RILLWAY CABIN
RILLWAY CABIN
RILLWAY CABIN

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Bedrooms Bedrooms

About Rillway Cabin

Rillway Cabin is located 14 mi east of Townsend, Montana along scenic Deep Creek in Helena National Forest. Its history can be traced to Dr. A.C. Kelly, a physician who arrived in Townsend in 1915 and served as mayor from 1920-1924. In 1918, Dr. Kelly obtained a term permit from the Forest Service for the cabin site. The cabin was built between 1918 and 1922, then sold to Nellie Hale Averill and her son-in-law, Floyd L. Hollaway. By 1924, the cabin was known as "Rillway," a combination of the Averill and Hollaway family names. Today the cabin is a comfortable, rustic getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in west-central Montana. It offers the easiest access of any cabins on the Helena National Forest, being accessible by vehicle year-round. Several amenities are offered, but guests will need to bring some of their own supplies.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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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 Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
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01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

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  • 6 guests

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
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Reviews

48 reviews

Summary

AI generated

The Rillway Cabin offers a comfortable and relaxing getaway, featuring clean accommodations, a lovely creekside setting, and multiple fire options for guests. Many enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, lack of cell service, and the spacious layout suitable for larger groups. However, there are noted rodent issues, particularly with pack rats, and guests are advised to bring hard-sided storage for food.

Based on guest feedback

4.5

Overall rating

Based on 48 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 62.5% (30)
4 stars 27.1% (13)
3 stars 6.3% (3)
2 stars 2.1% (1)
1 star 2.1% (1)

Showing 48 reviews

Kayleigh D

Verified

October 11, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Best cabin! Very clean, once we got the fire going it kept the home all warm for us. We were in awe that our puzzle had all its pieces there! 10/10 experience!

Helpful

Evan P

Verified

May 24, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

The location is fantastic - saw an American Dipper fishing for its family in the stream right outside the cabin. Highway noise is present but bearable. The rough part is the cabin - six broken windows and a serious rat problem, with a fair amount of rodent poop on surfaces when we arrived. The gnawing sounds kept me up almost all night, I ended up sleeping in the car. Note that we had ZERO food inside the cabin.

Helpful

Joey B

Verified

December 13, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

What a wonderful time tucked away in a beautiful setting! We loved having two wood burning stoves while cooking, it was well stocked with wood when we came, we enjoyed how spacious it was and the sound of the creek out the back was splendid.

Didn’t love how close it was to the road as far as traffic goes, but it was relative quiet. It made it nice to know we could get here easily in the winter. It also felt a little dark in the cabin since the canyon walls surround us and there is limited daylight this time of the year. The combination of our lanterns and the ones provided got the job done and we enjoyed visiting with great friends and played lots of pinnacle. We were happy to also find a cabin that was dog friendly. Given the nice proximity to both Three Forks and Helena, we will hopefully visit again!

Helpful

Maggie L

Verified

December 1, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Wonderfully supplied, roomy, clean, and cozy. We had everything we needed, although we could have brought more light sources, and enjoyed the comfort and ease of the location. We are hoping to return in warmer weather to enjoy the outdoor creek area and fire pit.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Rillway Cabin

415 S. Front Street, Townsend, MT 59644 United States

Elevation: 1,425 ft

Getting There

The cabin is accessible year-round by vehicle. From the 4-way stop light in Townsend, turn east on Hwy 12. Follow the road for 14 mi and

watch for the Rillway Cabin sign along the right side of the highway at the 14-mile

marker. There is also a ...

Nearest town

Townsend, MT - 14 mi

About 14 min to downtown

Highway access

Rillway Cabin is accessible via United States Highway 12, which can be reached from Townsend. The cabin is located approximately 14 miles east of Townsend along Hwy 12.

Policies & Rules

General

  • Entry to the cabin is by combination lock, your reservation confirmation email will have the combination code.
  • Do not leave food or trash outside the cabin
  • All garbage and food must be packed out
  • The cabin is a no-smoking facility
  • Please clean cabin upon departure
  • Make sure cabin is locked upon departure
  • Learn more about the Helena National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: November 2, 2026

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Explore Townsend, MT

Population: 1,967

Nearby city: Bozeman, MT

Approx. 46 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 3,842 ft

Townsend, MT

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service