OutReserve

Rillway Cabin

RILLWAY CABIN

About Rillway Cabin

Rillway Cabin is located 14 miles 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.

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
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Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
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Reviews (44)

What Guests Are Saying

Rillway Cabin offers a beautiful and comfortable retreat right on Deep Creek, ideal for larger groups with ample parking and cozy accommodations. Guests appreciate the serene atmosphere, multiple fire pits, and the absence of cell service, enhancing relaxation and connection with nature. However, some reviews mention rodent issues, particularly pack rats, which guests are advised to manage by using hard-sided storage for food.

Review Summary

4.4
44 reviews
5
59.1%
26
4
29.5%
13
3
6.8%
3
2
2.3%
1
1
2.3%
1

Jenna B

Verified

April 8, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

4

Love this sweet little cabin. Very cozy, love the River and rock wall!!! A little highway noise but no big deal. I’m disappointed with how people aren’t cleaning up their dogs poo. Please be respectful and responsible!!!

Karen A

Verified

March 30, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

3

Nice but really close to the highway. The creek and cliffs behind the cabin are beautiful. The cabin is very rustic, but was fine for one night. We enjoyed the brewery and hot springs in White Sulphur. It's about a 30 minute drive. Only complaint was the highway being so close. The trucks were very noisy and I was worried about our dogs getting out on the highway. There was also lots of dog poop close to the cabin. You really had to watch where you stepped. Nice place if you don't mind rustic.

john m

Verified

March 28, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

5

Always amazing at this cozy spot

Scott B

Verified

March 14, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

4

Clean, lots of wood, beautiful setting pros

Ice on front by door treacherous, fireplace smoky.

Mike G

Verified

February 24, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

4

Cabin in good shape except for the back door. it is only hanging on one hinge. We didn't use it while we were there. The front door is also questionable as it has a large gap you can see daylight through.

Jill V

Verified

January 20, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

5

We had so much fun! Cabin is one of the nicer forest cabins. Loved the stream out back. The stove (not in the fireplace) doesn’t seal correctly so it burns through a lot of wood. The one in the fireplace works much better for heating the cabin.

Christine E

Verified

January 9, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

4

Very nice cabin, easily accessible year round with a nice creekside backyard area. Plenty of firewood for the two wood stoves, amongst several other accommodating supplies. Recommend bringing your own lighting and (biodegradable) cleaning supplies/sponge/towels.

Jill V

Verified

October 15, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

5

Best forest service cabin I’ve been to.

Suzanne H

Verified

January 31, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

5

Beautiful cabin, convenient location and loved the creek in the back

Amy G

Verified

January 23, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

4

Nice little two room cabin very close to a beautiful creek. Cabin is right off the highway could hear some car passing noise but not much. cabin has a nice little wood-burning stove that kept it plenty warm. Nice fire pit/grill outdoors for cooking. Overall cozy cabin and great experience

Location Rillway Cabin

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

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.

Latitude & Longitude: 46.3335 / -111.241

Elevation: 1425 feet

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


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service