Judith Guard Station is a historic Ranger Station dating back to the early 1900s. Designated as a National Historic Site, the cabin is decorated with historically accurate furnishings and wallpaper. It is just a stone's throw from the Middle Fork of the Judith River and a small campground with a picnic area. Mandatory bear food storage requirements apply, with specfic compliance information posted at the cabin.
The cabin, located about 30 mi south of Stanford, may be accessed by regular passenger vehicle until snow season. The road is usually plowed within 2 mi of the station, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle can often make the trip. In times of heavy snowfall, the last half-mile to the cabin may require a snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.
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.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Judith Guard Station offers a cozy atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, making it a great place for repeat visits. While some concerns were raised about cleanliness and water availability, guests appreciated the creek access for children and the overall experience. Caution is advised for families with small children due to fast ATV traffic in the area.
Everything about the Judith cabin is awesome. The location is beautiful. The cabin was clean and rustic. The combination lock is sticky, but it worked. The inside wallpaper is really interesting.
Really wish the oven worked. I know its winter time but could have been cleaner. Tons of flies in the window sills. Other than that very cozy and have stayed multiple times.
Everything was as expected....except for the water. The pump was removed for repair, so we had to bring our own water. Other than that everything was great. We had family who stayed in the campground, they raved about the creek access for the younger kids who were in the creek most of the time. Water was low, relatively slow for the height of the water. We will definitely return to this beautiful place. Visiting ATV drivers were driving awfully fast thru the camp area where little children were....so watch your small children so they dont get run over!!! Oh Sapphire Village and others in the area have Air BnB rentals for electricity and indoor bathrooms. My parents and aunts stayed in the Village and visited during the day (short 4 mi from the cabin and campground.)
Love this place, especially in winter for the off-track cross-country skiing. The snow has never failed in February! And you never have trouble getting a reservation. The last mile of road isn't plowed, and the last half-mile can be tricky in snowy conditions, but I've never failed to get all the way to the cabin with 4-wheel drive and (sometimes) chains. And hey, hauling gear 1/2 mi is a snap, if it comes to it.
The cabin is cozy, spacious and warm, and great for groups, with 3 bedrooms and a futon.
The best, most scenic skiing can be had going up the river from the cabin, as far as you like; or along Ettein Ridge. The quiet winter surroundings will astound you, as will the night sky. Do it! You'll come to love winter out here.
We didn’t end up staying the night. The cabin is in serious need of repair. It had broken windows and torn screens; as a result, the cabin was completely infested with flies. There were dozens of buzzing and dead flies around each window. The mattresses were filthy; a couple of the upstairs ones reeked of urine. It’s too bad because the area was beautiful; there is a river a few feet away with campsites. The campground was empty during our stay in early October, so we still enjoyed the area.
Sad for me to see this beautiful place in disrepair after having spent summers working on it 1994-1996. The water well needs repaired. We went expecting to have water and there's none. It hadn't been mowed around the cabin area. The front porch needs several boards replaced before someone falls through. The chinking is coming off under some of the windows. There is a rodent problem, lots of rock chucks to chew things up. They have been chewing holes in the porch planking. The previous renters have not cleaned up after themselves. This is our 4th year renting and we always leave it better than we find it. Needs to be checked on more often by FS staff. We had a wonderful time as always but this beautiful spot definitely needs some tlc.
It is awesome! River was to high and fast for fishing so we did more hiking and played baseball in the grass with a plastic ball and stick, laughed alot! When it rained we played board games and did puzzles. Thank you for all the wonderful things set up in there. Putting the flag up upon arrival always ads to the beauty and atmosphere. Plan on contributing to the indoor activities collection on our next visit in July. Its our favorite place to go when we can squeeze a small chance to get away from the ranch!
I was never sent the code for the padlock on the backdoor and because I had booked the cabin over the New Year's holiday there was no one in any Forest Service offices across the state to give me the code. Had to book a hotel for one night. I did eventually receive the code and spent one night. The propane heater in the cabin is less than adequate and the cabin didn't really warm up until I had to check out the next day. A wood stove would definitely make this place better! Probably a lovely place in the warmer months.
From Great Falls, travel east on U.S. Highway 87 for about 63 mi to Windham, Montana, from Windham turn right off HWY 200/87 and head south for approximately 10 mi until the town of Utica. Turn right at Utica, continue south for approximately 13 m...
From Great Falls, travel east on U.S. Highway 87 for about 63 mi to Windham, Montana, from Windham turn right off HWY 200/87 and head south for approximately 10 mi until the town of Utica. Turn right at Utica, continue south for approximately 13 mi on the county road. At the "Y" junction turn right nto the Middlefork road 822 and continue southwest for about 1 mi until you reack the "Y", stay to the left and continue for about 1 mi to the Judith Gaurd Station
The Guard Station is a historic site and is meant to be rented for use of the Guard Station itself. Due to the historic nature of this facility, campers and RVs may not be parked out front of the Station, but can be parked at the campground just down from the Guard Station. Not abiding by this historical preservation policy is grounds for eviction without refund.
Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility
No water, electricity or sewer hookups available
Cell phone reception is unreliable
Collect downed, dead wood for campfire firewood
Pets are not allowed in the cabin at any time, but can be kept outside in a kennel or on a six-foot or less leash. Users are responsible for removing all pet food and droppings from rental site prior to departure.
No camping units permitted at cabin site
Visitors must clean cabin prior to departure; a fee will be charged if extra clean-up is needed.
Walk-in reservations no longer accepted
Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating