How much does camping cost at Lost Horse Cabin?

Camping fees at Lost Horse Cabin range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lost Horse Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Lost Horse 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 Lost Horse Cabin before I book?

Yes! Lost Horse Cabin has 6 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 Lost Horse Cabin?

Lost Horse 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 Lost Horse Cabin?

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

How many campsites does Lost Horse Cabin have?

Lost Horse 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 Lost Horse Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Lost Horse Cabin?

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

What activities can I do at Lost Horse Cabin?

Popular activities at Lost Horse Cabin include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lost Horse Cabin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lost Horse Cabin?

Fire policies at Lost Horse Cabin: Don't Move Firewood : Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.97

29 reviews

2880 Skyway Drive, Helena Ranger District, Helena, MT, 59602

Top 1% in MTFall

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Forest Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Helena Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Helena Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Lost Horse Cabin

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin Nonelectric: $60.00. 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

406-449-5201

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Lost Horse Cabin

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Campground Map

2880 Skyway Drive, Helena Ranger District, Helena, MT, 59602

Lost Horse Cabin

2880 Skyway Drive, Helena Ranger District, Helena, MT, 59602

Nearby places

Helena: 35 miles (approximately 45-minute drive)

Driving directionsFrom Helena: take I-15 north for 5 miles and take exit 200 for Lincoln Road/County Rd 453 and turn left onto Lincoln Road/County Rd 453. Stay on Lincoln Road/County Rd 453 for 13 miles. As you pass through Canyon Creek, take a slight left off the main road, onto Little Prickley Pear Road (gravel road). In one-half mile, turn right to stay on Little Prickley Pear Road, continue 7.5 miles. Then, turn left onto Lost Horse Creek Road (gravel road) and continue 1.3 miles. Turn right at the ‘Y’ in the road, onto Anderson Road and continue straight for 1.4 miles (through the unlocked grey gate) to the green gate on the right side of road. The cabin entrance code unlocks the green gate. Close and lock the gate behind you and proceed through the gate 0.3 miles to the cabin. NOTE: During the winter season, customers will likely not be able to drive all the way to the cabin. The main road is plowed to the 'Y' described above. The rest of the way (1.7 miles) is accessible by foot, ski, snowshoe, dog sled or snowmobile. The area is open to snowmobiles 12/2 to 5/15. Do not leave unattended vehicles parked on the main roads.

Weather at Lost Horse Cabin

Current alerts(13)

Access to the cabin in winter months (snow season) is by skiing, snow shoeing, dog sledding, or snowmobiling 2 miles to the site. Do Not leave unattended vehicles parked on the main roads or the Anderson access road to the cabin.
Customers need to bring small propane cyclinders for the small cook stove.
Do not leave food or trash outside the cabin during your stay, and all garabage and food must be packed out upon departure.
Entry to the access road gate and to the cabin is by combination lock; the reservation confirmation letter will list the combination code.

Best Time to Camp at Lost Horse Cabin

Best season: fall. Fall brings the clearest weather, brilliant larch and aspen color, and cool, stable hiking days — the key benefit is superb scenery and quieter trails. Expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F with crisp nights often dropping near or below freezing (20–35°F), making for excellent photography, wildlife viewing (elk and deer feed heavily), and long, comfortable hikes. Crowds are light compared with summer, though be aware that late fall overlaps with big-game hunting seasons — wear blaze orange and/or Peak months: September, October, August, July

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 1% in MT

Overview: “Fall delivers the best conditions” with aspens/larches, clear skies and peak wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Lost Horse Cabin

Lost Horse Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, operated by the Helena Ranger District near Helena. This spacious rental cabin offers cookware, a Coleman stove, and fire rings, with vault toilets on-site and direct access to national forest trails for hiking and biking. Guests praise the cleanliness, well-stocked amenities, and wildlife sightings in the surrounding quiet forest.

Lost Horse Cabin provides a rustic and secluded cabin experience in the Divide Mountains of Montana, catering to adventurers seeking access to hiking, wildlife, and historical exploration.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall brings the clearest weather, brilliant larch and aspen color, and cool, stable hiking days — the key benefit is superb scenery and quieter trails. Expect daytime highs roughly 40–60°F with crisp nights often dropping near or below freezing (20–35°F), making for excellent photography, wildlife viewing (elk and deer feed heavily), and long, comfortable hikes. Crowds are light compared with summer, though be aware that late fall overlaps with big-game hunting seasons — wear blaze orange and/or Peak months: September, October, August, July

Elevation5200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense coniferous forest. Mostly fir and pine. Surrounds the cabin, with intermittent streams cutting through the valleys below ridgelines that frame the horizon. The forest supports bears, elk, deer, mountain lions, and upland birds. The nearest road sits 0.3 miles away, leaving the immediate area quiet and forested. Fall brings brilliant larch and aspen color against the evergreens.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin serves as the primary accommodation and is a large structure with capacity for up to 8 people. It features rustic furnishings, including bunk beds, cots, and basic kitchen supplies. The cabin does not have electricity or plumbing.

