Mike G
VerifiedMarch 10, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
Cabin in good shape
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Featured amenities
Parking
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
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
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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
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
Bedrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Bedrooms
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01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
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Cabin
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- 6 guests
Site Details
Up to 6 guests
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Reviews
48 reviews
Summary
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
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
Verified Only
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alex m
VerifiedApril 4, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
Quiet, peaceful. .clean
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Evan P
VerifiedMay 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.
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Kayleigh D
VerifiedOctober 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!
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Todd K
VerifiedOctober 15, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
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Todd K
VerifiedOctober 15, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
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Todd K
VerifiedOctober 15, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
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Lindsay R
VerifiedFebruary 20, 2023 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
Beautiful cabin we love staying here!
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Paul B
VerifiedFebruary 26, 2023 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
No comment
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Robert P
VerifiedMay 19, 2023 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
The cabin is in a particularly nice spot.
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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 ...
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 sign that welcomes you to the National Forest.
Please
note, only right turns are allowed when you leave the cabin area. Approximately
1 mi to the east is a pull out; use this to turn around if you must drive west.
Please respect the private lands that are near the cabin site.
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
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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