How much does camping cost at Windy Pass Cabin?

Camping fees at Windy Pass Cabin range from $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Windy Pass Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Windy Pass 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 Windy Pass Cabin before I book?

Yes! Windy Pass Cabin has 3 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 Windy Pass Cabin?

Windy Pass Cabin is open June 16 to October 14. 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 Windy Pass Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Windy Pass Cabin have?

Windy Pass 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 Windy Pass Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Windy Pass Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Windy Pass Cabin?

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

Windy Pass Cabin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Windy Pass Cabin?

Fire policies at Windy Pass Cabin: Firewood is not provided at this cabin. Please be prepared to search for firewood. Please use only dead or downed wood. We strongly recommend you bring a bow saw and/or axe to assist with cutting and collecting firewood. Bow saws are occasionally stocked by FS personnel, but their presence at any given time cannot be confirmed. Burning of Wood Pallets is prohibited. Firewood availability is sparse, please consider the needs of others to heat the cabin before having large fires outside. please do. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.42

17 reviews

Scenic Views

Featured in:Primitive Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 16 th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Custer Gallatin National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

8,900 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 16 th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Custer Gallatin National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Windy Pass Cabin

$55.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $55.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-522-2520

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Windy Pass Cabin

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Campground Map

Windy Pass Cabin

45.2653, -111.1014

Nearby places

Bozeman, MT (approximately 35 miles

travel time varies depending on road conditions).

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.

Weather at Windy Pass Cabin

Current alerts(12)

A corral is present on site. Please clean this facility and any stock mess made within 50 yards of the cabin and stream. Hay and feed must be certified weed-free
Bears frequent the area; guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Custer Gallatin National Forest (Click here for more information)
Burning candles in the cabin is prohibited
Click here for more information about Custer Gallatin National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Windy Pass Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most dependable access and the fullest experience at 8,900 ft — expect clear, sunny days with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to low-70s°F and crisp nights dropping into the low 30s to 40°F. Trails are snow-free from mid-June through September, meadows explode with lupine, Indian paintbrush and glacier lilies in July, and hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak. Crowds remain low compared with valley trailheads (weekends see more visitors from Bozeman), so you get— Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Open mid‑Jun–Oct; July wildflowers, stable trail access and favorable temps make summer best.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 16 to 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.

About Windy Pass Cabin

Windy Pass Cabin sits at 8,900 feet in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman, offering a secluded alpine retreat managed by the Forest Service. The rustic cabin serves as a base for high-elevation hiking and wildlife viewing, surrounded by wildflower meadows that peak in July. Access requires preparation for remote conditions and seasonal road challenges.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most dependable access and the fullest experience at 8,900 ft — expect clear, sunny days with daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to low-70s°F and crisp nights dropping into the low 30s to 40°F. Trails are snow-free from mid-June through September, meadows explode with lupine, Indian paintbrush and glacier lilies in July, and hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak. Crowds remain low compared with valley trailheads (weekends see more visitors from Bozeman), so you get— Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation8900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAlpine meadows surround the cabin, ringed by evergreens and open views across the Gallatin Crest. In July, wildflowers blanket the slopes: lupine, Indian paintbrush, glacier lilies. Grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain lions inhabit the area. Moose browse willow thickets below the cabin. On clear days, you can see the Absaroka and Madison ranges in the distance.

Lodging & AccommodationsWindy Pass Cabin accommodates up to four people with bunk beds and loft beds. It provides rustic accommodations with basic furniture and cookware. No firewood, electricity, or drinking water is available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are listed.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 5 nights during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin sleeps up to 4 people.

Groups

Group camping is not available
the cabin accommodates up to four individuals.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov, through their app, by contacting their call center, or in-person.

AccessibilityAccess to the cabin requires a hike or horseback ride, making it challenging for those with mobility issues.

Site SizeThe cabin sleeps up to four people.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, surrounded by alpine meadows and evergreens.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring a handsaw or axe for gathering firewood, as no pre-cut wood is provided. Ensure proper food storage due to bear activity. Access code issues have been reported, so verify the combination before arrival.

Need help booking Windy Pass Cabin?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Windy Pass Cabin offers a rustic mountain retreat with limited amenities, necessitating guests to bring their own supplies. The cabin includes bunk beds, a wood-burning stove, a table with chairs, cookware, utensils, a horse corral, and an outhouse with a vault toilet. Drinking water, electricity, and firewood are not provided. Guests must bring trash bags for packing out garbage and clean the cabin before departure. There is no motorized access to the cabin, which is accessed via a 2.5-mile hike or horseback ride.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 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.

Fire PolicyFirewood is not provided at this cabin. Please be prepared to search for firewood. Please use only dead or downed wood. We strongly recommend you bring a bow saw and/or axe to assist with cutting and collecting firewood. Bow saws are occasionally stocked by FS personnel, but their presence at any given time cannot be confirmed. Burning of Wood Pallets is prohibited. Firewood availability is sparse, please consider the needs of others to heat the cabin before having large fires outside. please do

Trash & RecyclingNo garbage service is provided; guests must pack out all trash and bring their own trash bags.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is not mentioned explicitly, suggesting limited or no coverage.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.4

17 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

Site-Specific Reviews

Users mention campsite 001, Area Windy Pass Cabin, as the sole available site.

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a secluded high-elevation cabin experience with serious hiking and don't mind rustic conditions and challenging access roads.

Skip if

You need reliable cell service, easy road access, or amenities beyond vault toilets and four walls.

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4.2

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Moose Creek Group Site

P.O. BOX 1015, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA 59758, UNITED STATES

Moose Creek Group Site sits in Custer Gallatin National Forest near West Yellowstone, operated by ExplorUS for groups seeking mid-elevation forest camping. The site offers creek access and wildlife viewing in a seasonal setting with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and proximity to Big Sky, though the lower portion lacks shade and the gravel access road can be rough.