Windy Pass Cabin

Star3.89
17 reviews
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 16 th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest 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
Windy Pass Cabin
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for staying at Windy Pass Cabin is $55 during the peak season, from June 16th through October 14th. Additional reservation fees may...
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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
406-522-2520
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What Campers Say

3.89

Mixed Reviews

Based on 17 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocation

"Users generally praise the rustic charm, scenic location, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Complaints include issues with the cabin's access code and cleanliness."

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Campground Map

Windy Pass Cabin

45.2653, -111.1014

Driving directionsFrom Bozeman, MT: Drive west towards Four Corners, then south towards Big Sky/West Yellowstone on US Highway 191 for about 35 miles. Turn left (east) onto Portal Creek Road, FS 984. Travel for 3.5 miles to the FS Road 6959 and FS Road 984 junction. Take the right fork (southeast) and stay on FS Road 984 toward Upper Portal Creek/Windy Pass Trailhead and drive for 5.3 more miles. Stay to the left on FS Rd. 984 past the junction of FS Road 2686 (to the Hidden Lakes Trailhead). From the Windy Pass/Upper Portal Creek trailhead hike Trail 82 for 2.5 miles to the junction with Windy Pass Trail 420. Turn left onto Trail 420 and hike about 1/4 mile to the Windy Pass Cabin.
Accessible exclusively by hiking or horseback riding. Motorized access is prohibited year-round. The road to the trailhead is rocky and bumpy, requiring careful driving. From the trailhead, visitors must hike 2.5 miles with a 1,300-foot elevation gain.
Nearby places
Bozeman, MT (approximately 35 miles
travel time varies depending on road conditions).
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Bozeman, MT, approximately 35 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Windy Pass Cabin

Mother Nature paints Windy Pass with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes. Summer arrives with warm sunshine and crystal-clear mountain air, transforming meadows into vibrant tapestries when July's wildflowers explode in color. As autumn approaches, the first snowflakes often dust the peaks while golden larches create a stunning contrast. Spring and fall adventurers should come prepared for nature's mood swings—sudden rainstorms and early snowfall add an element of wild unpredictability to any visit.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open June 16–Oct 14; summer praised for wildflower displays and accessibility.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into mid-October; fall offers views but weather and early snows can impact access.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed until June 16; spring access not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Oct 15–Jun 15; winter use is unavailable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 16 - October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 16 through October 14 each year. Closed from October 15 through June 15.
  • Current Alerts: No motorized access is permitted year-round. Seasonal road closures apply. Check local maps and updates before traveling.

About Windy Pass Cabin

Perched high in the Gallatin Mountains, Windy Pass Cabin stands as a testament to Montana's backcountry heritage. This authentic 1934 mountain sanctuary rewards adventurous souls who make the 2.5-mile journey by foot or horseback with an unforgettable escape into pristine wilderness. Here, modern distractions fade away, replaced by crackling fires, star-filled skies, and the profound silence that only comes from true seclusion.
Windy Pass Cabin provides a unique accommodation option with rustic amenities. It is not a traditional campground but a rental cabin accessible via hiking or horseback riding.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 5 nights during a single visit.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Windy Pass Cabin offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, and camping. The surrounding area features trails like the Windy Pass Trail and Gallatin Crest Trail, as well as alpine meadows and wildlife habitats.
HikingThe Windy Pass Trail passes by the cabin and connects hikers and equestrians to the Gallatin Range. Other trails in the area include the Gallatin Crest Trail. Hiking to Eaglehead Peak is highly recommended.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, featuring grizzly bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, Canada lynx, and various bird species. Visitors frequently report seeing mountain goats, elk, and hearing wolves howling.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife (grizzly bears, mountain lions, etc.), extreme weather, and risks of hantavirus exposure in cabins.
Active AlertsNo motorized access is permitted year-round. Seasonal road closures apply. Check local maps and updates before traveling.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Windy Pass Cabin

Reviews

3.9
17 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Windy Pass Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise the rustic charm, scenic location, and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Complaints include issues with the cabin's access code and cleanliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews

What Campers Love

The cabin's secluded location, scenic views, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and rustic charm are frequently highlighted by users.
Based on 17 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with the access code for the cabin and noted that the cabin could use a deep clean.
Based on 17 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a bow saw or axe for firewood, bedding, lanterns, and matches. Prepare for exposure to wildlife and cold temperatures. Familiarize yourself with food storage rules due to bear presence.
Based on 17 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are favored for the blooming wildflowers and accessibility. Rain or snow can impact the experience. Winter usage is unavailable due to seasonal closure.
Based on 17 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Windy Pass Cabin is a neat forest cabin amongst the meadows of Windy Pass." - Ryan Schaefer. "The cabin is fairly large, with one large room and a loft." - Ryan Schaefer. "We loved the cabin and the...
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Based on 17 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users mention campsite 001, Area Windy Pass Cabin, as the sole available site.
Based on 17 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility for disabled users, but the location requires hiking or horseback riding, which may pose challenges.
Based on 17 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not recommended, and solid pet waste must be removed within 100 yards of the cabin.
Based on 17 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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