Basin Station Cabin is a primitive, rustic, two-room structure located in the Hebgen Lake Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The cabin is open year-round. The adjacent road is heavily traveled. Winter guests can snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile to the cabin up to three miles from the nearest available parking. This cabin is parking accessible during warmer months.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Basin Station Cabin is a clean, cozy, and spacious accommodation, making it an excellent base for exploring Yellowstone. Guests appreciated the rustic charm, warmth from the wood stove, and the beautiful, quiet surroundings, despite some local traffic. While the approach can be busy and icy conditions may be a concern, many found the cabin to be well-equipped and enjoyed their overall experience.
The cabin is really clean and comfortable. The area is beautiful and quiet, though there is some local traffic on the road out front. There are hiking trails and scenic walking. It's about a 20 min drive to the entrance to Yellowstone NP, 10-15 minutes to the town of W. Yellowstone. I had cell reception the whole time. Highly recommend for anyone looking to be comfortable but also somewhat secluded and with limited distractions.
The cabin is really clean and comfortable. The area is beautiful and quiet, though there is some local traffic on the road out front. There are hiking trails and scenic walking. It's about a 20 min drive to the entrance to Yellowstone NP, 10-15 minutes to the town of W. Yellowstone. I had cell reception the whole time. Highly recommend for anyone looking to be comfortable but also somewhat secluded and with limited distractions.
There were no frying pans so I called the ranger station and was told I had to make do with what was there but miraculously a brand new frying pan showed up the next morning and then the next day a few more sauce pans appeared on the porch. A big thank you for that really topped off a wonderful week at the cabin with good friends and family.
There were no frying pans so I called the ranger station and was told I had to make do with what was there but miraculously a brand new frying pan showed up the next morning and then the next day a few more sauce pans appeared on the porch. A big thank you for that really topped off a wonderful week at the cabin with good friends and family.
What a dream it was to stay here! Some updates to the listing: the road to the cabin is paved, mattresses and cleaning supplies are provided. AT&T had great service. We used the wood stove and the wood was easy to access and we'll stocked. The outhouse was clean and new.
What a dream it was to stay here! Some updates to the listing: the road to the cabin is paved, mattresses and cleaning supplies are provided. AT&T had great service. We used the wood stove and the wood was easy to access and we'll stocked. The outhouse was clean and new.
Spent a week in June 2023. The new outhouse is top notch, as are the foundation repairs to the cabin and a new counter top. I brought along a temporary vinyl fence again to put along the west side so my border collies don’t wander on to the county road and have a disaster that would ruin the trip. It did its job. Basin Station is my favorite forest service cabin, because of all the open space to the east and north, and then you can cross the road and hike west up towards Lionhead, all which are forest service land. We did that often at dusk, making sure to yell ‘hey griz’ once in a while. That back barn is incredibly photogenic in the evening light, and I got some good shots of me and the dogs, which you will be able to see on journeywest dot com.
Spent a week in June 2023. The new outhouse is top notch, as are the foundation repairs to the cabin and a new counter top. I brought along a temporary vinyl fence again to put along the west side so my border collies don’t wander on to the county road and have a disaster that would ruin the trip. It did its job. Basin Station is my favorite forest service cabin, because of all the open space to the east and north, and then you can cross the road and hike west up towards Lionhead, all which are forest service land. We did that often at dusk, making sure to yell ‘hey griz’ once in a while. That back barn is incredibly photogenic in the evening light, and I got some good shots of me and the dogs, which you will be able to see on journeywest dot com.
The road to the cabin was snowed in so we were not able to get to the cabin so we did not stay in the cabin
Contacted Will Smith at Forest service in West Yellowstone and he was no help.
The road to the cabin was snowed in so we were not able to get to the cabin so we did not stay in the cabin
Contacted Will Smith at Forest service in West Yellowstone and he was no help.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Basin Station Cabin
Po Box 520, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 United States
Summer directions from West Yellowstone: Proceed west on U.S. Highway 20 for approximately 6.5 mi. Turn right on Denny Creek Road and continue approximately two miles north. The cabin is located on the right side of the road.
Winter directions fr...
Summer directions from West Yellowstone: Proceed west on U.S. Highway 20 for approximately 6.5 mi. Turn right on Denny Creek Road and continue approximately two miles north. The cabin is located on the right side of the road.
Winter directions from West Yellowstone: Proceed west on U.S. Highway 20 for approximately 7.5 mi. Parking is available at the Buttermilk Trailhead, located approximately one mile up Highway 20 from Denny Creek Road, to the left. Guests will need to ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe one mile down Highway 20 from the Buttermilk Trailhead parking lot, and proceed along the two mile trail to the cabin.
During the spring and fall, guests are encouraged to call the Hebgen Lake Ranger District at (406) 823-6961 for road conditions and access to the cabin. Road conditions can vary greatly.
Keep the cabin lock combination code accessible; it's provided in the confirmation email or letter.
Cancellation policy
Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Safety & rules
Clean all high touch surfaces upon arrival and departure; bring your own cleaning supplies and pack out all trash and belongings.
There is no garbage service; bring garbage bags and pack out all trash.
Keep the fence gate closed to prevent horses from escaping.
Be aware of the risk of hantavirus exposure in remote cabins.
Check weather forecasts and road conditions prior to your visit.
Wildlife & food storage
Store all food and attractants inside the cabin due to frequent grizzly bear activity; compliance will be monitored.
Utilities
No water is provided in the cabin; bring your own or treat natural water sources.
Fires & fuel
Candles are prohibited inside the cabin.
Firewood is provided for indoor use only from October 1 to May 31; not available for outdoor campfires.
Site types & loops
No stock use is allowed at the cabin due to space limitations.
