David K
VerifiedDecember 28, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN
We usually come for rifle season and live in a tent for 3 weeks, The cabin was absolutely perfect for muzzleloader season, definitely would use the cabin again.
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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.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
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Closed periods
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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
- Power Service
- Water Hookup
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
- Showers
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Bedrooms
- Sleeping Capacity
- Kitchen
- Heating
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001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN
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Cabin
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- 8 guests
- Pet Friendly
Site Details
Up to 8 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Pull-Through
Pet Friendly
Reviews
75 reviews
Summary
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.1
Overall rating
Based on 75 reviews
5 stars
49.3% (37)
4 stars
29.3% (22)
3 stars
12.0% (9)
2 stars
4.0% (3)
1 star
5.3% (4)
Showing 75 reviews
Verified Only
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David K
VerifiedDecember 28, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN
We usually come for rifle season and live in a tent for 3 weeks, The cabin was absolutely perfect for muzzleloader season, definitely would use the cabin again.
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Thomas S
VerifiedJune 2, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN
Extremely disappointed that campfires are not allowed at the site any more. It felt like spiteful reasoning for not allowing campfires.
We visit this cabin in the wintertime and have to walk in. There is lots of wood to burn beyond the outhouse. To not have the ability to have a campfire outside within the cabin vicinity when it is extremely cold outside seems counter intuitive to experiencing the outdoors.
Additionally, this cabin used to be very well stocked with silverware, cooking pots and pans. It is almost exclusively plastic utensils.
And finally, the wood left by the FS is so full of knots, good luck to the poor soul trying to split it to fit in the wood stove.
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Justin F
VerifiedJuly 13, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN
Amazing cabin with ample room, electricity, and running water. Wood stove was incredibly warm, too. There’s a small TV, record player, puzzles, and games to play for evening entertainment. Next time I come I’ll definitely be donating a few DVDs to modernize the offerings a bit haha.
The grounds of the cabin are beautiful and there’s plenty of space for a nice walk. Awesome place, definitely hope to come back!
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KEITH K
VerifiedSeptember 9, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA VIGILANTE CABIN
A quiet spot in beautiful valley, a long way from the world. A good place to get away. Cabin is pleasant and spacious. Nice having electricity and hot water. Cabin could use a some TLC - a good deep cleaning, new window blinds and/or draperies, new linoleum floor, etc. Fishing was poor given low water level, but likely much better early in the summer.
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Location & Directions for Vigilante Cabin
5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729 United States
Elevation: 1,859 ft
Getting There
From Sheridan, travel south on Highway 287 for about 10 mi to Alder. Turn south on Ruby River Road and continue about 22 mi to Vigilante Station. The last 20 mi are on a gravel road, which can be slippery when wet or snow-covered. The gate lock co...
From Sheridan, travel south on Highway 287 for about 10 mi to Alder. Turn south on Ruby River Road and continue about 22 mi to Vigilante Station. The last 20 mi are on a gravel road, which can be slippery when wet or snow-covered. The gate lock code is the same as the cabin. Maps of the area may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
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.
Near Yellowstone National Park
The closest entrance is: West Entrance
Approximate drive: 60.4 mi · over 1 hr (104 min)
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
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Last updated: November 3, 2026
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service