OutReserve

Vigilante Cabin

Vigilante rental house, also known as Middle House
VIGILANTE CABIN interior 1
VIGILANTE RENTAL CABIN
VIGILANTE CABIN interior 3
VIGILANTE CABIN interior 4

Featured amenities

Parking
Power Service
Restrooms
Water Hookup
Showers

About Vigilante Cabin

The Vigilante Cabin, also known as the Vigilante Middle House, offers a comfortable place to stay deep in the mountains of southwestern Montana along the Ruby River between the Snowcrest and Gravelly Ranges. The house boasts two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and has electricity and seasonal water. A bathroom, with a toilet and shower,is usually available from May - September. It is close to many outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking and hunting, as well as off-road vehicle trails and gold panning. The house was constructed in 1925 and served as the Ruby District headquarters. In the 1930s a Civilian Conservation Corp camp was established at the site and the adjacent houses and garage were constructed. The site also then served as a range experiment station. The white clapboard middle house is available for rent, while the two other houses on the property are still used by Forest Service personnel and volunteers throughout the year. Though usually quiet, this can be a busy site when work crews are using those adjacent facilities. The cabin is accessible throughout most of the year by vehicle; however, a portion of the road may be difficult to navigate when wet or snow-covered and the last mile may not be plowed in winter. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring some of their own amenities.

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

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking
Power Service
Restrooms
Water Hookup
Showers
Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity
Kitchen
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Power Service
  • Water Hookup
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
  • Sleeping Capacity
  • Kitchen
  • Heating
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Pull-Through
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (72)

What Guests Are Saying

The Vigilante Cabin is praised for its suitability during muzzleloader season, with guests expressing a desire to return. However, issues such as the lack of potable water, inadequate window screens, and concerns about the new wood stove's heating efficiency were noted. Overall, guests enjoyed their stay and appreciated the cabin's amenities, despite some challenges.

Review Summary

4.2
72 reviews
5
50.0%
36
4
29.2%
21
3
12.5%
9
2
4.2%
3
1
4.2%
3

Nick W

Verified

June 8, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

4

Great location, cabin is in pretty good shape. It was strange but extravagant to have a bathroom and a refrigerator in a forest service cabin! We enjoyed our stay despite a lot of rain showers and mud that the kids loved to play in ;)

George B

Verified

May 31, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

5

Great Cabin, had some high runoff over the road while we were there. A little worried about getting cut off but all good. May need to bring a couple cleaning supplies next time, Like a new sponge and some more dishwashing liquid for kitchen and a toilet brush and some comet for the bathroom.

George B

Verified

May 31, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

5

Great Cabin, had some high runoff over the road while we were there. A little worried about getting cut off but all good. May need to bring a couple cleaning supplies next time, Like a new sponge and some more dishwashing liquid for kitchen and a toilet brush and some comet for the bathroom.

George B

Verified

May 31, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

5

Great Cabin, had some high runoff over the road while we were there. A little worried about getting cut off but all good. May need to bring a couple cleaning supplies next time, Like a new sponge and some more dishwashing liquid for kitchen and a toilet brush and some comet for the bathroom.

Adam D

Verified

November 7, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

3

Vigilante is in a great spot. Cabin could really use a once over. Kitchen is pretty gross and for some reason, every time I go here the place is a mess. People, use a mop! It won't kill you. That goes for the forest service too. When you folks stay there, the same rules apply.

Adam D

Verified

November 7, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

3

Vigilante is in a great spot. Cabin could really use a once over. Kitchen is pretty gross and for some reason, every time I go here the place is a mess. People, use a mop! It won't kill you. That goes for the forest service too. When you folks stay there, the same rules apply.

Adam D

Verified

November 7, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

3

Vigilante is in a great spot. Cabin could really use a once over. Kitchen is pretty gross and for some reason, every time I go here the place is a mess. People, use a mop! It won't kill you. That goes for the forest service too. When you folks stay there, the same rules apply.

Randall N

Verified

May 20, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

5

More comforts than one could ever expect in the wilds of Montana.

Randall N

Verified

May 20, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

5

More comforts than one could ever expect in the wilds of Montana.

Randall N

Verified

May 20, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN

5

More comforts than one could ever expect in the wilds of Montana.

Location Vigilante Cabin

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

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Highway 287, which is approximately 10 miles away from Sheridan. Ruby River Road leads to the site from Highway 287.

Latitude & Longitude: 45.0175 / -111.963

Elevation: 1859 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

3PM

Check out time

11AM

  • The cabin is locked; obtain the access code with your receipt. Contact the ranger district if you do not receive it.

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Safety & rules

  • Be mindful of safety regarding bears, water, and weather due to the remote location.
  • Expect limited to no cell phone coverage during your stay.
  • There is a risk of hantavirus exposure in remote cabins; be cautious.
  • Rodent poison may be present; keep children and pets safe.
  • The facility is not cleaned between visits; bring cleaning supplies and clean up before leaving.

Utilities

  • Bring your own water from October to May.

Wildlife & food storage

  • All food must be stored properly from March 1 to December 1 to avoid attracting wildlife.

Site types & loops

  • No private horses are permitted on the site.

Fires & fuel

  • Do not chop wood on the porch. Use provided wood only in the stove; campfires are not allowed. Firewood availability may vary.

General

  • Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
  • 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.

Site capacity

  • The cabin has a maximum capacity of 8 people; no extra guests or camping units allowed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 13, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service