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

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Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
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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

Glenn W

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Kent H

Verified

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

Loved it here, amazing spot, kids didn't want to leave. No verizon service, but good service ~5 min west. Close to fast road. Still 5 star.

Helpful

Heather S

Verified

September 3, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Very luxurious cabin compared to many other forest service cabins. Great spot for larger groups, with plenty of parking. Very nice spot, comfy beds. There is a Coleman and a propane lantern provided for anyone reading this, and a sink without running water but nice to do dishes if you bring your own water! We didn’t have any mouse problems like others did but we did see a mountain lion outside around midnight!

Rangers- the door handle on outhouse is broken. We kept a boulder in front of the door to keep it shut.

Helpful

Evangelina F

Verified

September 4, 2025 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Love going to Rillway.
Make sure to bring propane for the lantern, it gets really dark, before October bring your own firewood. The fire pit is amazing. We love reading the journals and setting by the stream.
And the best part … no cell service.

Helpful

Mike O

Verified

April 5, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Cabin was very nice and comfy for our little retreat of 7.
Great place to Rest, Reflect & Rejuvenate. Would certainly do it again.

Helpful

Katie R

Verified

May 21, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Great midweek getaway. Hammock by the creek was nice, easy to get to, cabin was clean!

Helpful

Tim A

Verified

August 20, 2026 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA RILLWAY CABIN

Nice Cabin, comfortable, shade by the stream on a hot after noon, rain on the roof during g a thunderstorm.

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