How much does camping cost at Indian Meadows Guard Station?

Camping fees at Indian Meadows Guard Station range from $65/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Indian Meadows Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Indian Meadows Guard Station 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 Indian Meadows Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Indian Meadows Guard Station 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 Indian Meadows Guard Station?

Indian Meadows Guard Station is open December 1st to December 31st.. 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 Indian Meadows Guard Station?

Indian Meadows Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Indian Meadows Guard Station?

Fire policies at Indian Meadows Guard Station: Campfires are allowed, and firewood is provided for use at the cabin.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Indian Meadows Guard Station have?

Indian Meadows Guard Station 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 Indian Meadows Guard Station?

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

What amenities are available at Indian Meadows Guard Station?

Indian Meadows Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Indian Meadows Guard Station?

Popular activities at Indian Meadows Guard Station include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Indian Meadows Guard Station

5.06

13 reviews

Lincoln Ranger Station, 1569 HWY 200, Lincoln, MT 59639

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Winter Camping Montana#1 Winter Camping Fishing Camping Montana +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from December 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Lincoln Ranger Station Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 1 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from December 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Lincoln Ranger Station Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Indian Meadows Guard Station

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for renting the cabin during its peak season (December 1st to December 31st) is $65. Reservation fees may apply depending on the...

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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What Campers Say

5.06

Top-Rated

Based on 13 reviews

6 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintained

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the cleanliness, maintenance, and unique location of the cabin. Guests appreciate the well-stocked amenities and the opportunities for winter recreation."

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Campground Map

Lincoln Ranger Station, 1569 HWY 200, Lincoln, MT 59639

Indian Meadows Guard Station

Lincoln Ranger Station, 1569 HWY 200, Lincoln, MT 59639

Nearby places

Lincoln is approximately 20 miles from the cabin via groomed snowmobile trails.

Nearby supplies

Essential supplies, eateries, and local shops are available in the town of Lincoln, accessible via groomed snowmobile trails.

Driving directionsFrom Lincoln Mt., visitors will travel approximately 5 miles East on Hwy 200 to the Copper Creek Road #330. The snowmobile Trailhead is located approximately 2 miles North on Copper Creek Road #330 and is located on the west (left) side of the road. There is ample parking here for trailers and vehicles. The trailhead is plowed and maintained by the local snowmobile club. Most visitors will park here and proceed over snow for the remaining 8 miles to the cabin. In early December it may be possible to drive further in on Copper Cr. Road towards the cabin. Visitors should obey posted closures and pay close attention to weather forecasts to avoid becoming snowed in at the cabin with their vehicle.

Access is challenging during winter months as visitors must travel approximately 8 miles over snow to reach the cabin. Early season conditions may permit driving part or all of the way, but heavy snow can restrict access.

Best Time to Camp at Indian Meadows Guard Station

Winter is the season here. Expect temperatures well below zero and heavy snowfall that buries the landscape in deep powder. Avalanche conditions are real. Guests consistently mention bringing avalanche safety gear. The Forest Service recommends satellite communication devices because conditions can turn serious fast. Summer brings a different life when Forest Service crews use the cabin for pack string operations, but winter is when visitors rent it.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in MT

Winter-only rental (Dec–Mar); outstanding ski-in/snowmobile access and winter recreation praised in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: December 1st to December 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from December 1st to March 31st annually.
Current Alerts: This cabin is a winter only rental. Visitors should be prepared to travel over snow for approximately 8 miles to the cabin. Early season conditions may permit visitors to drive in part, or all of the way to the cabin. Close attention should be paid to incoming storm systems as vehicles may become trapped by sudden heavy snowfall. This cabin is in a remote location. There is no cell service or power at the Guard Station. It is recommended that visitors bring a sattelite communication device in case of an emergency. Heavy snow accumulations and steep exposed slopes are common in this area. It is recommended that visitors be prepared for avalanche conditions by obtaining avalanche training and safety equipment. Snowmobilers should follow area closures in the immediate area surrounding the cabin. Violation of area closures for snowmobiles may result in the cabin no longer being available to the public. Visitors should refer to the Over Snow Motor Vehicle Use Map published by the USFS for current closure information. This map is availble for free at the Lincoln Ranger station.

About Indian Meadows Guard Station

Indian Meadows Guard Station sits at 5,500 feet in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, accessible only by an 8-mile winter trek over snow. This remote Forest Service cabin sleeps six guests ($65/night) and requires snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes to reach. No cell service. No power. Just a well-maintained cabin at the edge of the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness complex.

Indian Meadows Guard Station is a winter-only cabin rental catering specifically to snowmobilers, skiers, and snowshoers. It provides a unique and challenging remote camping experience.

Historical Significance

Built in the 1990s, the cabin functions as a working Forest Service facility during summer months, serving as headquarters for the District's pack string operations. Winter visitors rent the same space that hosts wilderness stewardship crews the rest of the year.

Weather and SeasonsWinter is the season here. Expect temperatures well below zero and heavy snowfall that buries the landscape in deep powder. Avalanche conditions are real. Guests consistently mention bringing avalanche safety gear. The Forest Service recommends satellite communication devices because conditions can turn serious fast. Summer brings a different life when Forest Service crews use the cabin for pack string operations, but winter is when visitors rent it.

ElevationPerched at 5,500 feet where the air grows thin and crisp, Indian Meadows Guard Station occupies that sweet spot where accessible meets alpine. This elevation gifts the area with reliable, champagne-powder snow from early winter through spring, while the thin mountain air makes every breath feel like you're drinking in pure wilderness. Here, storms arrive with dramatic flair, painting the peaks white and transforming the landscape into a winter photographer's dream.

