OutReserve

Porcupine Cabin

Wildflowers in bloom at Porcupine Cabin
Back porch at Porcupine cabin
Fiddler looking at the view
Porcupine Cabin in the Crazies
Fire ring and benches at Porcupine

Featured amenities

Parking
Kitchen

About Porcupine Cabin

Porcupine Cabin sits in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,400 feet. It was built in 1914 after a previous structure burned down, and was remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Since its construction, the cabin has been used as temporary housing by Forest Service rangers while they were patrolling for timber poachers, watching for fires and monitoring livestock. Today, it is available year-round to outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to a variety of activities. Guests can drive to the cabin in the summer, but a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to road conditions. Winter access requires snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling up to 3 miles from the end of the maintained gravel road. Please park out of the way of snow plow equipment and do not block other users access or turn-around areas. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several 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
Kitchen
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Kitchen
  • Heating

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (28)

What Guests Are Saying

Porcupine Cabin offers a unique and cozy retreat with a wood-burning stove and stunning views of the Bridgers. It's well-stocked with amenities and has easy access to nearby trails, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Some guests noted proximity to a camping area and road traffic, but overall, the experience was enjoyable, with clean accommodations and friendly service.

Review Summary

4.7
28 reviews
5
78.6%
22
4
17.9%
5
3
0.0%
0
2
3.6%
1
1
0.0%
0

Jonah M

Verified

February 22, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

Really cool cabin with wood burning stove! Very close access to trails and great view of the Bridgers from a distance.

Shaina C

Verified

November 11, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

The cabin was awesome! Really a nice spot to relax. The only thing I wasn’t prepared for was people camping at the trailhead which is only 200 feet away from cabin. There were at least 20 people that came up to camp at night while we were staying there. The road goes right in front of the cabin and there were vehicles coming driving by for hours. It wasn’t exactly the off grid remote cabin I thought it would be but it was still really enjoyable!

Jana S

Verified

October 8, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

4

Close to trailhead!

Jill M

Verified

August 15, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

This cabin was beautiful. Well stocked with pots pans utensils puzzles and games. Such an amazing spot. We saw a bull moose in the field by the cabin. Thank you Forest Service for a fabulous place to stay.

Swep D

Verified

July 16, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

Cabin was clean when we arrived. good weather, beautiful views of the Shields Valley and the Bridgers. Left a Kindle behind and the District Ranger somehow managed to get it returned to us three days after we left.

Camille L

Verified

July 2, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

Porcupine cabin turned out to be such a perfect retreat for me and my friends. We were trying to go backpacking, but with the cold front on the weekend, we realize camping in freezing temperatures and found this last minute. The fireplace made the whole cabin so cozy and the mattresses were so much more comfortable than any other service cabin I’ve stayed at. They do have some pots and pans, which was nice as well. The cabin was well stocked with wood for the inside, but just a note if you want to have a campfire outside, maybe bring your own firewood because they don’t let you use the inside firewood outside just to keep that resource. Overall, such a beautiful view and a nice place to be. Would recommend.

Amber L

Verified

June 2, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

"Wow" - is about the only word I had for most of my 3 night stay; the views are amazing. Perfect weather in May - sunny but cool. I can imagine it might get a little warm inside the cabin in mid summer, but the elevation and perfect shade tree in front will most likely help. Many choices in beds, when I arrived, someone had pushed two together and this was a great idea, and they were pretty comfortable for FS mattresses. The road in is a breeze - just the last mile or two are rocky and rutty, but not that bad with high clearance and taking it slow n steady. Had 1 car per day stop at trailhead and I had to wrangle my excited dogs, so be prepared for visitors at times. Can't wait to return.

Blake B

Verified

March 3, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

Great place, only a couple grievances:
-View is too good.
-Sun was too bright
-Snow was too deep
-Stars were too bright
-Stove was too hot

Shane B

Verified

December 28, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

I stayed during a high-wind event with snow on the ground in mid-December. The cabin was magical and had terrific views of the valley. When I pulled in, I saw an ermine. Thank you to the person before me for leaving firewood, kindling, and gifts. The wood stove did a good job of heating the cabin. I like the breezeway, which helps keep the cold out. There are plenty of beds, tools, etc. Thank you to the NF staff who maintain cabins and lookouts for public use.

If you go, there is gas and a small but well-stocked grocery store in Winsail. The grocery store is not on the main road, and I had to get directions to the gas station.

Kristen H

Verified

February 17, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

Cabin was fully stocked! Had dishes, utensils, pots and pans, toilet paper, a propane stove, and lots of puzzles/board games. Lantern wasn’t working so bring your own if you want light.

Location Porcupine Cabin

Address:
5242 Highway 89 South
Livingston, MT, 59047
United States

Highway access

The campground is accessible via Highway 89, which is approximately 12 miles from Livingston, Montana. From Highway 89, travelers can reach the cabin by taking Shields River Road.

Latitude & Longitude: 46.1131 / -110.471

Elevation: 1977 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service