Haeja R
VerifiedOctober 27, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
Loved it!
Helpful
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
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
Picnic Table
Fire Pit
Bedrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Bedrooms
Missing information?
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
🏠
Cabin
Select dates to check availability
- 6 guests
Site Details
Up to 6 guests
Shade
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
Sort by: Newest First
JEREMIAH H
VerifiedOctober 7, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
Very rustic cabin that is a bit near the highway.
Helpful
Laurie J
VerifiedMay 18, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
The wood splitting mall was very, very dull. The wood in the wood shed was really too big for the stoves in the cabin. Would have been nice to have a sharper mall.
Helpful
Jennifer D
VerifiedMay 6, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
Great cabin. Nice and clean when we arrived!
Helpful
Jenna B
VerifiedApril 8, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
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!!!
Helpful
Karen A
VerifiedMarch 30, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
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.
Helpful
john m
VerifiedMarch 28, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
Always amazing at this cozy spot
Helpful
Scott B
VerifiedMarch 14, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
Clean, lots of wood, beautiful setting pros
Ice on front by door treacherous, fireplace smoky.
Helpful
Mike G
VerifiedFebruary 24, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
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.
Helpful
Jill V
VerifiedJanuary 20, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN
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.
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 ...
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
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Message us
Replies within minutes
Explore Townsend, MT
Population: 1,967
Nearby city: Bozeman, MT
Approx. 46 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 3,842 ft
Townsend, MT
Weather & Conditions
Loading destination weather
From our Travel Guides
Managed by the USDA Forest Service