Wapiti Cabin
4.7423 reviewsPO BOX 520, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT 59758, USA
Wapiti Cabin
$65.00 - $65.00 / 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
The cabin costs $65 per night regardless of the season. Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled deep in Montana's wilderness, Wapiti Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This charming log cabin serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits throughout the seasons—from summer hiking and mountain biking along alpine trails to winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling through powder-filled meadows. While the cabin offers a cozy refuge with basic amenities, the true luxury lies in its simplicity. Pack your provisions, embrace the self-sufficient spirit of the mountains, and prepare to leave only footprints when your adventure concludes.
Wapiti Cabin offers primitive camping accommodations year-round. The cabin allows for self-sufficient stays in a secluded environment.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Wapiti Cabin places you at the crossroads of geological wonder and Western history. Just a short journey away, the dramatic shores of Hebgen Lake tell silent stories of the region's past, while Earthquake Lake stands as a haunting monument to the powerful 1959 quake that reshaped the landscape. The legendary Yellowstone National Park awaits nearby, offering glimpses into both America's conservation heritage and the raw power of the Earth's geothermal forces.
Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms Wapiti Cabin into a different world entirely. Summer opens the mountain roads to vehicles, bringing warm days perfect for exploration and cool, star-filled nights. As autumn arrives, the landscape erupts in golden aspens while unpredictable weather and muddy roads remind visitors of nature's wild temperament. Winter blankets the cabin in deep snow, accessible only by snowmobile or ski, where frigid temperatures and pristine powder create a wonderland for snow enthusiasts. Spring's muddy awakening challenges travelers but rewards them with wildflower meadows and rushing creeks.
ElevationPerched at 7,000 feet where the air grows thin and the views grow spectacular, Wapiti Cabin offers a true high-country experience. This lofty elevation brings crisp, pine-scented air and temperatures that can surprise summer visitors with their cool bite. The rugged terrain at this altitude creates a natural playground for those seeking mountain adventures while reminding everyone that they've entered the realm where weather rules and preparation matters.
Natural Features and SceneryWapiti Cabin sits cradled between towering ridges where ancient evergreens stand sentinel over hidden meadows and the melodic waters of Wapiti Creek. This pristine wilderness landscape shifts from dense forest shadows to sun-drenched clearings where wildflowers dance in summer breezes. Keep your camera ready and your voice low—this is the domain of grizzly bears and black bears, where majestic elk bugle in autumn, moose browse in willow thickets, and deer ghost through morning mist. Every window frames a postcard, every trail promises discovery.
Geological RegionDramatically positioned where the Madison and Gallatin Mountain Ranges converge at 7,000 feet, Wapiti Cabin occupies one of Montana's most geologically fascinating regions. These ancient mountain ridges rise like fortress walls, their slopes clothed in dense evergreen forests that give way to alpine meadows painted with wildflowers. Wapiti Creek carves its patient path through this rugged landscape, its waters telling the geological story of millennia. This is where continental forces collided to create a landscape both beautiful and humbling in its raw mountain grandeur.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWinter access requires snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes due to the snow conditions, which can make travel challenging. The cabin itself does not offer specific accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to six people with four available cots.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is considered private, with reviewers noting its seclusion: 'A lovely, private time with great hiking options nearby.'
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring lanterns, flashlights, sleeping pads for insulation, cookware, and matches. Prepare for grizzly bear food storage compliance. Winter requires snow equipment like skis or snowmobiles.
Best CampsitesCabin itself is the only camping facility. It is praised for its location and amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Seven nights per group
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group size maximum: 6 people
Groups
There are no designated group camping facilities at Wapiti Cabin.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with parking nearby, surrounded by natural features like meadows and forests.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Winter access requires snow travel.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served available only June 21–22 annually.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night’s fee for cancellations within 14 days of arrival. Modifications cost $10 if dates are changed outside the original reservation window.
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
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities include biking, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal conditions heavily influence activity availability.
