Bloody Dick Cabin
3.8214 reviews420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725, USA
Bloody Dick Cabin
$55.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak Season facility rate is $55.00 per night for the cabin. Additional fees apply for reservation changes ($10 fee) or cancellations.
About this campground
Escape to Bloody Dick Cabin, where rustic charm meets mountain solitude in the heart of Montana's Bitterroot Mountains. This cozy one-room wood-frame sanctuary sits quietly near the pristine waters of Reservoir Lake, surrounded by towering Lodgepole Pines that whisper stories of the wilderness. Available year-round, this historic cabin offers adventurers a genuine backcountry experience just beneath the majestic Continental Divide, where the landscape transforms with each season and every sunrise brings new possibilities.
Bloody Dick Cabin primarily serves as a rental cabin, offering a rustic lodging option with basic amenities. It is surrounded by a small campground near Reservoir Lake.
Historical SignificanceStep into a piece of the Old West at this cabin bearing the colorful name of Richard 'Bloody' Leigh, an English trapper whose legend lives on in these mountains. The cabin serves as a gateway to some of America's most storied paths, including portions of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Here, modern adventurers follow in the footsteps of explorers, trappers, and Native peoples who traversed these mountain passes for centuries, making this humble cabin a bridge between past and present.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Montana's mountain seasons at Bloody Dick Cabin. Winter wraps the landscape in crystalline snow, with temperatures that plunge below freezing and snowstorms that transform the forest into a pristine wonderland. When summer arrives, the mountain air warms to perfection, creating ideal conditions for exploration. This is when the cabin truly comes alive as a basecamp for hikers, mountain bikers, and anglers eager to cast their lines into crystal-clear mountain waters. Each season paints the landscape with its own palette, offering visitors a completely different adventure throughout the year.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,100 feet above sea level, the cabin offers that rare high-altitude experience where the air is crisp, the stars seem close enough to touch, and every breath reminds you that you've truly escaped to the mountains.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle murmur of Bloody Dick Creek flowing past your doorstep, while ancient Lodgepole Pines stand sentinel around the cabin like nature's own cathedral. Just a short walk brings you to the shimmering expanse of Reservoir Lake, where morning mist dances across the water and shorebirds perform their daily rituals. This is bear country – both Black and Grizzly bears roam these forests, reminding visitors that this is truly wild Montana. The interplay of water, forest, and mountain creates a landscape that shifts from intimate creek-side moments to sweeping mountain vistas.
Geological RegionDiscover your place beneath the Continental Divide, where the Bitterroot Mountains rise like ancient guardians of the Montana wilderness. This remarkable geological setting places you at one of North America's most significant watersheds, surrounded by a thriving Lodgepole Pine forest that has adapted perfectly to this high-mountain environment. Here, the very rocks beneath your feet tell the story of continental forces that shaped the American West, while the divide above determines whether raindrops will eventually flow to the Atlantic or Pacific.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is not ADA-compliant, and amenities like bunk beds do not include ladders, making accessibility difficult for those with physical limitations.
Sites SizeThe cabin is small and can accommodate a maximum of four guests.
Sites PrivacySurrounded by a Lodgepole Pine Forest, the cabin offers a secluded and private setting. Some reviews mention occasional interruptions from hunters entering through the locked gate.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bedding, cleaning supplies, fly traps, and amenities for cooking and firewood preparation.
Best CampsitesSingle cabin available. No specific site recommendations exist.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null.
Check-out
Null.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with fenced yard, surrounded by Lodgepole Pines.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNull.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before check-in date incur a $10 fee and forfeit the reservation fees. Late cancellations (less than 14 days for cabins) subtract the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bloody Dick Cabin offers a variety of year-round recreational activities. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in Bloody Dick Creek or Reservoir Lake, while hikers and bikers can explore nearby historic trails. Winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Wildlife viewing is also popular, featuring birds like sandhill cranes and other local fauna.
