Vigilante Cabin
Open year-round via Recreation.gov reservations. Running water, flush toilet, and shower are available May through September only. From October through April, only the vault toilet is available and guests must bring their own water. The last mile of access road may not be plowed in winter. Campfires are no longer permitted at this site.
Special Weather Statement issued October 10 at 5:19AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
While most showers are not producing gusty winds, a few isolated showers will be capable of producing gusts in excess of 40 mph this morning. Gusty southwest winds will then develop later this morning for most areas, lasting through the afternoon ahead of a cold front arriving late today.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 10 at 12:32AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of between 2 to 5 inches across lower elevations, with 5 to 8 inches in the mountains. Locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central and southwest Montana. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. Gusty winds combined with the wet and heavy nature of the snow could bring down tree branches. Isolated power outages are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall amounts will vary drastically from grassy surfaces to roadways, most notably at lower elevations, with accumulations on non-grassy surfaces being confined mainly to between the evening through late morning hours.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
About
Originally built as the Ruby District headquarters in 1925 and later expanded by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Vigilante Cabin (also known as Vigilante Middle House) offers a unique backcountry lodging experience in southwestern Montana. The white clapboard cabin sits at about 6,100 feet elevation in a grassy meadow along the Ruby River, with views of the surrounding Snowcrest and Gravelly mountain ranges. Two adjacent buildings remain in active Forest Service use, so the site may occasionally see work crews. The cabin features two bedrooms with bunkbeds and single beds, a living room, and a kitchen equipped with an electric oven, stovetop, refrigerator, and basic cookware. A wood-burning stove provides heat, and firewood is supplied. During the summer season (May through September), guests have access to potable water from a hand pump, plus an indoor bathroom with flush toilet, sink, and shower. From October through April, only the vault toilet (located about 100 feet east of the cabin) is available, and guests must bring their own water. The area offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout and mountain whitefish in the Ruby River, gold panning, hiking, OHV trails, and big game hunting in season. Winter visitors enjoy snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Bear activity is common; mandatory food storage requirements are in effect March 1 through December 1.
Directions
From Sheridan, travel south on Highway 287 for about 10 miles to Alder. Turn south on Ruby River Road and continue about 22 miles to Vigilante Station. The last 20 miles are on gravel road, which can be slippery when wet or snow-covered. The gate lock combination matches the cabin door code provided at reservation. From Ennis, travel 23 miles west on Montana Highway 287 to Alder, then turn south toward Ruby River Reservoir on County 248 and travel 29 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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