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
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
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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
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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.
Beautiful area with beautiful views.Great cabin. It's on a dead end road on the mountain top. But it is a popular drive for many people so not much privacy. Even had a truck come up at 11pm with music blasting and young guys hooting to let themselves be know. Does not leave one feeling secure. Too busy of a place if you would like to be alone.
Beautiful area with beautiful views.Great cabin. It's on a dead end road on the mountain top. But it is a popular drive for many people so not much privacy. Even had a truck come up at 11pm with music blasting and young guys hooting to let themselves be know. Does not leave one feeling secure. Too busy of a place if you would like to be alone.
It's in a beautiful location with a nice biking/hiking trail nearby. A very well-cared for cabin with everything you need except privacy. I am trying to keep it positive, but I have to comment on the fact that it's a major attraction in the area. Luckily, I was there for four rainy days, which cut down on the traffic. However, I had visitors every night, all friendly, non-threatening folks. On my last and only sunny day, I was met by 10 people in under an hour. For this reason, I couldn't give it a 5/5.
It's in a beautiful location with a nice biking/hiking trail nearby. A very well-cared for cabin with everything you need except privacy. I am trying to keep it positive, but I have to comment on the fact that it's a major attraction in the area. Luckily, I was there for four rainy days, which cut down on the traffic. However, I had visitors every night, all friendly, non-threatening folks. On my last and only sunny day, I was met by 10 people in under an hour. For this reason, I couldn't give it a 5/5.
A lovely retreat atop a small mountain in the heart of the Elkhorns Wildlife Management Unit. It was a climb up over snow with gear packed on sleds, and just lovely coming back down after our stay. Watch for ravens doing acrobatics! We also saw swans, eagles, deer and nuthatches.
There is a single sizable cook pot and a medium fry pan, fyi. Thanks to the Helena Ranger District for supplying firewood!
A lovely retreat atop a small mountain in the heart of the Elkhorns Wildlife Management Unit. It was a climb up over snow with gear packed on sleds, and just lovely coming back down after our stay. Watch for ravens doing acrobatics! We also saw swans, eagles, deer and nuthatches.
There is a single sizable cook pot and a medium fry pan, fyi. Thanks to the Helena Ranger District for supplying firewood!
We stayed on Jan 16. The road going up to the cabin was a solid sheet of ice. Our regular cab truck couldn’t make it. We parked and walked the extra 1/2 mi to the gate. On the southwest slopes no snow at all but several inches at the top and north facing slopes. Fire tower is locked. You cannot climb to the top which was disappointing. But the views are still amazing and the cabin was clean and snug. We actually got hot. The wood stove is amazing. Love this cabin and would go back again! You won’t regret this trip!
We stayed on Jan 16. The road going up to the cabin was a solid sheet of ice. Our regular cab truck couldn’t make it. We parked and walked the extra 1/2 mi to the gate. On the southwest slopes no snow at all but several inches at the top and north facing slopes. Fire tower is locked. You cannot climb to the top which was disappointing. But the views are still amazing and the cabin was clean and snug. We actually got hot. The wood stove is amazing. Love this cabin and would go back again! You won’t regret this trip!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Strawberry Cabin
Helena Ranger District, 2880 Skyway Dr, Helena, MT 59602 United States
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.
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.