How much does camping cost at Mystic Lake Cabin?

Camping fees at Mystic Lake Cabin range from $65/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mystic Lake Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Mystic Lake Cabin accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mystic Lake Cabin before I book?

Yes! Mystic Lake Cabin has 10 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mystic Lake Cabin?

Mystic Lake Cabin is open January 1–December 31 (Peak pricing applies year-round).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mystic Lake Cabin?

Mystic Lake Cabin does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mystic Lake Cabin have?

Mystic Lake Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mystic Lake Cabin?

Pets are not allowed at Mystic Lake Cabin. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mystic Lake Cabin?

Mystic Lake Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mystic Lake Cabin?

Popular activities at Mystic Lake Cabin include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mystic Lake Cabin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mystic Lake Cabin?

Fire policies at Mystic Lake Cabin: Campfires are permitted within the designated fire ring. The use of provided firewood is encouraged, and burning pallets is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.80

31 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Montana#1 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Montana#3 Fall Camping Montana +5 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Custer Gallatin National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Book on Custer Gallatin National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Mystic Lake Cabin

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for Mystic Lake Cabin is $65 year-round. Additional fees may apply including reservation fees ($8 for online/app reservations, $9 for...

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

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-522-2520

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What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, seclusion, and rustic charm of Mystic Lake Cabin. Positive feedback often focuses on the well-equipped nature of the cabin, its cleanliness, and the surrounding trails and wildlife. Common concerns include challenging access routes, especially during winter, and the need for guests to bring essential supplies."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mystic Lake Cabin

45.5411, -110.9194

Nearby places

Bozeman: approximately 15 miles (30 minutes drive to trailhead, followed by hiking or skiing).

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be obtained from stores in Bozeman, MT, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel.

Driving directionsThere is no motorized access to this cabin. From Bozeman, MT, drive south on S. 19th Ave. for 5.1 miles to Nash Rd. Turn left (east) onto Nash Rd. Drive 1.7 miles to Sourdough Canyon Road, turn right (south), and drive for 0.9 miles to the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead. From the trailhead, travel south on Trail 454 for 5 miles. Before reaching a bridge, turn left onto Mystic Lake Trail 457. Follow this single-track trail approximately 2.8 miles to Mystic Lake. Cross the outlet of the lake to find the cabin up the hill on the south end of the lake. Alternatively, cross the bridge and stay on Trail 454 for another 5 miles to the cabin. This is the recommended winter route.

Road access to Mystic Lake Cabin is limited due to its location in a non-motorized area. Access is via hiking, horseback riding, or mountain biking during summer, and by skiing or snowshoeing in winter. Sourdough Canyon and Bozeman Creek trails are closed to motorized vehicles year-round.

Best Time to Camp at Mystic Lake Cabin

Summer delivers the most reliable access and the longest days. Expect highs around 60–75°F with cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails are generally dry, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through. Wildflowers peak during these months. Winter brings moderate snowfall that transforms access. Deep snow can make the approach challenging, and several reviews mention outdated trail maps complicating winter routes. Some users recommend the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead for easier winter access. Clear skies are common about half the year, good for stargazing.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in MT

Wildflowers, hiking, fishing and favorable summer trail use noted in reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1–December 31 (Peak pricing applies year-round).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Trail 454 is groomed for skiing in the winter and closed to bicycles. Seasonal road closures also affect accessibility.

About Mystic Lake Cabin

Mystic Lake Cabin sits at 6,400 feet near the southeastern shore of Mystic Lake, accessible only by foot, ski, or horseback. Built in 1930, this single backcountry cabin sleeps four and costs $65 per night. Guests bring their own bedding and supplies, but reviewers note the cabin itself is well-equipped with a wood stove, kitchen amenities, and plenty of firewood.

Mystic Lake Cabin provides cabin accommodation in a remote setting accessible only by non-motorized travel. The cabin is equipped for up to four guests and offers a rustic camping experience.

Historical Significance

The cabin dates to 1930. Its hand-hewn logs and construction reflect Depression-era wilderness architecture. For over ninety years it's sheltered hunters, anglers, and backcountry travelers moving through the Gallatin Range.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and the longest days. Expect highs around 60–75°F with cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails are generally dry, though afternoon thunderstorms roll through. Wildflowers peak during these months. Winter brings moderate snowfall that transforms access. Deep snow can make the approach challenging, and several reviews mention outdated trail maps complicating winter routes. Some users recommend the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead for easier winter access. Clear skies are common about half the year, good for stargazing.