Hiking
Trailheads at Taylor Fork Road and Wapiti Creek offer various hiking routes leading into the Cabin Creek Wildlife Management Area. Mountain bikers and hikers can explore a 14-mile Wapiti Loop starting from the cabin.Biking
The Wapiti Loops in Taylor Fork offer mountain bikers several route options, including a 14-mile trail starting at the cabin.Wildlife viewing
The area surrounding Wapiti Cabin is grizzly bear habitat and home to deer, elk, moose, and other wildlife. One reviewer noted: 'Saw 4 moose, boiled snow as water, played around in the mountains during the day.'Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, with nearby access to the Big Sky Snowmobile Trail.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood provided for indoor use only. Outdoor campfires require guests to gather their own wood.
- Quiet hours are No explicit mention of quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsGrizzly bears frequent the area; strict food storage rules apply. Winter conditions include snow accumulation and potential avalanche terrain.
Active alertsNo current alerts, but winter conditions are challenging, and road access may be limited during spring and fall.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.4 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
Hebgen Lake Ranger District (phone: 406-823-6961) for road information. West Yellowstone (approx. 34 miles) has emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1–December 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingNo garbage service is available at Wapiti Cabin. Guests are expected to bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and personal belongings.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Wapiti Creek and within driving distance to Hebgen and Earthquake Lakes.
Common complaintsWinter access problems due to grooming issues and snow conditions. Price increases have been noted in reviews.
HostU.S. Forest Service manages the cabin. Visitors may contact the Hebgen Lake Ranger District for road conditions.
Campground Map
PO BOX 520, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT 59758, USA
Driving directionsSummer access (May 16 to December 1): From West Yellowstone, proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33.5 miles. Turn left on Taylor Fork Road/Forest Service Road 134 and proceed approximately 3.5 miles. Turn left on Forest Service Road 2522 and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The cabin is located on the right side of the road.
Winter access (December 2 to May 15): Snowmobiling: From West Yellowstone, proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33 miles to the Sage Creek Trailhead parking area off of Highway 191. Follow the Big Sky/Carrot Basin Trail for eight miles. Skiing/Snowshoeing: Proceed north on Highway 191 for approximately 33.5 miles, turn left on Taylor Fork Road/Forest Service Road 134, and proceed for approximately 4 miles to the Albino Lake Trailhead parking area.
In summer, accessible by vehicle; in winter, requires snowmobiles, skiing, or snowshoeing over up to six miles due to snow. Roads can be muddy in spring, and winter travel may be difficult due to deep snow and low visibility.Nearby places
West Yellowstone (approx. 34 miles, 40-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
West Yellowstone offers groceries, camping supplies, and general stores (approx. 34 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.7
23 reviews
Wapiti Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the cabin's charm and simplicity, but also note challenges such as winter access and rising fees. Many reviewers appreciate the seclusion and natural beauty of the cabin's surroundings.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
The cabin's rustic charm, secluded location, and proximity to trails are frequently praised. Guests enjoyed wildlife sightings, hiking, and the peaceful environment: 'The stars were incredible during...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include difficult winter access due to ungroomed snowmobile trails, uncomfortable cots, and rising fees: 'The notice on the door about the fee increases was terrible.'
Based on 23 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring lanterns or flashlights, a sleeping pad for better insulation, and backcountry cookware. Winter visitors are advised to check snow conditions and grooming reports before travel.
Based on 23 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter reviews often discuss snow-related challenges and the need for preparation, while summer visitors mention accessibility issues due to muddy roads. Wildlife sightings are common in all seasons.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
'The cabin is awesome!!! So adorable!!! Really enjoyed the stay and our adventures.' — Lori Frey. 'Nice being able to drive up. Room to pitch a tent right next to the cabin.' — Roger M.
Based on 23 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Most reviews are related to campsite 001 in the Wapiti Cabin loop. Guests uniquely praise its cleanliness and well-maintained amenities.
Based on 23 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility for those with disabilities; however, winter access challenges are frequently noted.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but cannot be left unattended. No specific reviews discuss pet experiences.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025