Bull River Guard Station

Star4.77
43 reviews
Cabinet Ranger District 2693 MT Hwy. 200

Quick Facts

2,306 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season January ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Opens Cabinet 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
Bull River Guard Station
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for this cabin is $75. This does not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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
406-827-3533
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What Campers Say

4.77

Top-Rated

Based on 43 reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"The Bull River Guard Station receives strong praise for its historical charm, natural beauty, and cozy accommodations. However, some minor complaints include the presence of mice, occasional visitors, and the smell of the outhouse."

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Campground Map

Cabinet Ranger District 2693 MT Hwy. 200

Bull River Guard Station

Cabinet Ranger District 2693 MT Hwy. 200

Driving directionsFrom US Highway 2 (to the north) or State Highway 200 (to the south), travel on State Highway 56 to the East Fork Bull River Road #407 at approximately the 8 mile marker. Take Road #407 for about 1.5 miles and turn right on Road #2701. The cabin is approximately .5 miles past the junction of #407 and #2701. Directional signs are present.
The road is normally plowed within 1 mile of the cabin during winter months, but full vehicle access depends on weather conditions.
Nearby places
Trout Creek, MT (approx. 8 miles)
Nearby supplies
Guests must bring their own drinking water for cooking and washing. Groceries or other essentials are not explicitly mentioned in the provided documentation.

Best Time to Camp at Bull River Guard Station

Each season paints a different portrait at Bull River. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, where the final mile to the cabin becomes an adventure in itself as plowed roads give way to pristine powder. Heavy snowfall creates a magical atmosphere perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. As spring melts into summer, wildflowers carpet the meadows and trails beckon hikers. Fall arrives in spectacular fashion, setting the mountainsides ablaze with color and crisp, perfect weather for outdoor adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer praised for wildlife viewing and starry nights; mosquitoes and lack of screens noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in MT

Autumn described as a 'spectacular show' with maples, mountain ash, alders and larch colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers trails and fresh scenery but fewer explicit mentions in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Winter is cozy and scenic per reviews, but heavy snow and access/avalanche cautions limit ease.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31, annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Reservations start June 25, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Cabin cleanliness is not guaranteed between reservations. Wildlife precautions and mandatory food sanitation orders are in effect.

About Bull River Guard Station

Step back in time at the Bull River Guard Station, where the spirit of early forest rangers lives on in this beautifully preserved 1908 cabin. Nestled deep in the Cabinet Mountain Range, this 700-square-foot historic gem invites you to experience the authentic frontier lifestyle with modern comforts. Original period furniture tells stories of bygone days, while three full beds and two singles accommodate your group in rustic comfort. An electric range and furnace ensure cozy evenings after days spent exploring the pristine wilderness of Kootenai National Forest along the East Fork Bull River.
The Bull River Guard Station caters to unique camping experiences with its historical cabin lodging. It does not include primitive, tent, or RV camping.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
5consecutive day limit with a break of 7 days required before making another reservation.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Bull River Guard Station offers a range of recreational activities with historical charm and natural beauty. It is surrounded by opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. "Great fire pit outside to enjoy the night sky," one reviewer noted.
HikingTwo excellent day hiking options are nearby: the Pilick Ridge Trail #1036 and Berray Mountain Trail #967. These trails lead to scenic lookouts with views of the Cabinet Mountains. One user mentioned hiking to St. Paul Lake during winter but stopping due to snow and avalanche risk.
FishingFishing is available in the Bull River, home to species such as westslope cutthroat trout, large scale sucker, and mountain whitefish. "Fun to access the river behind the cabin and creeks across the road," one user stated.
BoatingBoating activities may be supported given the proximity to Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, but no specific details are provided.
Wildlife viewingThe Cabinet Mountains Wilderness is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mountain goats, pika, golden eagles, beavers, and woodrats. "Lots of wildlife," a user remarked, adding to the appeal for nature enthusiasts.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsHistorical elements of the cabin are highlighted, including its 1908 construction and survival through the 1910 fires. "Loved reading the history of the cabin and the old photos," one reviewer shared.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWatch out for bears, especially near berries and apple trees. Mice are commonly noted in the cabin. Mosquitoes and flies are prevalent in warmer months.
Active AlertsCabin cleanliness is not guaranteed between reservations. Wildlife precautions and mandatory food sanitation orders are in effect.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bull River Guard Station

Reviews

4.8
43 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Bull River Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Bull River Guard Station receives strong praise for its historical charm, natural beauty, and cozy accommodations. However, some minor complaints include the presence of mice, occasional visitors, and the smell of the outhouse.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful cabin completely stocked with all amenities," one user noted. Others praised the setting and mentioned activities such as hiking and stargazing. "What a magical place," a user shared...
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Based on 43 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the smell of the vault toilet, mice in the walls, and lack of screens for windows during warmer months. "Lots of mosquitoes. Fun to access the river," one user reported.
Based on 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cleaning supplies, drinking water, blankets, and screens for the windows during buggy seasons. "Plan your food storage system accordingly" due to mouse presence, one user advised.
Based on 43 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are described as cozy with access to hiking trails, while summer stays highlight wildlife viewing and stargazing. "We fit 5 people comfortably in the cabin and it was warm and cozy...
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Based on 43 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful hiking and fishing nearby," "Lots of mice in the walls," "Beautiful setting with historic magic," "Great for stargazing," "Bear scat everywhere," "Lovingly done historic preservation."
Based on 43 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Many users reviewed site 001 positively with remarks such as "Beautiful cabin with every amenity and more" and "Rustic to the max."
Based on 43 reviews

Accessibility Features

Few mentions of accessibility features but vault toilets are said to be accessible.
Based on 43 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must stay off furniture. "Lots of dog hair on everything," one user complained after their visit.
Based on 43 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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