Rillway Cabin

RILLWAY CABIN

Featured amenities

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

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

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
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 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
Missing information? Let us know

01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
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Reviews (47)

What Guests Are Saying

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.

Review Summary

4.4
47 reviews
5
61.7%
29
4
27.7%
13
3
6.4%
3
2
2.1%
1
1
2.1%
1

Judy T

Verified

February 2, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

5

We loved the easy access to this cabin which is just off of Hwy 12 that runs from Townsend and White Sulfur Springs. This made it easy to go to either town to utilize their amenities: stores, restaurants, micro breweries and hot springs! The cabin itself was very comfortable with two wood burning stoves which warmed up the cabin quickly. The sounds of the creek behind the cabin made for a very restful sleep, The only negative was the sounds from the road in the early morning and evening rush hours.

Abraham M

Verified

February 4, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

3

Three windows are missing and boarded up. Half the toilet was ripped off and just laying on the ground in the pit toilet. Disappointed and sad that this is in such disrepair.

William S

Verified

February 13, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

4

It's close to the road so there is some noise from trucks and cars. Very peaceful with the creek running behind the cabin.

Kaleb T

Verified

March 24, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

5

Great time at rillway, big table that seats six, plenty of wood provided in winter, games and cooking dishes provided. Two stoves, Many car parking, clean bathroom.

Ericca M

Verified

July 31, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

5

Awesome cabin. Very clean

Bryson W

Verified

October 23, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

4

Cabin is in good shape and has a brand new wood stove. 3 bunk beds can easily accommodate 6 people. Outhouse was relatively clean and well kept. Provided firewood for winter months is for indoor use so pick up some firewood nearby for the outdoor fire pit. The creek behind the cabin is very nice! White Sulphur Springs has an excellent hot spring that is worth visiting. There is highway noise but it’s not overly bothersome.

We really did enjoy our time here, but unfortunately there is an active pack rat infestation and they will get into your things. Make sure to bring hard sided totes to store food and elevate trash bags. Also, on our last night we discovered what appeared to be a chinchilla (not exactly sure what it was) scurrying around the kitchen. It seems to have taken up residence in the cabin. The caretakers of the cabin are working towards taking care of the rodent problem but as of now it is still an issue.

Anna E

Verified

October 25, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

2

Two of us stayed here on October 16-18, 2024. Such a lovely cabin with great indoor and outdoor spaces. Multiple places to have a fire, indoor and outdoor, and firewood provided this time of year. There is a picnic table outside, access to a creek/water, and a very clean pit toilet. Easily accessible by vehicle and had everything we needed. Some significant rodent activity was noted during our time here. Surely this is mostly a result of the time of season - as it's getting colder outside - but we wished we would've known before about their activity before our stay.

Anthony P

Verified

December 7, 2024 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

4

Had a great experience with my son. Wood shed was well stocked. Cabin was clean.

John P

Verified

April 11, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

5

So Relaxing And So Enjoyable At The Rillway Cabin.

Glenn W

Verified

July 24, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

1

This is a sadly declining cabin in a beautiful area. I have stayed in 20 different forest service cabins throughout Montana (including this one) before and not had to deal with pack rats. The forest service is aware of the pack rats and even provides a trap and instructions on how to trap them. Mice are common in the other cabins but are easier to trap and don't have the awful odor of a pack rat.

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.

Elevation: 1425 feet

Distance to downtown

14 mi drive to downtown Townsend (about 14 min)

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: September 9, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service