How much does camping cost at Judith Guard Station?

Camping fees at Judith Guard Station range from $60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Judith Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Judith Guard Station 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 Judith Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Judith Guard Station has 3 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 Judith Guard Station?

Judith Guard Station is open January 1 - December 31, 2025 (Peak Season). 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 Judith Guard Station?

Judith Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Judith Guard Station?

Fire policies at Judith Guard Station: Campfires are permitted, but firewood must be collected from downed, dead wood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Judith Guard Station have?

Judith Guard Station 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 Judith Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Judith Guard Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Judith Guard Station?

Judith Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Judith Guard Station?

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

Judith Guard Station

4.11

35 reviews

109 CENTRAL AVE. P.O. BOX 484, STANFORD, MT 59479, USA

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is from ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Judith Guard Station

$60.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The cabin's nightly fee is $60, which does not include taxes or incremental charges. Fees are subject to seasonal availability and booking windows.

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

406-566-2292 OR 406-236-5511

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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 35 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspaciouslocation

Some mention

noise

"Judith Guard Station is praised for its historic charm, unique accommodations, and proximity to recreational activities. However, many users expressed concerns about cleanliness and maintenance. Reviews ranged from 1 to 5 stars, highlighting both exceptional stays and significant issues."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

109 CENTRAL AVE. P.O. BOX 484, STANFORD, MT 59479, USA

Judith Guard Station

109 CENTRAL AVE. P.O. BOX 484, STANFORD, MT 59479, USA

Nearby places

Stanford (30 miles), Sapphire Village (5 miles northeast)

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores and fuel are available in Stanford, 30 miles away. Sapphire Village is 5 miles northeast.

Driving directionsFrom Great Falls, travel east on U.S. Highway 87 for about 63 miles to Windham, Montana. From Windham, turn right off HWY 200/87 and head south for approximately 10 miles until the town of Utica. Turn right at Utica, continue south for approximately 13 miles on the county road. At the 'Y' junction turn right onto the Middlefork road 822 and continue southwest for about 1 mile until you reach the 'Y'. Stay to the left and continue for about 1 mile to the Judith Guard Station.

The cabin is accessible by regular passenger vehicle during non-snow seasons. During snow season, the road is plowed within 2 miles of the station, and 4-wheel-drive vehicles may make the trip. Heavy snowfall may require a snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes for the last half-mile.

Best Time to Camp at Judith Guard Station

Winter is the standout season. Reliable snowpack blankets the trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, daytime highs run 20–35°F, and nights drop to -10–15°F. Visitation is low, so solitude comes easy. Summer warms into the 90s, opening up fishing and hiking, with cool evenings. Winter access requires checking road conditions and bringing winter-rated gear, as services are limited.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in MT

Popular winter destination for cross-country skiing; repeat visitors come in February.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 - December 31, 2025 (Peak Season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is from January 1 to December 31, 2025. Reservations start becoming available on June 25, 2025.
Current Alerts: Some reviews mention issues with cleanliness, broken equipment, and nearby noise from ATVs.

About Judith Guard Station

Judith Guard Station is a restored 1900s Forest Service cabin that sleeps up to eight guests in three bedrooms plus a sleeper sofa. Located at 5,000 feet on the Middle Fork of the Judith River, the cabin rents for $60 per night and includes vault toilets, potable water, and firewood. Cell service is unreliable, and the site sits close to an ATV trail where noise and outhouse traffic from other campers can be an issue.

The campground primarily offers cabin lodging with a rustic and historic charm. There are no traditional campsites for RVs or tent camping at the cabin site.

Historical Significance

The cabin is a National Historic Site that once housed early Forest Service rangers. Period furnishings and hand-hewn beams remain from the days when rangers patrolled on horseback, using the station as a backcountry outpost. Restoration work has preserved the structure's authenticity, though some reviewers note that Forest Service inspections are infrequent and maintenance has slipped.

Weather and SeasonsWinter is the standout season. Reliable snowpack blankets the trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, daytime highs run 20–35°F, and nights drop to -10–15°F. Visitation is low, so solitude comes easy. Summer warms into the 90s, opening up fishing and hiking, with cool evenings. Winter access requires checking road conditions and bringing winter-rated gear, as services are limited.

ElevationPerched at 5,000 feet where mountain air stays crisp and clear, Judith Guard Station offers a natural retreat from summer heat. This elevation brings refreshing temperatures even on the warmest days, while winter delivers just enough snow to blanket the landscape in pristine white—creating ideal conditions for Nordic skiing enthusiasts and those seeking a true mountain winter experience.