ElevationAt 6,400 feet above sea level, Mystic Lake Cabin offers a true alpine experience where the air is crisp and thin, and the views stretch endlessly across mountain ridges. This elevation brings refreshingly cool temperatures even on summer's warmest days, though visitors should pace themselves as they adjust to the altitude. From this lofty perch, you'll witness spectacular sunrises painting the peaks gold and evening alpenglow that transforms the landscape into a photographer's dream.

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin is surrounded by pines and meadows in a landscape shaped by glaciers and volcanic activity. Jagged peaks rise above verdant valleys where evergreen forests transition to alpine meadows. Summer brings wildflowers. Indian paintbrush, lupine, mountain asters. Across the open ground. Mystic Lake reflects the surrounding peaks in its clear water. Black bears, grizzlies, moose, elk, bald eagles, and mule deer all move through the area. Granite faces and hidden cirques mark the geology. Mountain streams run cold from snowmelt.

Geological RegionThe Gallatin Range cradles Mystic Lake Cabin in a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic forces. Jagged peaks rise dramatically from verdant valleys, creating a diverse ecosystem where evergreen forests give way to alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers. This geological wonderland showcases Montana's raw beauty—from weathered granite faces to hidden cirques, and from rushing mountain streams to the serene waters of Mystic Lake itself. It's a place where the earth's powerful history is written in stone and experienced with every step along the trail.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 5 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 4 guests per site.

Groups

No group camping facilities are available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov, through the contact center, or in person.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable on a first-come, first-served basis from June 21–24 each year.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed until midnight 1 day before arrival for individual campsites, but for cabins, late cancellation penalties apply starting 14 days before arrival date. Refunds for late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation use fee along with a $10 cancellation fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility is limited due to the remote location and the non-motorized access routes. Guests must hike, horseback ride, or use alternative modes such as mountain bikes in summer, and cross-country skis or snowshoes in winter.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four people, and guests must bring their own gear, including bedding and supplies.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, located near the southeastern shore of Mystic Lake and surrounded by pines and meadows.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests should bring headlamps, fire starters, and extra toilet paper. Reviews suggest the cabin is more comfortable for two people despite sleeping arrangements for four.

Need help booking Mystic Lake Cabin?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fire rings

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Mystic Lake Cabin offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The New World Gulch Trail and Bozeman Creek Trail are popular routes, with the Mystic Lake Loop favored among mountain bikers. Anglers can fish for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout, while hunters find good opportunities in the fall. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts may encounter bald eagles, bears, moose, elk, and mule deer in the area.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encountering bears and navigating trails that can become impassable during heavy snow. Guests must prepare for backcountry conditions.

Active AlertsTrail 454 is groomed for skiing in the winter and closed to bicycles. Seasonal road closures also affect accessibility.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within the designated fire ring. The use of provided firewood is encouraged, and burning pallets is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Standard quiet hours apply; specific times not mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Bozeman, MT, approximately 15 miles away. This includes hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service. Guests must bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and belongings. User reviews emphasized the importance of removing all trash before departure.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Mystic Lake, which is known for fishing opportunities and beautiful views. Some moss and weeds may affect swimming.

Camp HostNo onsite hosts. Ranger station contact: 406-522-2520.

Weather at Mystic Lake Cabin

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.8

31 reviews

Top-Rated

Mystic Lake Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, seclusion, and rustic charm of Mystic Lake Cabin. Positive feedback often focuses on the well-equipped nature of the cabin, its cleanliness, and the surrounding trails and wildlife. Common concerns include challenging access routes, especially during winter, and the need for guests to bring essential supplies.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the cabin’s cleanliness, cozy wood stove, ample firewood, and well-stocked kitchen amenities. The surrounding natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities are frequently...

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes difficulties navigating trails in winter, the shattered glass on the wood stove door (reported by multiple users, but confirmed to still function), and the need for better...

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users advise bringing essential items like fire starters, matches, and extra toilet paper. Some recommend specific routes for easier access in winter, such as the Sourdough Canyon Trailhead...

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight the difficulty of skiing to the cabin, while summer visitors appreciate the trails and fishing opportunities. Snow conditions can vary drastically, as one user described...

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful cabin located on a backcountry lake. Cabin was surprisingly well stocked with firewood and other amenities we weren't expecting.' - Michael Parker 2. 'Wonderful time at Mystic Lake...

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews of campsite 001 in Loop AREA MYSTIC LAKE CABIN were overwhelmingly positive. Some reviews noted specific challenges, such as icy trails during winter and difficulties finding the cabin via...

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to remote, non-motorized access routes. Guests with mobility challenges or knee injuries struggled, as noted in a review about the New World Gulch Trail.

Based on 31 reviews