How much does camping cost at Kenck Cabin?

Camping fees at Kenck Cabin are $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kenck Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Kenck 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 Kenck Cabin before I book?

Yes! Kenck 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 Kenck Cabin?

Kenck Cabin is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Kenck Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Kenck Cabin have?

Kenck 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 Kenck Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Kenck Cabin?

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

Kenck Cabin

4.40

9 reviews

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

Featured in:Forest Camping Montana

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from January 1 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Rocky Mountain Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from January 1 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Rocky Mountain Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Kenck Cabin

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

406-466-5341

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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

Nearby places

Augusta (30 miles, 1.5 to 2 hours travel time)

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.

Weather at Kenck Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Kenck Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Kenck Cabin because days are comfortably warm (around 70–75°F) with cool, clear nights (mid-to-high 40s°F), making long hikes, stream fishing, and evening wildlife viewing pleasant. Water levels in Benchmark Creek and the South Fork Sun River are lower and clearer by mid-summer, ideal for trout fishing and scrambling along stream banks, while trails and the forest canopy are fully accessible. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays; check for wildfire or— Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Listed as best season: warm days (70–75°F), cool nights, favored for hiking and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. 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.

About Kenck Cabin

Kenck Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest near Augusta, operated by the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. This historic rental cabin offers wood stoves, firewood, and vault toilets in a secluded setting close to Benchmark Creek and the South Fork Sun River. Guests come for stream fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in quiet backcountry surroundings.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Kenck Cabin because days are comfortably warm (around 70–75°F) with cool, clear nights (mid-to-high 40s°F), making long hikes, stream fishing, and evening wildlife viewing pleasant. Water levels in Benchmark Creek and the South Fork Sun River are lower and clearer by mid-summer, ideal for trout fishing and scrambling along stream banks, while trails and the forest canopy are fully accessible. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays; check for wildfire or— Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November

Elevation5200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed conifer forests surround the cabin at the confluence of three mountain streams. The Lewis and Clark National Forest stretches in every direction, creating habitat for grizzly bears, black bears, bald eagles, and lynx. Stream banks and forest trails offer access to both fishing and wildlife viewing. The cabin's secluded position in the woods provides genuine isolation.

Lodging & AccommodationsKenck Cabin is a one-room rustic structure offering basic accommodations for up to six guests. It includes a double bed, futon, and two cots, along with wood stoves for heating and cooking.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six guests allowed in the cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

PrivacyThe cabin is nestled in the woods, offering seclusion and an isolated experience.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring mantles for lanterns, newspapers for starting wood stoves, and bear-proof food storage. User reviews highlight the need for careful packing due to uphill walk from parking lot.

Best CampsitesKenck Cabin is the only site. Park at the lot and hike a short, steep trail uphill to reach the cabin.

Need help booking Kenck Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Kenck Cabin offers a rustic and historic camping experience with essential amenities designed for self-sufficient campers. The cabin features a one-room setup sleeping six people with a double bed, futon, and two cots. Heating and cooking are done via two wood stoves, and firewood is provided. The cabin lacks running water, requiring guests to bring their own potable water or filter/boil stream water. No electricity or sewer hookups are available. An outhouse is located behind the cabin. Cooking utensils, dishes, and a replica old monarch stove are provided. A bucket and shovel are included for waste management, and renters are advised to pack bedding, flashlights, food, small propane cylinders for lanterns, and a cooler.

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Kenck Cabin

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails accessible from cabin; scenic views of Patrol Lookout near the gate; within Lewis & Clark NF.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Secluded mid-elevation cabin in national forest suggests low light pollution; no explicit mentions.

Photography4.0/5Streams, forest, Patrol Lookout views and wildlife (eagles, bears) provide varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; an outhouse is located directly behind the cabin.

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Kenck Cabin

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From Booking Sources

4.4

9 reviews

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...

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Kenck Cabin

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-466-5341

Go if

You want a well-maintained historic cabin for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in quiet forest surroundings.

Skip if

You need easy vehicle access or want to avoid mice and non-functional propane lanterns.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

0.0

(3)

South Fork Campground

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest

South Fork Campground sits deep in Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest near Augusta, offering seven primitive sites at 5,272 feet. The campground costs $10 per night and serves hikers and fly fishers looking for genuine isolation. Black bears and grizzlies are active in the area.

Kenck Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Kenck Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Kenck Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Kenck Cabin

Planning Tips

About Kenck Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Kenck Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Kenck Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Kenck Cabin

Best Time to Camp at Kenck Cabin

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Kenck Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Kenck Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews