Kenck Cabin

Star4.40
9 reviews
Rocky Mountain Ranger District PO Box 340, Choteau, MT, 59422, USA

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from January 1 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Rocky Mountain Ranger District 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
Kenck Cabin
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The cabin can be reserved for $50 per night during both peak and non-peak seasons. Additional costs may include reservation service fees and...
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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
406-466-5341
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 9 reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"User reviews for Kenck Cabin are largely positive, praising its rustic charm, historic significance, and well-maintained facilities. Guests enjoy the isolation, access to hiking and fishing, and the self-sufficient camping experience."

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Campground Map

Rocky Mountain Ranger District PO Box 340, Choteau, MT, 59422, USA

Kenck Cabin

Rocky Mountain Ranger District PO Box 340, Choteau, MT, 59422, USA

Driving directionsFrom Augusta, head west on Laura Street, which becomes Benchmark Road. Travel 13 miles to a "Y" intersection and turn left continuing on Benchmark Road. Drive 15 miles to the end of the road at South Fork Trailhead. Take the main trail that runs in front of the outhouse. From the main trail, take the first trail to the right, just after the "Pack-In-Pack-Out" sign. A small sign marks this trail leading to Kenck Cabin. The cabin is about a half-mile down the trail. Benchmark Road is not plowed in winter and can be snowed in as early as October. Snowmobiling is allowed on the road to the South Fork Trailhead if the road is no longer accessible to vehicles. However, snowmobiling is not allowed on trails beyond that point. Plan to hike, snowshoe or ski on the main trail to the cabin.
Benchmark Road is gravel and not plowed in winter, requiring snowmobiles or skiing to access during snowy months. Travel is described as rough and winding.
Nearby places
Augusta (30 miles, 1.5 to 2 hours travel time)
Nearby supplies
Augusta is the nearest town with conveniences like groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, located about 30 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Kenck Cabin

Summer transforms Kenck Cabin into a cool mountain sanctuary, where daytime temperatures hover around a perfect 73°F before dropping to a crisp 49°F under star-filled skies. While occasional light rain may dust the forest, most days bring brilliant sunshine filtering through the conifers. Winter wraps the cabin in a blanket of snow, transforming access into its own adventure—whether you arrive by snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes, the journey becomes part of the magic.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer favored: ~73°F days, good fishing, clear mountain air and trail access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Closed Oct 1–Nov 30; fall months are within closure window.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open in spring; streams and trails reopen after snowmelt offering fishing and hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open in winter but requires skiing/snowshoeing; unique but access is challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from January 1 to September 30 (peak season), and December 1 to December 31 (non-peak season). Closed from October 1 to November 30.
  • Current Alerts: Closure possible during emergency fire activity.

About Kenck Cabin

Step back in time at Kenck Cabin, where nearly a century of mountain memories await. This charming 1924 retreat, once home to a pioneering mountain doctor, now welcomes adventurous families and small groups seeking an authentic backcountry experience. While the cabin's rustic simplicity means you'll need to bring your own water, bedding, and lighting, the reward is an intimate connection with Montana's wilderness heritage in a property so special it's earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kenck Cabin is a historic lodging facility within Lewis and Clark National Forest, offering rustic accommodations suited for self-sufficient campers. It is not a typical campground but a cabin rental.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Kenck Cabin provides opportunities for relaxation, bird watching, hiking, and photography. Guests can enjoy scenic views near Patrol Lookout, located by the cabin gate. Fishing is popular in nearby streams, with reports of large trout being caught. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are activities available to reach the cabin.
HikingGuests can hike surrounding trails, including scenic views of Patrol Lookout near the cabin gate. Trails are accessible from the cabin and parking area.
FishingFishing is available in nearby streams, including Benchmark Creek, South Fork Sun River, and Burned Creek. User reviews highlight the quality of fishing, with large trout reported.
Wildlife viewingGuests may encounter native wildlife such as grizzly and black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, lynx, bighorn sheep, and grey wolves. Bird watching is also recommended.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMice are mentioned in user reviews, requiring secure food storage. Bears frequent the area, posing a threat if food is not properly stored.
Active AlertsClosure possible during emergency fire activity.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Kenck Cabin

Reviews

4.4
9 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Kenck Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Kenck Cabin are largely positive, praising its rustic charm, historic significance, and well-maintained facilities. Guests enjoy the isolation, access to hiking and fishing, and the self-sufficient camping experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests frequently mention the cabin's upkeep and functional amenities, such as wood stoves and firewood provided. The scenic surroundings, proximity to streams, and opportunities for fishing and...
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Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported issues with lanterns not functioning properly upon arrival and the presence of mice within the cabin. The uphill walk from the parking lot can be challenging for some.
Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra mantles for lanterns, newspapers to start the wood stove, and securing all food and trash to prevent mice. Flashlights and bedding are essential items to pack. Note...
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Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are favored for fishing, streams, and clear mountain air. Winter requires snowshoeing or skiing to access the cabin, offering a unique, albeit challenging, experience. Guests should...
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Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lovely cabin, kept in very good shape. Lovely porch for sitting, and a fun history of Dr. Kenck, the original owner." - Larry A "My husband caught some spectacularly large trout! The cabin is...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews other than general feedback about Kenck Cabin's comfort and facilities.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Kenck Cabin.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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