Programs & ActivitiesThe area includes old mining relics accessible via nearby road systems, offering historical interest. Exploration of these sites may require a high-clearance vehicle or OHV.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 people

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.

AccessibilityThe cabin is not wheelchair accessible. Access during winter requires snowshoes, skis, or snowmobiles for up to 2 miles due to road closures.

Site SizeThe cabin is described as spacious and able to accommodate up to 8 people inside, with additional room for three full-sized vehicles nearby.

PrivacyThe cabin offers high privacy due to its remote location. The nearest significant road is 0.3 miles away, and the area is surrounded by forest.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesWinter visitors should prepare for cold nights and challenging snow conditions; parking at the gate and walking to the cabin is recommended.

Need help booking Lost Horse 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

Lost Horse Cabin provides a mix of rustic amenities designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a remote experience in west-central Montana. The cabin features 2 sets of bunk beds with mattresses and 4 cots, accommodating up to 8 people. It includes a wood stove for heat and a Monarch cookstove for cooking. Other amenities include propane cooking stove (fuel not provided), lanterns, a table and chairs, cleaning supplies, dishes, utensils, some cookware, and a snow shovel. An outhouse with a vault toilet is nearby. While firewood may be available, it is not guaranteed. The cabin does not have electricity or running water, so campers must bring their own water and lighting backups.

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lost Horse Cabin provides access to a wide range of outdoor activities suitable for varying seasons. Popular activities include hiking, hunting, photography, exploration, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. The nearby road system offers opportunities for scenic drives and OHV use in warmer months, while the surrounding forest and wildlife attract hunters and nature enthusiasts.

Hiking

Biking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

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 Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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 PolicyDon't Move Firewood : Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Trash & RecyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and food. Trash and recycling services are not provided on-site, emphasizing the need for campers to bring garbage bags.

Cell CoverageUser reviews indicate limited cell phone service, with some reports of 1-2 bars of reception outside the cabin. Reception indoors may be weaker or unavailable.

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

4.0

29 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lost Horse Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the Lost Horse Cabin's secluded location, spacious interior, and ample amenities, but note recurring issues with the wood stove and mice infestation. The cabin is widely regarded as a good retreat for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, especially in fall and winter.

Review Summaries

Based on 29 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praise includes the cabin’s spaciousness, cleanliness, proximity to national forest land, and well-stocked amenities such as cookware and a functioning Coleman stove. The surrounding area’s...

Based on 29 reviews

Common Concerns

Major complaints include the wood stove leaking smoke, making it difficult to heat the cabin in winter. A significant mouse infestation has been reported, with users encountering mice on beds and...

Based on 29 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews indicate that the Lost Horse Cabin is ideal for those seeking seclusion and outdoor adventure. However, issues with the wood stove and mice detracted from some experiences.

Based on 29 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra propane cylinders, headlamps or portable lights, mouse-proof containers for food storage, and warm layers for winter stays. During winter, travelers are advised to...

Based on 29 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews are mixed, with issues regarding the wood stove and heating being prominent. However, the snow-covered landscape and winter activities like sledding and skiing were appreciated. Summer...

Based on 29 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cabin is very spacious and well stocked with cooking supplies." - Janice H. "Be prepared for a cold night without heat if the stove is not fixed." - Chris P. "The access to the cabin itself is...

Based on 29 reviews

Accessibility Features

The cabin is not accessible for individuals with mobility impairments due to its remote location and the final access stretch being unmotorized during winter.

Based on 29 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a well-equipped cabin base for fall hiking and wildlife viewing in quiet national forest.

Skip if

You need reliable wood stove heat or prefer campgrounds without mice issues.

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4.2

(62)

Granite Butte Lookout

1569 Highway 200

Granite Butte Lookout sits at 7,587 feet in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest near Lincoln, offering a restored 1930s fire lookout cabin with panoramic views along the Continental Divide. Managed by the national forest, this remote rental provides a historic base for hikers tackling nearby CDT sections and mountain bikers exploring high-elevation routes. The wood stove and supplied firewood add rustic comfort to the alpine setting.