Notch Cabin
01 review5 FOREST SERVICE RD.
Notch Cabin
$3.00 - $9.00 / 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
Recreation use fees vary by site and activity. Reservation fees include $8 for online/app, $9 for contact center reservations, and $3 for in-person reservations.
About this campground
Tucked away in the untamed wilderness of southwestern Montana, Notch Cabin offers a rare escape into one of the West's last true frontiers. This remote mountain retreat, nestled within a proposed wilderness area, beckons adventurers seeking solitude among sweeping sage-covered valleys and towering timbered peaks. Open from July through November, the cabin rewards those willing to navigate the rugged four-wheel drive access roads with an authentic backcountry experience where wildlife roams freely and the modern world feels wonderfully distant.
Notch Cabin is a specialized camping accommodation offering a wilderness cabin experience for up to two people.
Historical SignificanceRising from the ashes of tragedy, today's Notch Cabin carries forward a century-old legacy of Montana's mining heritage. After fire claimed the historic structure in 2019, dedicated craftspeople meticulously reconstructed the cabin following the original blueprints laid down by a lone miner in the early 1900s. This phoenix-like rebirth ensures that modern visitors can still experience the same rustic charm and frontier spirit that has sheltered dreamers and adventurers in this remote notch for over a hundred years.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives late at this elevation, painting the meadows with wildflowers and bringing perfect hiking weather to the high country. Fall transforms the landscape into a golden tapestry, with crisp days ideal for backpacking adventures. When winter descends upon the Snowcrest Range, it arrives with authority—temperatures regularly plunge to around 20°F, and weekly snowfalls can blanket the cabin with nearly two inches of fresh powder. There's a one-in-five chance of snow on any given winter day, creating a pristine but challenging wonderland for the truly hardy.
ElevationPerched at a breathtaking 8,470 feet above sea level, Notch Cabin occupies that sweet spot where the air is thin enough to remind you of the altitude but pure enough to cleanse your lungs with every breath. At this elevation, summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool even on the warmest days, while the panoramic vistas stretch endlessly across Montana's wild heart, offering the kind of views that make the challenging journey worthwhile.
Natural Features and SceneryCradled in a pristine mountain meadow between the dramatic peaks of Olson and Hogback Mountains, Notch Cabin sits at the heart of the majestic Snowcrest Range. Just steps from your door, the crystalline waters of Robb Creek dance past, providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. This high-altitude sanctuary borders the sprawling 28,000-acre Robb-Ledford Wildlife Management Area, where morning visitors might include curious elk, graceful mule deer, or even the occasional grizzly bear. The landscape here tells a story of elevation, transitioning from windswept sagebrush steppes to dense evergreen forests that climb toward rocky summits.
Geological RegionThe cabin's dramatic setting in a natural notch between Olson Peak and Hogback Mountain showcases the raw geological power of the Snowcrest Range. This corner of southwestern Montana's proposed wilderness presents a fascinating ecological gradient where the Great Basin's sagebrush sea meets the Rocky Mountains' forested slopes. The result is a diverse landscape that captures the essence of the Mountain West—expansive grasslands give way to aspen groves and eventually to dark timber stands, all carved by ancient forces into the dramatic topography that defines this remote corner of Big Sky Country.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned for Notch Cabin.
Sites SizeStandard cabin size suitable for two individuals.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote wilderness area, offering high privacy and seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive prepared with high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles and supplemental supplies such as water, propane canisters, and certified weed-free feed if bringing livestock.
Best CampsitesNot applicable; only one cabin available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in requires obtaining the cabin code during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
Check-out
Guests must vacate before the reservation end.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 16 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is two people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin accommodation, no campsite loops or sections.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from July 1 through November.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (online, app, contact center).
Walk-in AvailabilityNot applicable as the cabin requires advance reservations and is locked—combination required from the Madison Ranger District office.
Cancellation PolicyReservations that are canceled less than 14 days before the arrival date incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's fee. Late cancellations are considered starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in for individual campsites and 14 days or fewer for cabins. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit 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
Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Notch Cabin provides access to a range of outdoor activities suited for adventurous visitors. Popular activities include big game hunting, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and fishing in nearby seasonal mountain streams. Wildlife viewing is also highly encouraged.
Hiking
The Snowcrest Trail is located within a mile of the cabin and spans 40 miles, offering panoramic views. Hiking options range from day trips to extended backpacking adventures.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby seasonal streams with species such as brook trout.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding wildlife management area offers opportunities to see elk, grizzly bears, mule deer, upland birds, and other species.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests must replenish split wood and kindling after use. Motorized vehicles cannot transport firewood off-road.
Hazards
General hazardsGrowing grizzly bear population poses safety concerns; bear safety and food storage measures are mandatory. Risks of hantavirus and rodent poison exposure inside the cabin. Rough terrain may become impassable when wet.
Active alertsNo explicit warnings or advisories are provided. Historical burn event and rebuilt cabin noted.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Madison Ranger District office (Phone: 406-682-4253) for assistance during office hours. No hospitals or police stations explicitly mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 1 through November.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and food upon departure. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresRobb Creek runs approximately 100 feet from the cabin, providing a water source that must be treated before use.
Common complaintsUser review noted thick deer flies as a nuisance during summer months.
HostThere are no campground hosts explicitly mentioned. Guests must contact the Madison Ranger District for the cabin code.
Campground Map
5 FOREST SERVICE RD.
Driving directionsNotch Cabin is about 62 miles from Ennis, Montana. From Ennis, take Montana Highway 287 west for 23 miles to Alder. At Alder, turn south toward Ruby Reservoir (County 248) and travel 21 miles. Turn right on Ledford Creek Road (County 50) and travel southwest for 3 miles to signed junction. Turn right onto Robb Creek Road and after about 4.5 miles, you'll enter the Robb-Ledford WMA. Continue for 0.5 mile to junction, turn right and travel for 5 miles. At this point, the Springbrook road joins in from the west. Continue south toward the mountains and cross Robb Creek after about 3.5 miles. One half mile farther, you'll reach the Forest boundary, then another mile to the cabin. The route is signed at the junctions. Driving time from Ennis is nearly 3 hours, with the last 9 miles taking over an hour.
Access requires a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle due to rough terrain with large rocks, deep ruts, and potential impassability when wet. The final 28 miles are gravel, dirt, or primitive two-track roads.Nearby places
Ennis (62 miles, approximately 3 hours driving time)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Ennis, approximately 62 miles away from the cabin.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Notch Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cabin's remote beauty but also note challenges such as the prevalence of deer flies and the lack of certain amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praise the scenic location, privacy, and proximity to outdoor recreation such as hiking and wildlife viewing.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include the remote accessibility, lack of cell service, and the abundance of deer flies during summer.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring appropriate supplies including food, water, propane, and insect repellent. Be prepared for a rugged drive and remote conditions.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention the high prevalence of deer flies; fall reviews highlight big game hunting opportunities and cooler weather.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Cabin is gone. Deer flies are thick. Beautiful."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews are unavailable for Notch Cabin.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-related reviews are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025