Indian Flats Cabin

Star4.57
28 reviews
2880 Skyway Dr.
Stargazing

Quick Facts

7,813 ft

Price

$30 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Helena Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark 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
Indian Flats Cabin
$30.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The cabin costs between $30 and $45 per night depending on the season. Additional charges like reservation fees may apply.
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
406-449-5201
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanhiking

"Reviews indicate overall satisfaction with the cabin's cleanliness, remote location, and amenities. However, guests consistently warn about difficult road conditions and poor cell service."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2880 Skyway Dr.

Indian Flats Cabin

2880 Skyway Dr.

Driving directionsIndian Flats Cabin is located 40 miles northeast of Helena. Take Highway 280 east from Helena. Several miles after crossing the Missouri River, you will come to the small community of York. Turn left at the York Bar and proceed 5 miles to the smaller community of Nelson, where you should turn right. Stay on the main road up Beaver Creek, through a series of switchbacks up Burnt Gulch, past Pikes Gulch Campground to the junction of Hogback Lookout and Indian Flats Roads. Take the left hand fork for about 0.5 miles, and the cabin will be on the right.
Access to the Indian Flats Cabin depends on the season. During summer and fall, passenger cars can drive directly to the cabin. In winter, the cabin can only be accessed by snowmobiling or cross-country skiing over an 8-mile stretch, as heavy snow often blocks vehicle access.
Nearby places
Helena: 40 miles northeast of the cabin.
Nearby supplies
Helena offers the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Smaller communities like York and Nelson may provide limited supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Indian Flats Cabin

Experience the Big Belts' dramatic seasonal transformations at Indian Flats. Summer unveils wildflower meadows and perfect hiking weather, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons. When winter arrives, the cabin transforms into a snow-globe paradise accessible only by snowmobile or cross-country skis, offering intrepid visitors a true wilderness adventure through pristine powder.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer = wildflower meadows and prime hiking; beware flies and muddy/rough roads after rain.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn offers brilliant gold foliage and good weather for hikes and views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings snowmelt and muddy/washed-out roads; seasonal access issues noted in reviews.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter access via snowmobile/ski and positive winter-sports reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservable start dates vary but typically begin June 25. Winter access requires snowmobiles or skiing.
  • Current Alerts: Road conditions may be hazardous, especially during wet weather or snow. Guests are advised to confirm access conditions with the Helena Ranger District prior to arrival.

About Indian Flats Cabin

Nestled deep in the Big Belt Mountains, Indian Flats Cabin stands as a rustic sanctuary where time seems to slow down. This charming single-room guard station, embraced by towering mixed conifers and the dramatic backdrop of Hogback Mountain, offers adventurers a genuine taste of Montana's wilderness heritage. A crystal-clear mountain stream babbles nearby, providing a natural soundtrack to your backcountry escape.
Indian Flats Cabin is a rustic cabin rental designed for small groups. It supports a remote and self-sufficient camping experience with no additional campsite types available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Entry is by a combination lock provided in the reservation email.
Check-out
Guests must vacate the cabin by the end date of their reservation.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Indian Flats Cabin offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports. Nearby Refrigerator Canyon provides a unique hiking experience with cooler temperatures due to evaporative cooling. Guests can also explore Hogback Mountain Lookout for panoramic views and access trails for mountain biking and hiking.
HikingHiking opportunities abound near the cabin, including Refrigerator Canyon, which features a 10-foot-wide, 200-foot-high limestone passage and temperatures 20 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. Trails like FS trail 270 and the Vigilante Campground trail offer challenging terrain with icy patches during winter.
FishingFishing is possible in nearby streams and rivers, though specific details about fish types are not provided.
BikingUser reviews and authoritative descriptions suggest that trails and terrains around the cabin are suitable for mountain biking.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with frequent sightings of elk, deer, squirrels, and various birds. Rare species like badgers, wolverines, mountain lions, and lynx may also be encountered.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoads can be washed out or drifted in during wet weather or snow. Wildlife such as mountain lions and wolverines may be present. Guests should also be aware of hantavirus risks in remote cabins.
Active AlertsRoad conditions may be hazardous, especially during wet weather or snow. Guests are advised to confirm access conditions with the Helena Ranger District prior to arrival.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Indian Flats Cabin

Reviews

4.6
28 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Indian Flats Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews indicate overall satisfaction with the cabin's cleanliness, remote location, and amenities. However, guests consistently warn about difficult road conditions and poor cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

The cabin's cleanliness, well-stocked kitchen, and peaceful surroundings are frequently praised. The vault toilet is described as exceptionally clean. Hiking trails like Refrigerator Canyon and Trout...
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Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Road conditions are a common issue, with users noting washed-out sections and sharp gravel causing tire punctures. Weak cell service is also mentioned. Seasonal challenges such as flies in summer and...
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Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing snowshoes in winter, carrying extra propane cylinders, and preparing for weak cell service. Filtering water from nearby streams and packing garbage out are advised.
Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews emphasize the need for snow-specific gear to access the cabin. Summer reviews highlight the abundance of flies and challenging road conditions after rain.
Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The cabin kept us warm and dry despite cold and wet weather.' - Kan Truk 2. 'Nicest outhouse ever!' - Sue F 3. 'The road left a lot to be desired—especially after the rain.' - Jane S 4. 'We had...
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Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews focus on the cabin (site 001), with consistent praise for cleanliness and functional amenities. Guests also note signs of mice during some visits.
Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited due to the remote nature of the cabin. Winter access requires snowmobiles or skiing, making it unsuitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are mentioned in some reviews but are not officially allowed at the cabin.
Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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