Shawn G
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2026 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
Well-kept cabin with Forest Service outhouse onsite. No public access to the tower.
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About Strawberry Cabin
Explore a magnificent recreation and wildlife resource at the doorstep of Montana's Capital City. From prairie to alpine, mayflies to mountain goats, and scenic driving to expert climbing routes -- the Elkhorns you will discover a diverse landscape!
Built in 1941, Strawberry Cabin lies at the top of Strawberry Butte (6.1 ft) in the heart of the Elkhorn Mountains. The combination of lookout and log cabin are typical of this period. The cabin is an excellent example of a C-46 one room cabin plan, which was designed by William Fox. This cabin style is one of the standard building plans used for housing personnel working at intermediate stations and at lookouts. The C-46 design offers distinctive characteristics of ventral saddle notches and log ends finished in "chopper cut" style, which symbolizes rustic Forest Service log architecture of the second half of the 1930 and early 1940s.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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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
Cooking and Fire
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
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Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
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Cabin
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- 4 guests
- Pet Friendly
Site Details
Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Pull-Through
Campfire
Pet Friendly
Reviews
91 reviews
Summary
Strawberry Cabin offers a beautiful and convenient location for a relaxing getaway, equipped with essential amenities like a wood-burning stove and firewood supply. While some guests noted issues with cleanliness and occasional disturbances from nearby off-road vehicles, many enjoyed their stay and appreciated the cabin's cozy atmosphere. Overall, it seems to be a charming place with room for improvement in maintenance and privacy.
Based on guest feedback
4.3
Overall rating
Based on 91 reviews
5 stars
51.6% (47)
4 stars
31.9% (29)
3 stars
11.0% (10)
2 stars
2.2% (2)
1 star
3.3% (3)
Showing 91 reviews
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Francis V
VerifiedAugust 3, 2026 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
Unfortunately, on arrival after a 3 hour drive I found the cabin to be infested with flies and ants. I found a fly swatter, and after killing enough flies, sat quietly for a moment and could then hear the rodents scratching in the ceiling. I saw mouse droppings in the cabin, and dead festering mice in traps outside; and with 90+ degree heat this all made me wish I had my tent, because staying in that horror story would have compromised my health. I promptly cancelled my stay, ate some snacks I had brought with me, then started the long drive back home. This place could be a very nice stay if it were upkeep as well as the wood shed that was on site too. Lesson learned.
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Cherie M
VerifiedJuly 14, 2026 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
Great cabin, beautiful area. Unfortunately, there's no privacy. We had multiple interruptions by folks on 4 wheelers, side by sides and dirt bikes that drove right up to the cabin door, disrupting family activities. I hope the Forest Service will consider installing a simple bar gate across the road, maybe 15 - 20 yards below the cabin by the pull off to prevent people from being so intrusive when the cabin is occupied. We won't be back.
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Chelsea K
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2026 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
A clean, cozy, well-stocked cabin. The only issue I had was the scurrying of creatures in the walls/roof at night keeping me awake.
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Chelsea K
VerifiedJanuary 12, 2026 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
A clean, cozy, well-stocked cabin. The only issue I had was the scurrying of creatures in the walls/roof at night keeping me awake.
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Nicholas C
VerifiedNovember 21, 2025 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
We really enjoyed our stay at this cabin. Since the gate was locked for the season we enjoyed the gradual 1 mi uphill hike on our way in. The cabin no longer has a gas lantern, but instead has battery lanterns. Be sure to bring an external battery to charge them, they were dead when we arrived. There was plenty of firewood in the shed. Enjoy!
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Nicholas C
VerifiedNovember 21, 2025 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
We really enjoyed our stay at this cabin. Since the gate was locked for the season we enjoyed the gradual 1 mi uphill hike on our way in. The cabin no longer has a gas lantern, but instead has battery lanterns. Be sure to bring an external battery to charge them, they were dead when we arrived. There was plenty of firewood in the shed. Enjoy!
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John C
VerifiedNovember 12, 2025 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
X
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John C
VerifiedNovember 12, 2025 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
X
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Jason G
VerifiedJuly 30, 2025 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN
Cabin was great! Expect visitors. If there is a thunderstorm while you're there, lightning prefers trees to the tower.
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Location & Directions for Strawberry Cabin
Helena Ranger District, 2880 Skyway Dr, Helena, MT 59602 United States
Elevation: 1,862 ft
Getting There
Located about 15 mi south of Helena. From Interstate 15, take exit 187 for Montana City/MT-518. East on Jackson Creek road for 0.5 mi. Turn right/south onto Johns St (Papa Rays Pizza) and continue onto McClellan Creek road for four miles. Turn rig...
Located about 15 mi south of Helena. From Interstate 15, take exit 187 for Montana City/MT-518. East on Jackson Creek road for 0.5 mi. Turn right/south onto Johns St (Papa Rays Pizza) and continue onto McClellan Creek road for four miles. Turn right/south onto Warm Springs Creek/Strawberry Lookout Rd and proceed 1.7 mi. Turn right/west onto the Strawberry Lookout Rd, proceed 1 mi to the cabin. NOTE: From October 15th through May 15th the road is closed to motorized vehicles for the last 1 mi so access is walk-in only. Snow conditions only allow driving to within about a mile of the turn to Strawberry Lookout road, thus requiring about 2-3 mi of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling is not allowed in this area.
Highway access
The property is located approximately 15 miles south of Helena and is accessible via Interstate 15, taking exit 187 for Montana City/MT-518.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
- The cabin can be accessed by vehicle from May 15th to October 14th each year.
- From October 15th, access to the cabin is by walking one mile on a closed road.
- In winter, access is via snowshoeing, skiing, or dog sledding, with driving limited to about a mile away.
- Access to the cabin is via a combination lock with a code sent in the reservation email.
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
- Snowmobiling is prohibited in the area surrounding the cabin.
- Guests are required to pack out all garbage and food after their stay.
- Smoking is not permitted inside the cabin.
- Guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
- Guests should ensure the cabin is locked when they leave.
- The area around the cabin is accessible to the general public.
Utilities
- There is no water available at the cabin; guests must bring their own.
Wildlife & food storage
- Food and trash should not be left outside the cabin to prevent wildlife attraction.
Local regulations
- Contact the Helena Ranger District before your visit for any restrictions or conditions that may affect your stay.
Fires & fuel
- Do not move firewood; obtain it near your destination to prevent pest spread.
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Last updated: November 3, 2026
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service