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin sits on the northern banks of the Middle Fork Judith River, surrounded by Ponderosa Pine, Lodgepole Pine, and Douglas Fir. At 5,000 feet, the area forms a transition zone where deer and elk graze openly, while bears, bobcats, and mountain lions move through the forest shadows. The river cuts through wooded hills, and wildlife tracks are especially visible in winter snow.

Geological RegionRising 5,000 feet above sea level, this remarkable landscape showcases the diverse ecology of Montana's mountain country. The Middle Fork of the Judith River has carved its path through wooded hills dominated by towering Ponderosa Pines, dense stands of Lodgepole Pine, and majestic Douglas Firs. This elevation creates a unique transition zone where diverse wildlife thrives—from grazing herds of deer and elk to the secretive movements of bears, bobcats, and mountain lions through the forest shadows.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 16 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy for the cabin is 8 guests.

Groups

No group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe two-story cabin has one nearby picnic area and sits in wooded terrain close to an ATV trail. Privacy is limited. Reviewers report that other campers often park nearby to use the cabin's outhouse, even when not renting the station.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in reservations are no longer accepted.

Cancellation PolicyFor cabin reservations, cancellations made less than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. Late cancellations or no-shows result in additional penalties.

AccessibilityThe cabin is accessible during snow-free months via regular passenger vehicles. During heavy snowfall, visitors may need snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes to access the site.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to eight guests with three bedrooms and a sleeper sofa. Reviews often highlighted its spaciousness.

PrivacySites near the cabin lack privacy; it's located close to an ATV trail and other campers frequently use the cabin's outhouse. "Nearby campers would drive up and park... to use the cabin's outhouse," noted one reviewer.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe cabin is ideal for groups of up to 8 people, especially during winter for tranquil retreats or during weekdays to avoid ATV noise.

Need help booking Judith Guard Station?

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

Potable water

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Judith Guard Station offers various recreational activities. These include hiking, OHV riding, hunting, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The cabin is located near the Middle Fork of the Judith River, providing opportunities for fishing and birding. Winter activities like snowmobiling are popular among visitors.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife such as bears and mountain lions. Snow and icy conditions may require advanced navigation methods during winter. Mice and flies have occasionally been reported inside the cabin.

Active AlertsSome reviews mention issues with cleanliness, broken equipment, and nearby noise from ATVs.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, but firewood must be collected from downed, dead wood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesHospital and police services are available in Stanford, approximately 30 miles from the site.

Trash & RecyclingA strict ‘pack in-pack out’ garbage policy is in place, requiring guests to bring garbage bags and remove all trash upon departure.

Water FeaturesSituated close to the Middle Fork of the Judith River, which offers fishing and scenic views.

Camp HostForest Service staff manage the site but may not always be available for assistance.

Weather at Judith Guard Station

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

4.1

35 reviews

Satisfactory

Judith Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Judith Guard Station is praised for its historic charm, unique accommodations, and proximity to recreational activities. However, many users expressed concerns about cleanliness and maintenance. Reviews ranged from 1 to 5 stars, highlighting both exceptional stays and significant issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the cabin's historical value, scenic location, and restoration. "Wonderful old house, not just a cabin. Lovely spot and wonderful character," noted one reviewer....

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor cleanliness, broken locks, rodent infestations, and issues with propane lanterns. "The cabin was infested with stink bugs," noted one reviewer. Another stated, "There...

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing propane cylinders for lanterns, extra cleaning supplies, and flashlights. "Battery LED lights are a lovely addition to add to your bag. Stop nearby at The Blue Nugget for...

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays are popular for snow activities, with one reviewer noting, "I love this place and come back every February for cross-country skiing." Summer stays are less recommended due to ATV traffic...

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wow! Very impressed with how stocked and furnished it was!" "The location is gorgeous with lots of recreational options." "Unfortunately, we could not stay because of weather." "The setting I would...

Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback primarily revolves around the cabin itself (site 001), with mixed reviews. Some praised its spaciousness and amenities, while others highlighted issues like broken lanterns and...

Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility during snow-free months is generally good, but heavy snowfall may require snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes for access. No specific reviews address accessibility for persons with...

Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed inside the cabin but can be kept outside on a leash or in a kennel. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after pets. "Users are responsible for removing all pet food and...

Based on 35 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

0 review