OutReserve

Black Butte Cabin

BLACK BUTTE CABIN 4
BLACK BUTTE CABIN 1
BLACK BUTTE CABIN 3
Black Butte Guard Station
Black Butte Cabin 5

About Black Butte Cabin

Black Butte Cabin is a snug log cabin that sits high in the Gravelly Mountains. Originally part of the old Madison National Forest, the cabin was built in 1919 as an intermediate summer station for inspections of sheep allotments. It sleeps four people and has a beautiful view of Lion Mountain and the headwaters of Standard Creek. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and provides access to numerous trails for hiking, horseback riding and off-road vehicles during warmer months, and snowmobiles in the winter. The cabin is just off the side of Standard Creek Road 237 and can receive quite a bit of traffic on weekends. The cabin is open nine months out of the year, July through March, and can typically be accessed by vehicle, in summer and fall, however a portion of the roadway may be muddy or snow-covered, requiring four-wheel drive or chains. Snowmobiles are necessary to reach the cabin in winter, but not allowed until after December 1. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities, including water.  Black Butte Cabin is closed on Mondays for administrative purposes from July into November.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Jul 1

Sites & Availability

1 Site Available

Site
Price
🏠 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN
4 guests
$25.00
/ per night

Reviews (21)

What Guests Are Saying

The Black Butte Cabin is praised for its cleanliness, stunning views, and convenient access to hiking. Reviewers noted the well-maintained condition and beautiful surroundings. There were minor concerns about wildlife signs and potential car issues, but overall, the experience was positive.

Review Summary

4.1
21 reviews
5
57.1%
12
4
23.8%
5
3
4.8%
1
2
4.8%
1
1
9.5%
2

Lee B

Verified

February 6, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

4

One of our favorite cabins! Beautiful scenery. Love Black Butte mountain down the road-a must see. Awesome snowmobiling trip there

Eric T

Verified

October 2, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

5

This was the best of the three Guard Stations I have rented. Consider bringing fly paper, as flies appeared inside, as if spontaneously generated. No big deal, as there were two fly swatters. I could hear mice, but saw none. I used ear-plugs to sleep. The wood burning stove warms the place to almost too warm or I just don't know what I am doing. Be aware that you can't park right at the door to preserve the patch of fenced grass in front. Pit toilet is a walk, but not overly far. On the moon-less night I was there, I couldn't see my hand in front of face. It was darker than dark. Do not hesitate to stay here, it's fantastic.

Leslie S

Verified

July 14, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

5

A clean cabin at the edge of alpine glory--wildflowers everywhere, and beautiful rocky bluffs to climb and view. This cabin was very well kept, with new bunk pads and chinking, screened in shelving, a nice fire ring with plenty of dead pine wood to gather nearby. Wilderness--it's in there a ways--but accessible for the patient. We did not need to use the wood stove for heat, but it was well-stocked with kindling. Very private.

Lee B

Verified

February 4, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

3

There needs to be a lean-to/cover for the wood pile. We had to dig the wood out of the snow drift and it didn’t burn very well in the stove until it dried out. The door knob on the inside of the door needs repairs. Visitors must go see Black Butte

Rachel G

Verified

August 28, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

4

This was our second trip to the cabin. It was wonderful. The hike to black butte is beautiful and the cabin is always clean! This was a great way to unplug family and catch up!

Justin T

Verified

October 16, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

5

We had a really good time at Black butte cabin me and my dad have passed it many of times and have always wanted to stay so we made the decision to camp there this year we had a great time and seeing a lot of wildlife.

Dwayne M

Verified

August 20, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

1

Constant traffic screaming by. It is like living beside an interstate highway.

eric h

Verified

August 18, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

4

Beautiful setting for a cabin! Sits high above an open meadow with stream and has views of mountains and buttes in the distance. We did some hiking at the Wolverine basin and hiked up toward Freezeout mountain - quite lovely, but you'll have to use a map and navigational skills as the trail to Freezeout is not well marked and is not visible in the grass. The cabin is also near access to the Black Butte which can be climbed (we'll have to do it next time).

The cabin itself is large enough inside for 4 people to sleep and eat comfortably. Here are a couple of caveats:
1. There is no food prep/cooking table - only the dining table. It would be worth your while to bring along a camping table.
2. The 2-burner portable camp stove looked like it had been dropped and was completely covered with grease. It worked - boiled our water - and we got a lot of the grease off, but you might be better off bringing your own.

There was some traffic the weekend we went, but it wasn't terribly distracting. The outhouse across the street was used occasionally by nearby camping parties and also served as a turn-around point for trucks and ATVs.

The road there was quite rutted and rocky in spots, particularly the last 5 miles or so. Should be able to get a passenger vehicle through, but take it slow.

Dwayne M

Verified

August 8, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

2

Beautiful but traffic screaming by all day. Very noisy.

Mark N

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

5

Black Butte cabin was a wonderful experience, nice cabin, peaceful, quiet, beautiful scenery, would love to stay there again

Location Black Butte Cabin

Address:
5 Forest Service Road
Ennis, MT, 59729
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 44.9181 / -111.826

Elevation: 2722 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Cabin is locked. The cabin combination is available with your paid receipt. You may call the Madison Ranger District 8:00 AM - 4:30PM weekdays if you do not receive the combination. The office is NOT open on Federal Holidays.

General

This facility is located in a remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety (including avalanche danger)

General

Potential exposure to hantavirus due to possible presence of mice droppings within the cabin

General

Water and electricity are not available

General

All garbage and food must be packed out. Do not leave anything that you brought with you.

General

Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

General

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.

General

Be aware that this facility is not cleaned between user visits. Please bring cleaning supplies for your visit as renters are required to clean the facility before they leave. We are doing the best we can to keep facilities open and available to the public. Your cooperation is appreciated.   

General

There are no facilities for horses at this site, and horses are not permitted within the cabin fence.

General

Earliest check in time is 3:00 PM and latest departure time is 11:00 AM.

General

Renting the cabin in October and November can be a risk due to the possibility of deep snow and vehicle inaccessibility.

General

Maximum occupancy for the cabin and the administrative site is four people. Additional people, tents or campers are not permitted.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations