Porcupine Cabin

Star4.65
27 reviews
5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Yellowstone Ranger District site

Official Website
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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
Porcupine Cabin
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for reserving Porcupine Cabin is $65 per night, applicable year-round. Reservation fees and cancellation fees are additional and vary based...
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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
406-222-1892
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What Campers Say

4.65

Top-Rated

Based on 27 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioushiking

"Reviews highlight Porcupine Cabin as well-maintained, spacious, and ideal for various activities like hiking and wildlife viewing. Guests appreciate its rustic charm, scenic views, and ability to hold heat effectively during cold weather. Common concerns include rough roads, the lack of firewood during summer, and occasional mice sightings."

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Campground Map

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH

Porcupine Cabin

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH

Driving directionsFrom Livingston, Montana, travel north on Highway 89 to Wilsall. Just north of Wilsall, turn northeast onto Shields River Road. Continue 8 miles to Porcupine Road, turn east (right) and then drive another 8 miles to the cabin. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended due to the road condition. During the winter, the last two miles of the road to the cabin are not plowed. Skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles are required to reach the cabin.
The cabin is accessible by driving in summer, but high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended due to road conditions. Winter access requires snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling up to 2 miles from the end of the maintained gravel road.
Nearby places
Livingston, MT (approx. 16 miles)
Wilsall, MT (approx. 8 miles)
Bozeman, MT (approx. 40 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be obtained in Livingston, MT, which is about 16 miles away. Wilsall, MT, 8 miles away, may offer limited essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Porcupine Cabin

Experience the cabin's dramatic seasonal transformations as nature paints the landscape with ever-changing colors and moods. Summer brings blissfully dry days and moderate temperatures perfect for hiking and exploration, while winter transforms the access route into a snow-covered wonderland requiring snowshoes or snowmobiles for your journey. Mountain breezes dance from gentle whispers to spirited gusts throughout the year. For the most comfortable experience, plan your visit between late spring's wildflower blooms and early fall's golden aspens.

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

Summer: dry days, moderate temps and hiking/biking access; reviewers praise summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Dramatic seasonal color shifts and scenic vistas make fall appealing though specifics are brief.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers changing moods and wildlife, but roads and variable water availability are caveats.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Cabin stays warm in winter; winter activities possible but road access can be difficult in snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Porcupine Cabin

Step back in time at Porcupine Cabin, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Crazy Mountains. This charming 1914 ranger station, lovingly restored in 1934, once served as a vital outpost where Forest Service rangers kept watchful eyes on wildfires and roaming livestock. Today, this historic hideaway welcomes adventurous souls year-round, offering an authentic backcountry experience where the whispers of the past meet the wilderness of the present.
Porcupine Cabin offers cabin-based lodging for up to eight people year-round. It provides minimal amenities and emphasizes a rustic experience. Winter access requires the use of skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles due to unplowed roads.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 5 nights at the cabin.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Porcupine Cabin offers visitors access to diverse outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, equestrian trails, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also available. The cabin’s scenic location provides opportunities for stargazing and observing local wildlife.
HikingTrails are accessible from the nearby trailhead, leading east into the Crazy Mountains. Trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use during warmer months, and for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter.
BikingMountain biking trails accessible from the nearby trailhead are available. User reviews do not provide additional details about terrain or difficulty levels.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, moose, bears, and elk frequent the area, along with bird species like bald eagles, owls, jays, western meadowlarks, and mountain bluebirds. One user review highlights 'lots of interesting owls swoop around the area at dusk.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are common; guests must follow food storage orders. Mice have been reported running across the floor at night. The road to the cabin can be hazardous, especially during winter when snow makes access difficult.
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.

Weather at Porcupine Cabin

Reviews

4.7
27 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Porcupine Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight Porcupine Cabin as well-maintained, spacious, and ideal for various activities like hiking and wildlife viewing. Guests appreciate its rustic charm, scenic views, and ability to hold heat effectively during cold weather. Common concerns include rough roads, the lack of firewood during summer, and occasional mice sightings.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Users describe the cabin as spacious, clean, well-maintained, and cozy with its wood stove. One reviewer noted, 'Wonderful, spacious cabin with hiking trails right out the door.' Others praised the...
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Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users expressed concerns about rough road conditions leading to the cabin, particularly in inclement weather. Occasional sightings of mice were reported. One user explained, 'The cabin is...
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Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring additional toilet paper, as the vault toilet may run out. Pack plenty of water, as there is no reliable source nearby. Bring your own propane for the lantern and all cooking supplies. Use a...
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Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews emphasize the cabin's cozy warmth, while summer reviews frequently highlight its scenic views and outdoor activities. Guests traveling during snowy conditions noted difficulties with...
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Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The year-round beauty is majestic no matter the season.' - Ashley G. (November 2021) 2. 'The pit toilet was nicer and cleaner than many at other cabins we've visited.' - Janay J. (January...
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Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews reference campsite 001 (Area Porcupine Cabin) and praise its spacious layout, cleanliness, and proximity to trails. Guests appreciate the well-sealed structure but mention occasional...
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Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited, especially during winter when the last two miles of the road are not plowed. Snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling is required during snowy conditions. The cabin's rustic...
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Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews or policies are mentioned in the provided materials.
Based on 27 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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