Muddy Guard Cabin

USFS cabins and lookouts are not comparable to commercial for profit rentals. You are relying on previous renters to clean the cabin before you arrive which sometimes does not happen. Our star review is based upon a rustic cabin experience and some cabins have electricity, propane or just a wood stove. A 5 star for a USFS cabin or lookout could equal a 2 or 3 star review to a regular for profit cabin.

Review from May 2021. Wonderful place! Nice to have a cabin with electric heat, lights, a fridge, stove/oven and microwave. Also has a huge sink for cleaning but does not have running water.

You have to call to get the combination but they will not give it to you if you are more than 72 hours out from your stay.

I have Verizon & was able to get & send texts although delayed at times.

Forest Service wants the fridge unplugged and doors open when leaving so close the doors and plug in as soon as you get there.

People take very good care of this place. Nice supplies although I am glad I had brought paper towels.

The mattress in the master was comfy.

The room with the bunks was huge. That used to be a garage which is why it looks added on. I laughed when I saw the size of the dresser. Was this for the Brady Bunch?

Nice pit toilet. Fairly new and clean.

Good supply of wood but I prefer the electric heat. Less work although noisy.

Chair by fireplace is pretty nasty. I would not even put stuff on it temporarily. Needs cushions replaced or reupholstered. It probably should be put in the bunk room as it blocks the wall heater and is in the way but I didn't want to rock the cabin.

Nice views with a creek nearby and all kinds of different birds. If only I had 3 more seconds to take a photo of that bluebird!

Downside are the roads nearby especially the one right by the cabin. I didn't have an issue with ATVs going by as others mentioned but I can see that is a big issue during warmer months. It would be a big downside if you are easily annoyed.

Crazy Woman Canyon is closed right now which I was hoping to go down.

Forest Service needs to update the photos to show what a wonderful cabin this is. The current grainy small photos do not do it justice! If you are trying to decide between this and Pole Creek cabin this is better for all the amenities at only $5 more.

So surprising to get all these amenities for the price compared to other locations.

Thanks Powder River Ranger District!

Wonderful place to stay and enjoy the outdoors

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Even though it was -11 degrees one morning and -13 degrees another outside, the woodstove was able to keep us warm. It's a nice little cabin that has a lot of history. The Forest Service has maintained it well.

This is a wildly beautiful place. There are several trailheads within an hour. No cell service whatsoever.

Just got back from our stay at this cabin! We lucked out as we talked about staying in this cabin for years and we were able to book a few days over spring break last minute! This cabin has a microwave, a toaster, coffee maker, a few pots/pans with lids, a refrigerator, electric stove, and electric heat. It has a couple of plates and bowls and a couple of pieces of silverware (I would recommend bringing our own disposable ones and some dishsoap as there was very little left). There is no cell service (one of my favorite things about it) and wonderful views! There were several inches of snow but we were prepared for more with chains if needed to get in/out--be mindful of this cabins location as this is the Big Horns and snow SHOULD be around until May-ish so plan accordingly. There are games and puzzles in the bedroom third drawer to play. We did NOT have firewood like everyone mentioned so we did have to go get scout some. It was a chore to get it with all the snow and I wish we would have packed a chainsaw for this task but it worked out doing it the ol fashioned way with an ax and a sled--warmed us up twice!!! Just don't bank on there being some for you to use like we did! We made terrific memories with our kiddos and wish we would have stayed all four available nights instead of three! So worth it!

Love this place!

Cabin was clean and well equipped, we had a great time! Make sure to check out the Crazy Woman Canyon just next door. We also hiked the trail to James T. Saban Fire Lookout, short, but challenging, great views of the area.

Always love our time at the cabin!

We were pleasantly surprised with this cabin. We were expecting a much more "rough it" kind of situation but there were excellent electric heaters, lots of wood for the stove, cooking supplies (pots, pans, etc) and even a coffee pot! We loved our time at Muddy Guard.