Campground Map

5 FOREST SERVICE RD.

Notch Cabin

5 FOREST SERVICE RD.

Nearby places

Ennis (62 miles, approximately 3 hours driving time)

Driving directionsNotch Cabin is about 62 miles from Ennis, Montana. From Ennis, take Montana Highway 287 west for 23 miles to Alder. At Alder, turn south toward Ruby Reservoir (County 248) and travel 21 miles. Turn right on Ledford Creek Road (County 50) and travel southwest for 3 miles to signed junction. Turn right onto Robb Creek Road and after about 4.5 miles, you'll enter the Robb-Ledford WMA. Continue for 0.5 mile to junction, turn right and travel for 5 miles. At this point, the Springbrook road joins in from the west. Continue south toward the mountains and cross Robb Creek after about 3.5 miles. One half mile farther, you'll reach the Forest boundary, then another mile to the cabin. The route is signed at the junctions. Driving time from Ennis is nearly 3 hours, with the last 9 miles taking over an hour.

Weather at Notch Cabin

Current alerts(11)

A high clearance 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary to reach the cabin. The natural surface road has many large rocks jutting out and becomes nearly impassable when wet. Driving off the designated road is prohibited.
A mandatory food storage order is in effect between March 1 and December 1 annually to ensure food is properly stored away from wildlife; contact the Madison RangerDistrict for more details
All garbage and food must be packed out. If it came with you, it should leave with you.
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more

Best Time to Camp at Notch Cabin

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of clear, crisp weather and spectacular alpine color — expect sunny days in the 35–55°F range with nights commonly dipping below freezing (20–30°F) beginning in October. Trails are at their driest and views are sharp, making hiking, wildlife viewing (elk rut), and photography peak experiences; insect pressure is minimal and crowds are very low except during hunting weekends. Be aware that some roads and services may begin to close as early snow arrives, so plan a Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in MT

Fall cited as best: dry trails, sharp views, cool temps, elk rut and reduced insects.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from July 1 through November.

About Notch Cabin

Notch Cabin sits in the high alpine of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near Ennis, operated by the Madison Ranger District. This very small, primitive site offers a cabin rental alongside basic camping amenities like vault toilets and fire rings. Visitors come for hiking and wildlife viewing in a remote setting with strong privacy and minimal crowds.

Notch Cabin is a specialized camping accommodation offering a wilderness cabin experience for up to two people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of clear, crisp weather and spectacular alpine color — expect sunny days in the 35–55°F range with nights commonly dipping below freezing (20–30°F) beginning in October. Trails are at their driest and views are sharp, making hiking, wildlife viewing (elk rut), and photography peak experiences; insect pressure is minimal and crowds are very low except during hunting weekends. Be aware that some roads and services may begin to close as early snow arrives, so plan a Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation8470 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies a mountain meadow where Robb Creek runs past the door. The landscape demonstrates a classic ecological gradient: Great Basin sagebrush at lower elevations transitions to aspen groves, then dense timber stands. The surrounding Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area covers 28,000 acres. Elk, mule deer, and grizzly bears move through the area. The terrain is rugged and the views expand across the proposed wilderness.

Lodging & AccommodationsNotch Cabin provides cabin-style lodging in a 12’ x 16’ structure accommodating up to two people. It includes basic comforts such as bunk beds, cooking facilities, and a wood stove.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 16 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy is two people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (online, app, contact center).

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned for Notch Cabin.

Site SizeStandard cabin size suitable for two individuals.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote wilderness area, offering high privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive prepared with high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles and supplemental supplies such as water, propane canisters, and certified weed-free feed if bringing livestock.

Need help booking Notch Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The cabin is equipped with a set of bunk beds with foam pads that sleep up to two people, a propane cook stove, basic cooking utensils, a propane lantern, wood heat stove, broom, dustpan and basic cleaning supplies. Firewood is provided, stacked under the trees behind the cabin. A primitive outhouse is located 100 feet west of the cabin.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Notch Cabin provides access to a range of outdoor activities suited for adventurous visitors. Popular activities include big game hunting, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and fishing in nearby seasonal mountain streams. Wildlife viewing is also highly encouraged.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 Flush ToiletsNotch Cabin has a primitive outhouse rather than flush toilets.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Notch Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the cabin's remote beauty but also note challenges such as the prevalence of deer flies and the lack of certain amenities.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the scenic location, privacy, and proximity to outdoor recreation such as hiking and wildlife viewing.

Common Concerns

Complaints include the remote accessibility, lack of cell service, and the abundance of deer flies during summer.

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are unavailable for Notch Cabin.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring appropriate supplies including food, water, propane, and insect repellent. Be prepared for a rugged drive and remote conditions.

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention the high prevalence of deer flies; fall reviews highlight big game hunting opportunities and cooler weather.

Camper Quotes

"Cabin is gone. Deer flies are thick. Beautiful."

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-related reviews are mentioned.

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly address pet policies or experiences.

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want high-elevation seclusion during fall elk rut season with minimal crowds and strong privacy.

Skip if

You need electric hookups, running water, or want to avoid freezing overnight temperatures and summer deer flies.

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