High Rye Cabin

4.52

38 reviews

1820 Meadowlark Lane, BUTTE, MT, 59701, USA

Quick Facts

5,863 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak Season: May 15 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Butte Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,863 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Peak Season: May 15 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Butte Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

High Rye Cabin

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin Nonelectric: $45 per night during the peak season (May 15 - November 30). A non-refundable reservation fee of $20 per night applies, and...

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

406-494-2147

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 38 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"High Rye Cabin receives generally positive reviews for its cleanliness, remote location, and rustic charm. However, some guests noted issues like unpleasant smells in certain areas and occasional lack of firewood."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1820 Meadowlark Lane, BUTTE, MT, 59701, USA

High Rye Cabin

1820 Meadowlark Lane, BUTTE, MT, 59701, USA

Driving directionsFrom Butte, travel west on Interstate 90 for about 12 miles, to exit 211. Continue about 3 miles south on Highway 441. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 82 and travel 4 miles south to the cabin. Maps may be purchased by calling the Butte Ranger District.

The road to the cabin is wide and smooth, making it easily accessible by car under good weather conditions. However, directions on the website indicate FS 82 signage on German Gulch Road, which may be easy to miss. During fall, alternative resources may be required to reach the cabin due to potential road closures or weather conditions.

Nearby places

Butte (12 miles away, approximately 20 minutes by car)

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (approximately 3 miles away).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies including groceries and firewood are available in Butte, located 12 miles from the cabin. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, approximately 3 miles away, may also have limited supplies.

Best Time to Camp at High Rye Cabin

Summer transforms High Rye Cabin into a cool mountain refuge, where gentle breezes whisper through the evergreens and temperatures provide blessed relief from valley heat. As autumn paints the highlands in gold and crimson, crisp air signals the approach of winter's quiet majesty. When snow blankets the Fleecer Mountains, the cabin becomes a cozy haven amid a crystalline wonderland, though visitors should prepare for true mountain cold. Note that occasional heavy truck traffic on nearby roads may punctuate the otherwise tranquil mountain atmosphere during certain seasons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; described as a cool mountain refuge with lush green surroundings.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early fall is popular; autumn colors and cooler temps praised in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

Most of spring the site is closed until May 15; late‑spring access is limited and variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed Dec 1–May 14; no winter bookings available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 - November 30 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak Season: May 15 - November 30 annually. Out of season: No bookings available from December 1 to May 14.

About High Rye Cabin

Nestled in the pristine northern Fleecer Mountains, High Rye Cabin stands as a testament to Montana's rich heritage. This charming 2-room retreat, crafted by the skilled hands of the Civilian Conservation Corps around 1919, invites you to step back in time while embracing the wild beauty of the backcountry. Whether you're casting a line in crystal-clear mountain streams, tracking elk through ancient forests, or simply soaking in the mountain solitude, this rustic sanctuary serves as your perfect basecamp for authentic wilderness adventures.

High Rye Cabin is a rustic, non-electric cabin designed for visitors seeking a remote and quiet experience. It supports tent and group camping around the cabin area.

Historical SignificanceHigh Rye Cabin's weathered logs hold stories of Montana's mining boom days, when it served as a vital administrative outpost for the bustling German Gulch mining district. Since opening its doors to the public in the 1940s, this historic structure has welcomed generations of adventurers, each adding their own chapter to its storied past. Today, staying here means joining a legacy that bridges the industrious spirit of early miners with modern-day seekers of mountain solitude.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms High Rye Cabin into a cool mountain refuge, where gentle breezes whisper through the evergreens and temperatures provide blessed relief from valley heat. As autumn paints the highlands in gold and crimson, crisp air signals the approach of winter's quiet majesty. When snow blankets the Fleecer Mountains, the cabin becomes a cozy haven amid a crystalline wonderland, though visitors should prepare for true mountain cold. Note that occasional heavy truck traffic on nearby roads may punctuate the otherwise tranquil mountain atmosphere during certain seasons.

Natural Features and SceneryWake to the haunting bugle of elk echoing through mist-shrouded evergreens, where ancient forests shelter an incredible tapestry of mountain wildlife. Black bears amble through berry patches, wolves leave their tracks in morning dew, and moose browse in hidden meadows. Overhead, eagles soar on mountain thermals while songbirds fill the forest with their melodies. From curious coyotes to secretive mountain creatures, the surrounding wilderness pulses with life, offering endless opportunities for wildlife watching and nature photography.

Geological RegionPerched in the heart of the northern Fleecer Mountains, High Rye Cabin is embraced by a landscape where towering evergreens meet alpine meadows and hidden wetlands nurture delicate ecosystems. Mountain streams cascade through rocky channels, creating a network of crystal-clear creeks that sustain the abundant wildlife. This diverse terrain serves as a year-round sanctuary for thriving elk and deer populations, making it a premier destination for those seeking authentic encounters with Montana's untamed highlands.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2pm

Check-out

11am

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The 2-room cabin is equipped with bunk beds that can sleep up to 4 people.

Groups

The High Rye Cabin accommodates up to four people with additional tent camping space around it, but does not have designated group sites for larger parties.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin with a front porch, fire pit area, and corral for horses.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or via the contact center. Payment can also be made in person.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up/first-come-first-served availability is not applicable. The cabin must be reserved in advance.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time prior to the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the non-refundable $20 reservation fee and potentially the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days before the arrival date.

AccessibilityThe site includes a good ADA-compliant vault toilet and generally easy access via vehicle, weather permitting. However, during fall, alternative travel arrangements may be necessary.

Site SizeThe cabin is small, equipped with bunk beds for up to four people.

PrivacyThe cabin area offers a degree of privacy with a rope barrier and a corral for horses. However, some reviewers mentioned local truck traffic and cattle as occasional disturbances.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose this site for its accessibility, historic charm, and breathtaking mountain surroundings. Bring firewood, bedding, and water as these supplies are not guaranteed.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The area surrounding High Rye Cabin offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and big game hunting. Off-road vehicles are permitted on trails with the proper licensing.

HikingSeveral trails are accessible from the cabin, suitable for hiking and horseback riding. However, some reviewers noted the lack of well-marked trails near the cabin: 'I wasn’t really seeing "trails" through the surrounding forest.'

FishingFishing is available in nearby creeks and streams, which require proper licensing. However, one reviewer mentioned that the stream near the cabin had signs of cattle contamination.

BikingMountain biking is permitted on nearby trails, and some visitors used the cabin as a stopover during bikepacking trips.

Wildlife viewingThe region is rich in wildlife, including elk, mule deer, moose, black bears, coyotes, and wolves. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will likely enjoy the variety of species.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears (bear safety precautions recommended), and water sources that may be contaminated by cattle. Proper treatment methods are advised for creek water.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within the designated fire pit outside the cabin. Wood availability is not guaranteed.

Emergency ServicesButte Ranger District (406-494-2147) is the nearest point of contact for emergencies. Additional emergency services such as hospitals, police stations, and fire departments are found within Butte.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and bring their own garbage bags. No on-site trash or recycling facilities are available.

Water FeaturesA nearby creek runs alongside the cabin but is often described as unsanitary due to cattle activity.

Camp HostThe Butte Ranger District manages the cabin and provides a key code upon request. No hosts are stationed on-site.

Weather at High Rye Cabin

Reviews

4.5

38 reviews

Top-Rated

High Rye Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

High Rye Cabin receives generally positive reviews for its cleanliness, remote location, and rustic charm. However, some guests noted issues like unpleasant smells in certain areas and occasional lack of firewood.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers appreciated the cabin's cleanliness and ample firewood when stocked: 'The cabin was clean and comfortable,' and 'Appreciated the ample wood stockpiled around the cabin.' The remote...

Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors reported unpleasant odors in the cabin due to mold and rodent urine: 'There is a closet in the bedroom that had a heavy rodent urine smell.' Others noted the creek's contamination,...

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are advised to bring sufficient firewood, water, and cleaning supplies. One reviewer suggested, 'Plan ahead before arriving, less you have to drive back to Butte or Anaconda.'

Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall are popular seasons for visitors, with reviewers highlighting the lush green surroundings and cooler temperatures during hot months elsewhere. Winter visitors also enjoyed the...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We loved this place! The mattresses weren’t amazing but aside from that, the place was cozy and well equipped.' 2. 'The cabin is well-furnished and well-stocked to provide a great experience.' 3....

Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Visitors frequently mentioned campsite 001 (High Rye Cabin) in their reviews, noting both its charm and issues like smells and occasional lack of maintenance.

Based on 38 reviews