How much does camping cost at Porcupine Cabin?

Camping fees at Porcupine Cabin are $65/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Porcupine 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 Porcupine Cabin before I book?

Yes! Porcupine Cabin has 9 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 Porcupine Cabin?

Porcupine Cabin 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 Porcupine Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Porcupine Cabin?

Fire policies at Porcupine Cabin: Please collect your own firewood for campfires. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Porcupine Cabin have?

Porcupine 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 Porcupine Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Porcupine Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Porcupine Cabin?

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

Porcupine Cabin

4.65

27 reviews

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH

Scenic Views

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Yellowstone Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Yellowstone Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Porcupine Cabin

$65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-222-1892

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH

Porcupine Cabin

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH

Nearby places

Livingston, MT (approx. 16 miles)

Wilsall, MT (approx. 8 miles)

Bozeman, MT (approx. 40 miles).

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.

Weather at Porcupine Cabin

Current alerts(18)

5 night maximum stay limit
A high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to access the cabin
A small pasture by the barn is provided but stock users must use their own containment system. Fence may not be secure. Hay and feed for stock must be certified weed-free. Out of state horses must have current Coggins test. No stock is allowed near cabin nor inside cabin fence.
ARRIVAL ON 1st DAY OF RESERVATION 2:00 p.m. DEPARTURE ON THE LAST DAY OF YOUR RESERVATION 12:00 p.m.

Best Time to Camp at Porcupine Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the fullest access to trails and views — expect dry, sunny days with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s °F (18–26 °C) and crisp nights often dipping into the 30s–40s °F (0–8 °C). Wildflowers and open meadows are at their peak, trails and dirt roads are usually clear, and hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are easiest and safest. Weekends and mid-July–August see the most visitors, but Porcupine Cabin remains far quieter than Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers scenery and trail access though fewer explicit notes than summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Porcupine Cabin

Porcupine Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest near Livingston, operated by the Yellowstone Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest. This spacious, well-maintained rental cabin features a wood stove and direct trail access for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Reviewers praise the cozy interior and scenic surroundings, though the access road can be rough and mice occasionally appear inside.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the fullest access to trails and views — expect dry, sunny days with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s °F (18–26 °C) and crisp nights often dipping into the 30s–40s °F (0–8 °C). Wildflowers and open meadows are at their peak, trails and dirt roads are usually clear, and hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing are easiest and safest. Weekends and mid-July–August see the most visitors, but Porcupine Cabin remains far quieter than Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation6400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin overlooks Shields Valley from a hillside perch, with the Bridger Mountains and northern Crazy Peaks forming a dramatic backdrop. Grasslands stretch below while forested terrain surrounds the immediate area. Wildlife sightings include deer, moose, elk, bears, bald eagles, owls, meadowlarks, and mountain bluebirds. The setting is fairly isolated, though some traffic passes by on the way to nearby trailheads. Wildflowers and open meadows peak in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin features a 26 x 44 frame with three rooms and a screened front porch. It offers bunk beds for up to eight people and has a wood stove for heating. Guests must bring their own propane and other necessities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 5 nights at the cabin.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests are allowed to stay at the cabin. The facility also accepts groups up to 15 people in its adjacent areas.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or through the NRRS Contact Center at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityLimited accessibility features. Winter access requires snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling due to unplowed roads. Equestrian trails and facilities are available, although the fence for the equestrian pasture may not be secure.

Site SizeThe cabin itself is spacious, accommodating up to eight guests comfortably. User reviews highlight its ample room and functional layout.

PrivacyThe cabin offers a quiet and fairly isolated retreat overlooking Shields Valley, but some traffic may pass by for trailhead access.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Need help booking Porcupine Cabin?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Water, electricity and propane canisters for the lantern are not provided. Guests need to bring their own drinking water, cooking gear and food, bedding, fire starters (matches and newspaper), extra toilet paper, flashlights, first aid kit, cookware, dishes and utensils, among other necessities. FIREWOOD IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH. PLEASE BRING FIREWOOD OR GATHER FROM FOREST DURING SUMMER. DO NOT BURN PROVIDED FIREWOOD FOR OUTDOOR FIRES, EVER, AS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE. Firewood is available for indoor use during winter as long as supplies last.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Porcupine Cabin

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Biking4.0/5Top 6% in Montana

Mountain biking trails accessible from nearby trailhead; trails cited as suitable for biking.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent sightings: deer, moose, elk, bears, bald eagles, owls and meadowlarks noted.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Dramatic Bridger/Crazy Mountain backdrops, valley views and wildlife create strong photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 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

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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

4.7

27 reviews

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Based on 27 reviews

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Porcupine Cabin

$65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $65.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.