OutReserve

Black Butte Cabin

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

Featured amenities

Sleeping Capacity

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Sleeping Capacity

Cabin Interior

  • Sleeping Capacity

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA BLACK BUTTE CABIN

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Site Details

Up to 4 guests
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Reviews (42)

What Guests Are Saying

The Black Butte Cabin is a well-kept and clean accommodation with beautiful views and close proximity to hiking trails. Guests appreciated the serene location and the wildlife sightings, such as a bull moose. However, there were some minor concerns regarding signs of mice and potential issues with local wildlife chewing on car wires.

Review Summary

4.1
42 reviews
5
57.1%
24
4
23.8%
10
3
4.8%
2
2
4.8%
2
1
9.5%
4

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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!

Location Black Butte Cabin

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

Highway access

Black Butte Cabin is accessible via US Highway 287, which is approximately 32 miles from Ennis. Other access options include Montana Highway 287 and various Forest Service roads.

Latitude & Longitude: 44.9181 / -111.826

Elevation: 2722 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

  • The cabin is locked, and you'll need a combination available with your receipt. Call for assistance during business hours.
  • Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Safety & rules

  • Familiarize yourself with safety guidelines for bears, water, and weather hazards before booking.
  • There may be a risk of hantavirus exposure due to mice droppings in the cabin.
  • Pack out all garbage and food; do not leave anything behind.
  • The cabin is not cleaned between visits; bring cleaning supplies and clean before leaving.
  • Renting in October and November may involve risks of snow and inaccessibility.

Utilities

  • There is no water or electricity at the cabin.

General

  • Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Fires & fuel

  • Do not move firewood; obtain it locally to prevent pest spread.

Site types & loops

  • Horses are not allowed at this site and there are no horse facilities.

Site capacity

  • The cabin can accommodate a maximum of four people; no additional guests, tents, or campers are allowed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service