Mystic Lake Cabin

Star4.80
31 reviews
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mystic Lake Cabin
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for Mystic Lake Cabin is $65 year-round. Additional fees may apply including reservation fees ($8 for online/app reservations, $9 for...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
406-522-2520
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, seclusion, and rustic charm of Mystic Lake Cabin. Positive feedback often focuses on the well-equipped nature of the cabin, its cleanliness, and the surrounding trails and wildlife. Common concerns include challenging access routes, especially during winter, and the need for guests to bring essential supplies."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mystic Lake Cabin

45.5411, -110.9194

Driving directionsThere is no motorized access to this cabin. From Bozeman, MT, drive south on S. 19th Ave. for 5.1 miles to Nash Rd. Turn left (east) onto Nash Rd. Drive 1.7 miles to Sourdough Canyon Road, turn right (south), and drive for 0.9 miles to the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead. From the trailhead, travel south on Trail 454 for 5 miles. Before reaching a bridge, turn left onto Mystic Lake Trail 457. Follow this single-track trail approximately 2.8 miles to Mystic Lake. Cross the outlet of the lake to find the cabin up the hill on the south end of the lake. Alternatively, cross the bridge and stay on Trail 454 for another 5 miles to the cabin. This is the recommended winter route.
Road access to Mystic Lake Cabin is limited due to its location in a non-motorized area. Access is via hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking during summer, and by skiing or snowshoeing in winter. Sourdough Canyon and Bozeman Creek trails are closed to motorized vehicles year-round.
Nearby places
Bozeman: approximately 15 miles (30 minutes drive to trailhead, followed by hiking or skiing).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained from stores in Bozeman, MT, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Mystic Lake Cabin

Mother Nature paints each season with a distinct palette at Mystic Lake. Crystal-clear skies grace the area about half the year, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and sunny trail adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland, with moderate snowfall blanketing the forests and meadows. Summer arrives with warm, inviting days ideal for exploration, though mountain weather can shift quickly—bringing afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the wildflowers and fill the air with the scent of rain on pine.

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

Wildflower displays, trails and fishing make summer particularly rewarding per reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers trails and solitude; seasonal colors likely; fewer explicit reviews than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings variable snow/mud but also emergent wildflowers and good fishing as waters warm.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with skiing/snowshoeing, but reviewers note difficult winter access and trail navigation.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1–December 31 (Peak pricing applies year-round).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Trail 454 is groomed for skiing in the winter and closed to bicycles. Seasonal road closures also affect accessibility.

About Mystic Lake Cabin

Step back in time at Mystic Lake Cabin, a treasured backcountry retreat that has welcomed adventurers since 1930. Perched at 6,400 feet in the heart of the wilderness, this rustic hideaway rewards those willing to journey by foot, ski, or horseback with an authentic mountain experience. Here, where modern conveniences fade away, you'll discover a simpler rhythm of life alongside pristine fishing waters, prime hunting grounds, and miles of multi-use trails that wind through untouched landscapes.
Mystic Lake Cabin provides cabin accommodation in a remote setting accessible only by non-motorized travel. The cabin is equipped for up to four guests and offers a rustic camping experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 5 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Mystic Lake Cabin offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The New World Gulch Trail and Bozeman Creek Trail are popular routes, with the Mystic Lake Loop favored among mountain bikers. Anglers can fish for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, while hunters find good opportunities in the fall. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts may encounter bald eagles, bears, moose, elk, and mule deer in the area.
HikingSeveral trails, including New World Gulch Trail and Bozeman Creek Trail, offer opportunities for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Mystic Lake Loop is noted for its popularity among mountain bikers.
FishingAnglers can fish for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout in Mystic Lake. User reviews also mentioned seeing bald eagles catching fish, adding to the area's natural allure.
BikingMystic Lake Loop is particularly popular among mountain bikers. Trails vary in difficulty, making them suitable for different skill levels.
Wildlife viewingBird species such as bald eagles, as well as larger wildlife like bears, moose, elk, and mule deer, can be seen in the area. One user review highlighted fishing with bald eagles as spectators.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encountering bears and navigating trails that can become impassable during heavy snow. Guests must prepare for backcountry conditions.
Active AlertsTrail 454 is groomed for skiing in the winter and closed to bicycles. Seasonal road closures also affect accessibility.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Mystic Lake Cabin

Reviews

4.8
31 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mystic Lake Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, seclusion, and rustic charm of Mystic Lake Cabin. Positive feedback often focuses on the well-equipped nature of the cabin, its cleanliness, and the surrounding trails and wildlife. Common concerns include challenging access routes, especially during winter, and the need for guests to bring essential supplies.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the cabin’s cleanliness, cozy wood stove, ample firewood, and well-stocked kitchen amenities. The surrounding natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities are frequently...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes difficulties navigating trails in winter, the shattered glass on the wood stove door (reported by multiple users, but confirmed to still function), and the need for better...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users advise bringing essential items like fire starters, matches, and extra toilet paper. Some recommend specific routes for easier access in winter, such as the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the difficulty of skiing to the cabin, while summer visitors appreciate the trails and fishing opportunities. Snow conditions can vary drastically, as one user described...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful cabin located on a backcountry lake. Cabin was surprisingly well stocked with firewood and other amenities we weren't expecting.' - Michael Parker 2. 'Wonderful time at Mystic Lake...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews of campsite 001 in Loop AREA MYSTIC LAKE CABIN were overwhelmingly positive. Some reviews noted specific challenges, such as icy trails during winter and difficulties finding the cabin via...
Show more
Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to remote, non-motorized access routes. Guests with mobility challenges or knee injuries struggled, as noted in a review about the New World Gulch Trail.
Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not recommended. Guests must remove solid pet wastes within 100 yards of the cabin.
Based on 31 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Mystic Lake Cabin? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Mystic Lake Cabin