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 Parking
Kitchen Kitchen

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

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 Parking
Kitchen 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? Let us know

001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (33)

What Guests Are Saying

Porcupine Cabin offers a clean, well-maintained space with beautiful views and great access to hiking trails. Guests appreciate the cozy atmosphere with a wood-burning stove and the cabin's well-stocked kitchen. While there are minor issues like mice at night and nearby campers, the overall experience is enjoyable, making it a recommended retreat for nature lovers.

Review Summary

4.7
33 reviews
5
78.8%
26
4
18.2%
6
3
0.0%
0
2
3.0%
1
1
0.0%
0

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.

Holly S

Verified

January 29, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

We had a wonderful time in early January. Snow wasn't deep, so we were able to chain up and drive all the way in. Views are fabulous. The cabin itself is cozy and clean. Plenty of firewood. There were kitchen basics - pots and pans, silverware, mugs - which was handy. Lots of puzzles and games too.

Katherine K

Verified

January 5, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

Such a fun cabin. Plenty of cups, paper plates and untensils. Propane lantern just needs propane, and there were lots of games. Beautiful views and hiking.

Klaus G

Verified

July 8, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

******

Sarah B

Verified

June 18, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

Absolutely stunning views. Road gets rough in the last 11 miles, we made it in a front wheel drive vehicle, but only because it was dry. If it was snowy, 4WD or AWD would have been the only option. Cabin is well kept with tons of room to sleep. We loved it and will definitely be back!

Alice C

Verified

May 15, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA PORCUPINE CABIN

5

Always a favorite- only complaint is how booked it is but I think that speaks to how incredible this cabin is. I hope all "bookers" enjoy their stay and that this cabin stays available for all folks that continue to enjoy it

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.

Elevation: 1977 feet

Distance to downtown

45 mi drive to downtown Livingston (about 1 hr 2 min)

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 10, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service