Natural Features and SceneryRed Mountain dominates the view from the cabin, its slopes catching alpenglow morning and evening. The Continental Divide forms the horizon, its granite peaks and glacial valleys marking one of the lower 48's last intact ecosystems. Deep valleys funnel weather systems through the area, dumping heavy snow all winter. Steep alpine slopes drop into timbered basins where wolves and lynx leave tracks in fresh powder. This is geology you can feel in the avalanche paths and the raw verticality of mountains still being shaped by ice.

Geological RegionIndian Meadows Guard Station stands as your personal gateway to the legendary Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness complex—one of the lower 48's last intact ecosystems. This rugged alpine terrain tells a story written in granite peaks and glacial valleys, where the Continental Divide creates a natural fortress of stone and snow. Red Mountain dominates the local skyline, its slopes catching alpenglow at sunrise and sunset, while deep valleys funnel weather systems that dump abundant snowfall throughout the winter months. This is geology you can feel—in the steep climbs, the avalanche paths, and the raw beauty of mountains still being carved by ice and time.

Scenic ViewsThe cabin offers views of Red Mountain, the tallest peak in the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex, and the jagged Continental Divide to the east.

Lodging & Accommodations"The Guard Station is a 2-story log cabin used as a rental in the winter months. It is equipped with bunk beds, single beds, propane stove, lights, and kitchen tools, offering a warm and convenient shelter in a remote area."

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is unspecified.

Check-out

Check-out time is unspecified.

Stay Limit

No limits explicitly mentioned for consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin accommodates up to 6 guests with two bunk beds and two single beds.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutPark at the trailhead, then travel 8 miles over snow on a marked snowmobile trail. The cabin sits in deep backcountry with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and available firewood. Come prepared for self-sufficiency.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not applicable; cabin requires advance reservations.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations ahead of arrival incur a $10 fee. Cancellations are allowed anytime before check-in, but late cancellations within 14 days of arrival deduct the first night’s fee alongside a $10 cancellation fee.

AccessibilityThe site does not specify disability-accessible features beyond basic amenities.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six guests, with two sets of bunk beds and two single beds in the loft.

PrivacyAs a remote cabin rental, it offers a high degree of privacy and seclusion.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for winter recreation enthusiasts; visitors are advised to bring appropriate clothing and avalanche gear.

Best CampsitesOnly one site exists: the cabin itself. It holds six people across two sets of bunk beds and two single beds in the loft. Reviews call it the nicest USFS cabin they've stayed in. Clean, well-stocked with propane and kitchen tools, and meticulously maintained.

Need help booking Indian Meadows Guard Station?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Indian Meadows Guard Station offers a two-story log cabin built in the 1990s, equipped with numerous amenities for winter campers. Key features include two sets of bunk beds and two single beds in the loft (guests must bring their own bedding or sleeping bags), a propane stove and lights (with propane provided), and a range of kitchen supplies including dishes, pots, pans, and utensils. Cleaning supplies are also available, and guests are encouraged to maintain cleanliness for future visitors. Water is accessible via a hand pump outside the cabin, though it may freeze in winter. Fire pits and vault toilets are also available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

This winter rental cabin provides opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. During early winter, hiking trails may have limited snow cover, and fishing opportunities are available in nearby lakes and streams.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsAvalanche risks are high due to steep slopes and heavy snow. Visitors should have avalanche training and safety equipment. Freezing conditions can complicate access to water.

Active AlertsThis cabin is a winter only rental. Visitors should be prepared to travel over snow for approximately 8 miles to the cabin. Early season conditions may permit visitors to drive in part, or all of the way to the cabin. Close attention should be paid to incoming storm systems as vehicles may become trapped by sudden heavy snowfall. This cabin is in a remote location. There is no cell service or power at the Guard Station. It is recommended that visitors bring a sattelite communication device in case of an emergency. Heavy snow accumulations and steep exposed slopes are common in this area. It is recommended that visitors be prepared for avalanche conditions by obtaining avalanche training and safety equipment. Snowmobilers should follow area closures in the immediate area surrounding the cabin. Violation of area closures for snowmobiles may result in the cabin no longer being available to the public. Visitors should refer to the Over Snow Motor Vehicle Use Map published by the USFS for current closure information. This map is availble for free at the Lincoln Ranger station.

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).

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, and firewood is provided for use at the cabin.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are in Lincoln, approximately 20 miles away, but visitors are advised to bring satellite communication devices due to the lack of cell service.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are encouraged to maintain cleanliness using the provided cleaning supplies. There is no mention of specific trash or recycling facilities on-site.

Water FeaturesHeart Lake is located approximately 5 miles away, with populations of cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling.

Camp HostNo direct host information provided; facility management is by the Lincoln Ranger Station.

Weather at Indian Meadows Guard Station

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

5.1

13 reviews

Top-Rated

Indian Meadows Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the cleanliness, maintenance, and unique location of the cabin. Guests appreciate the well-stocked amenities and the opportunities for winter recreation.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

The cabin is described as clean, comfortable, and well-stocked with essentials like propane and kitchen tools. Guests highlight the excellent snowmobiling and skiing experiences. "This was the nicest...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

No significant complaints were noted among user reviews.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend preparing for harsh winter conditions, bringing avalanche safety gear, and using satellite communication devices for emergencies. "Visitors should come well equipped and well...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The cabin is only available during the winter season (December 1 to March 31), and reviews emphasize the exclusivity and serenity of the location during this time.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Such a fun adventure, snowmobiling was great and skiing was even better. Great food and stories around the campfire." "We’ll stocked. Comfy beds. A welcome respite from a -20 day."

Based on 13 reviews