Rillway Cabin
Open year-round with reservations via Recreation.gov. Entry via combination lock provided in confirmation email. Check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM.
Flash Flood Watch issued September 19 at 3:09AM MDT until September 20 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026. * WHERE...A portion of central Montana, including the following areas, Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains, Elkhorn and Boulder Mountains and Little Belt and Highwood Mountains. * WHEN...Through this evening. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Horse Gulch area and burn scars from the summer of 2026 should prepare for potential debris flow. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall over recent burn scars, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Areas near recent burn scars from the summer 2026 and the Horse Gulch area. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Rillway Cabin traces its history to Dr. A.C. Kelly, a Townsend physician who obtained a Forest Service permit for the site in 1918. Built between 1918 and 1922, the cabin was later sold to Nellie Hale Averill and her son-in-law Floyd L. Hollaway, giving rise to the name "Rillway" as a combination of the two family names. The cabin sits in scenic Deep Creek Canyon with the creek splashing through the backyard. It offers the easiest access of any cabin on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, being accessible by vehicle year-round. Three bunk beds with mattresses accommodate up to 6 guests. Amenities include a fireplace insert, propane lanterns, propane cook stove, table and chairs, cookware, utensils, cleaning supplies, axe, and shovel. Firewood availability varies and is not guaranteed June through August. Guests must bring sufficient drinking water, sleeping bags, warm clothing, food, flashlight, toilet paper, garbage bags, and one or two small propane cylinders for the lanterns and stove. All garbage and food must be packed out. Entry is via combination lock provided in the reservation confirmation email.
Directions
From the 4-way stop in Townsend, turn east on Highway 12. Follow the road 14 miles and watch for the Rillway Cabin sign along the right side of the highway at the 14-mile marker. Only right turns are allowed when departing due to sight distance concerns. A turnaround is available approximately 1 mile east if you need to travel west.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 266-3425 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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