Strawberry Cabin

Star4.22
43 reviews
Helena Ranger District, 2880 Skyway Dr, Helena, MT 59602, USA

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$30 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Helena 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
Strawberry Cabin
$30.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range from $30 to $50 depending on the season and specific reservation conditions. These fees exclude taxes, discounts, and incremental...
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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
406-449-5201
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 43 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"User reviews highlight the cabin's cleanliness, well-stocked amenities, and rustic charm. However, privacy is a recurrent issue due to the frequent foot and vehicle traffic from visitors exploring the nearby lookout tower."

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Campground Map

Helena Ranger District, 2880 Skyway Dr, Helena, MT 59602, USA

Strawberry Cabin

Helena Ranger District, 2880 Skyway Dr, Helena, MT 59602, USA

Driving directionsLocated about 15 miles south of Helena. From Interstate 15, take exit 187 for Montana City/MT-518. East on Jackson Creek road for 0.5 miles. Turn right/south onto Johns St (Papa Rays Pizza) and continue onto McClellan Creek road for four miles. Turn right/south onto Warm Springs Creek/Strawberry Lookout Rd and proceed 1.7 miles. Turn right/west onto the Strawberry Lookout Rd, proceed 1 mile to the cabin. NOTE: From October 15th through May 15th the road is closed to motorized vehicles for the last 1 mile so access is walk-in only. Snow conditions only allow driving to within about a mile of the turn to Strawberry Lookout road, thus requiring about 2-3 miles of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling is not allowed in this area.
The road access is seasonal. From May 15th to October 14th, it is directly accessible by vehicle; however, from October 15th to May 15th, the last mile is closed to motorized vehicles, requiring visitors to walk, snowshoe, or ski to the cabin. Snowmobiling is prohibited. The road conditions can be rocky/uneven and are best navigated with a high-clearance vehicle.
Nearby places
Helena: 15 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Helena, approximately 15 miles away, offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations. Nearby convenience stores may supply propane cylinders needed for the cabin's equipment.

Best Time to Camp at Strawberry Cabin

Experience the dramatic personality of Montana's high country through the seasons. Winter transforms Strawberry Cabin into a snow-globe wonderland accessible only by snowshoe or cross-country ski, where temperatures can plunge to a bracing -14°F and silence blankets the mountain. Come summer, the road opens to reveal wildflower meadows and gentle breezes, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and soaking in those endless mountain views from your private summit perch.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Vehicle access and abundant hiking; summer traffic and disturbances are frequently reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Aspen groves and sweeping views make fall attractive; generally quieter than peak summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Positive spring mentions in reviews; access and conditions vary until roads open mid-May.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Snow-globe setting with snowshoe/xc-ski access; winter is quieter and special for those who trek in.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 – December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; direct vehicle access is allowed May 15th to October 14th. From October 15th to May 15th, access requires walking, snowshoeing, or skiing due to road closures.
  • Current Alerts: Closures may occur due to fire, road conditions, or severe storms. Visitors should contact the Helena Ranger District prior to arrival for current advisories.

About Strawberry Cabin

Perched atop Strawberry Butte at 6,100 feet, this enchanting 1941 fire lookout cabin offers a rare glimpse into Montana's wilderness heritage. The meticulously preserved C-46 architecture welcomes up to four adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat in the heart of the Elkhorn Mountains. While the adjacent fire tower stands as a silent sentinel (closed to public access), your cabin provides all the rustic charm and primitive comforts needed for an unforgettable escape above the clouds.
Strawberry Cabin is a primitive, nonelectric cabin designed for up to four guests. It is best suited for those seeking a rustic experience with minimal amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay: 14 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The area offers a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. The cabin is located near several popular trails.
HikingNumerous hiking trails such as Strawberry Creek, Casey Peak, and Willard Creek are available nearby. These trails lead through the north end of the Elkhorn Mountains, offering scenic views and historical exploration.
BikingBiking trails are mentioned by reviewers as being available nearby, adding to the recreational opportunities.
Wildlife viewingThe Elkhorn Mountains are a designated Wildlife Management Unit. Visitors can observe elk, deer, ravens, eagles, and other species. "Watch for ravens doing acrobatics!" one reviewer suggested.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSafety concerns include steep road access conditions requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly for the last mile. Wildlife encounters (elk, deer, potential bears) are possible. Winter visitors should prepare for freezing temperatures and snow-covered roads.
Active AlertsClosures may occur due to fire, road conditions, or severe storms. Visitors should contact the Helena Ranger District prior to arrival for current advisories.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Strawberry Cabin

Reviews

4.2
43 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Strawberry Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cabin's cleanliness, well-stocked amenities, and rustic charm. However, privacy is a recurrent issue due to the frequent foot and vehicle traffic from visitors exploring the nearby lookout tower.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

The cabin is described as clean, comfortable, and well-stocked with essentials such as cookware, games, and firewood. Many visitors appreciated the stunning views and the opportunity to disconnect....
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Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of privacy is the most significant complaint. Numerous reviews mention frequent disturbances from visitors driving or walking up to the lookout tower. "It was NOT peaceful to say the very...
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Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, propane, and lighting. A vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended for the rough road. Visitors emphasized the importance of being prepared for winter conditions,...
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Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The winter months offer a quieter and more secluded experience for visitors who don’t mind snowshoeing or skiing to the cabin. The summer months see significantly more traffic and disturbances due to...
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Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cabin may look a bit stark until you open up the shutters and kick back, but once you're there, it is a warm and inviting place." "Over the two-night stay, we had 22 separate vehicles with...
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Based on 43 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews for Strawberry Cabin consistently mention its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. However, the high volume of visitors negatively impacts the private, secluded experience many users...
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Based on 43 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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