Strawberry Cabin

STRAWBERRY CABIN
STRAWBERRY CABIN
STRAWBERRY CABIN
STRAWBERRY CABIN
STRAWBERRY CABIN

Featured amenities

Parking Parking

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

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 (6,100 feet) 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.

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 Parking
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Heating

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Pull-Through
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (90)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.3
90 reviews
5
51.1%
46
4
32.2%
29
3
11.1%
10
2
2.2%
2
1
3.3%
3

Dylan Y

Verified

June 27, 2022 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

5

Strawberry Cabin was the perfect one-night getaway! My partner and I live in Missoula and drove through Helena to stay at the cabin for the night. Parts of the road were fairly rocky/uneven, so definitely best to have a high clearance vehicle. Our CRV did just fine! The cabin was well stocked and we did not see any hikers during our stay. There were games and puzzles available, and the built in, fold-out tables were amazing! We can't wait to visit again!

Dylan Y

Verified

June 27, 2022 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

5

Strawberry Cabin was the perfect one-night getaway! My partner and I live in Missoula and drove through Helena to stay at the cabin for the night. Parts of the road were fairly rocky/uneven, so definitely best to have a high clearance vehicle. Our CRV did just fine! The cabin was well stocked and we did not see any hikers during our stay. There were games and puzzles available, and the built in, fold-out tables were amazing! We can't wait to visit again!

Troy H

Verified

July 28, 2022 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

4

Non-resident was camping in the parking lot upon our arrival. He agreed to leave when found we rented for our family. Very rustic, we just slept on the bunks and cooked on the fire grate. Disappointed not able to climb into fire tower.

Troy H

Verified

July 28, 2022 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

4

Non-resident was camping in the parking lot upon our arrival. He agreed to leave when found we rented for our family. Very rustic, we just slept on the bunks and cooked on the fire grate. Disappointed not able to climb into fire tower.

Lee B

Verified

May 22, 2023 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

5

Be careful renting in the winter. Many folks have gotten stuck in the snow. It is not plowed

Lee B

Verified

May 22, 2023 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

5

Be careful renting in the winter. Many folks have gotten stuck in the snow. It is not plowed

carol c

Verified

June 23, 2023 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

5

Strawberry lookout cabin was very clean and comfomtable. The first night there was not a "camp stove" as listed in the outline of what to expect but we enjoyed a wonderful dinner over the outdoor fire. When we returned from a hike the next day, the camp stove was leaning against the cabin door with a note from Forest Service technician requesting we put it in the cabin as she did not want to invade our privacy by entering. We greatly appreciated respecting our privacy. The tech also left another roll of toilet paper. SO-- Our suggestion for future cabin renters .. come prepared, be flexible regarding your hikes (changes in weather) as well as # of general public looking in your cabin windows. Most importantly please leave the cabin as clean as ,or better, than you left it. We definitley give our experience a strong 5 of 5 stars. A HUGE thank you to the forest service for opening it to public use!!!

carol c

Verified

June 23, 2023 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

5

Strawberry lookout cabin was very clean and comfomtable. The first night there was not a "camp stove" as listed in the outline of what to expect but we enjoyed a wonderful dinner over the outdoor fire. When we returned from a hike the next day, the camp stove was leaning against the cabin door with a note from Forest Service technician requesting we put it in the cabin as she did not want to invade our privacy by entering. We greatly appreciated respecting our privacy. The tech also left another roll of toilet paper. SO-- Our suggestion for future cabin renters .. come prepared, be flexible regarding your hikes (changes in weather) as well as # of general public looking in your cabin windows. Most importantly please leave the cabin as clean as ,or better, than you left it. We definitley give our experience a strong 5 of 5 stars. A HUGE thank you to the forest service for opening it to public use!!!

Shelby B

Verified

September 9, 2023 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

3

A friend and I stayed two nights over Labor Day weekend 2023. The cabin itself is one of the cleanest, and nicest ones we've stayed in. It comes stocked with games, eating utensils, tea, camping supplies and more. The fire ring is really nice and has a built-in grill you can move on and off the fire. That area comes with logs to sit on and two picnic tables as well. The bathroom was nice and clean, and stocked with toilet paper.

Now the cons of the cabin - We were told that the cabin and the woodshed both had combo locks. When we got to the cabin though, both had key padlocks. The cabin was unlocked with the padlock inside, but the woodshed's lock was still on, and we weren't able to use the firewood all weekend.

If you are booking this cabin for the lookout - think again. We booked this cabin back in April with the intent of watching the sunrise in the lookout. When we arrived Labor Day weekend, the lookout had a gate that was padlocked, a sign that said "Closed to Public", and a fence that was being built around it. So we were very disappointed.

The third and quite possibly MOST frustrating aspect about this cabin is the traffic. Just like other reviews stated - be prepared for random people to show up. Over the two-night stay, we had 22 separate vehicles with multiple people show up, starting from 15 minutes after arrival on Friday, all the way until 10AM Sunday morning. At one point we had six Forestry trucks hauling 20 some people up to build part of a fence at 11AM on Saturday. Saturday was the worst day for traffic, as we were awaken by a large diesel truck flying up the hill at 5:30AM and ended the day with a car hanging out at 9:30PM as we were laying down. If you stay here, be very prepared to get woken up by side-by-sides and have random people stop by your camp and ask to look around for a bit....even if you're in the middle of breakfast. It was NOT peaceful to say the very least and actually stressful at times.

Shelby B

Verified

September 9, 2023 Stayed at: Strawberry Cabin, Loop: STRAWBERRY CABIN

3

A friend and I stayed two nights over Labor Day weekend 2023. The cabin itself is one of the cleanest, and nicest ones we've stayed in. It comes stocked with games, eating utensils, tea, camping supplies and more. The fire ring is really nice and has a built-in grill you can move on and off the fire. That area comes with logs to sit on and two picnic tables as well. The bathroom was nice and clean, and stocked with toilet paper.

Now the cons of the cabin - We were told that the cabin and the woodshed both had combo locks. When we got to the cabin though, both had key padlocks. The cabin was unlocked with the padlock inside, but the woodshed's lock was still on, and we weren't able to use the firewood all weekend.

If you are booking this cabin for the lookout - think again. We booked this cabin back in April with the intent of watching the sunrise in the lookout. When we arrived Labor Day weekend, the lookout had a gate that was padlocked, a sign that said "Closed to Public", and a fence that was being built around it. So we were very disappointed.

The third and quite possibly MOST frustrating aspect about this cabin is the traffic. Just like other reviews stated - be prepared for random people to show up. Over the two-night stay, we had 22 separate vehicles with multiple people show up, starting from 15 minutes after arrival on Friday, all the way until 10AM Sunday morning. At one point we had six Forestry trucks hauling 20 some people up to build part of a fence at 11AM on Saturday. Saturday was the worst day for traffic, as we were awaken by a large diesel truck flying up the hill at 5:30AM and ended the day with a car hanging out at 9:30PM as we were laying down. If you stay here, be very prepared to get woken up by side-by-sides and have random people stop by your camp and ask to look around for a bit....even if you're in the middle of breakfast. It was NOT peaceful to say the very least and actually stressful at times.

Location Strawberry Cabin

Address:
Helena Ranger District, 2880 Skyway Dr
Helena, MT, 59602
United States

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.

Elevation: 1862 feet

Distance to downtown

14 mi drive to downtown Helena (about 32 min)

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 10, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service