Hiking
Numerous trailheads nearby connect to historic trails such as the Nez Perce National Historic Trail and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Trails vary in difficulty and length.Fishing
Fishing is available in Bloody Dick Creek and Reservoir Lake, where anglers may catch Rainbow and Brown trout. Montana fishing licenses are required, and boats must be registered and inspected for aquatic nuisances.Swimming
Swimming is possible at Reservoir Lake, which is non-motorized-boat-friendly and offers a quiet atmosphere. Some reviewers noted the cold water temperatures late in the season.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity at nearby trailheads, with trails connecting to historic routes like the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted at Reservoir Lake, which is equipped with a primitive boat ramp.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is abundant, with shorebirds like sandhill cranes and other local fauna frequently seen in the Lodgepole Pine Forest and around Bloody Dick Creek.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing at Reservoir Lake.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular at Reservoir Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood is provided but not guaranteed; use conservatively and replenish split wood and kindling before leaving.
- Quiet hours are Null.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack and Grizzly bears present; risk of exposure to hantavirus in remote cabins; snow and ice hazards during winter travel.
Active alertsNull.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Dillon Ranger District at 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725; Phone: (406) 683-3900.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not provided; guests must pack out all garbage and leave the cabin clean for the next user.
Proximity to water featuresReservoir Lake (~1 mile north of cabin, equipped with primitive boat ramp).
Common complaintsHigher rental fees ($20 increased to $55); lack of maintenance including broken windows, tarp ceiling, and inadequate floor conditions; propane oven issues.
HostDillon Ranger District (406-683-3900) for assistance.
Campground Map
420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725, USA
Driving directionsFrom Dillon, travel south on I-15 for about 19 miles and exit at Clark Canyon Reservoir (Hwy 324). Travel 17 miles west on Highway 324 through Grant, MT. Proceed west and turn north onto Bloody Dick Road/Forest Road 181. Continue about 18 miles following road signs. The Bloody Dick Guard Station is 1/2-mile off FS Road 181. You will have to unlock the double gate and proceed another 1/16 of a mile to the cabin. The combination to the gate is the same as the cabin combination you will receive in the confirmation letter.
During snow-free season, accessible by passenger vehicle, though portions are gravel, dirt, and rock, making travel slow and rough. Snow conditions may require travel up to 23 miles by snowmobile or skis.Nearby places
Jackson, Montana (~25 miles)
Grant, Montana (~25 miles northwest).
Nearby supplies
Dillon Ranger District offers maps for navigation. Other supply details are null.
Camper Reviews
3.8
14 reviews
Bloody Dick Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cabin's remote and peaceful setting, with mixed opinions on maintenance and price increases. The cabin is described as rustic, and many guests appreciate its seclusion and proximity to recreational activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests praised the large supply of firewood, the secluded location, and the unique wildlife. Several reviewers appreciated the cabin's proximity to Reservoir Lake and historic hiking trails.
Based on 14 reviewsCommon Concerns
The vault toilet and cabin cleanliness occasionally need attention, and some amenities like the propane oven and lights are frequently reported as malfunctioning. Other complaints include broken...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend bringing fly traps during summer, extra mantles for propane lanterns, and matches or lighters. They emphasize packing out garbage and replenishing wood supplies before departure.
Based on 14 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter visitors noted challenges accessing the cabin due to snow, while summer and fall provide easier access and more opportunities for outdoor activities. Spring offers ice fishing as a unique...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Firewood is plentiful, and the cabin is a wonderful home base for exploring the surrounding area." – Jim M (July 2020) "The cabin is surrounded by lots of trees so you get your own private slice of...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 001 has mixed reviews, with guests appreciating the secluded setting but noting maintenance issues and occasional interruptions from hunters.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is challenging due to bunk beds without ladders and uneven cabin flooring. The property lacks ADA-compliant features.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but guests should be prepared for the remote setting and ensure their pets are comfortable with wildlife like squirrels and other animals.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025