Star Meadows Guard Station
Open — Open year-round for reservations through Recreation.gov. Road is paved but may not be plowed during winter storms. Hand pump well typically provides water April through November; bring water during winter months. Check-in 1:00 p.m., check-out 11:00 a.m.
R1-2024-01 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.
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathe
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.
Water Vessel Prohibitions
Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.
About
Star Meadows Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin built in 1941, listed on the National Historic Register. Located 23 miles from Whitefish via paved road in the Tally Lake District of Flathead National Forest, this rental facility combines rustic appeal with modern conveniences. The main two-room cabin includes a bedroom with two bunk beds (queen on bottom, full on top) sleeping 6, and a kitchen/living area with couch, table, chairs, and benches. The full kitchen features a refrigerator/freezer, range and oven, microwave, coffeemaker, and complete cookware and utensils. Electric wall heaters, portable oil heaters, and an electric fireplace provide warmth. A separate bunkhouse located 20 yards away contains two bunk beds and a futon couch, sleeping 6 additional guests. The wood-paneled vault toilet with electric lights sits 20 yards from the main cabin. A hand pump well approximately 30 yards from the cabin provides water from roughly April 1st through November 30th. A patio area offers outdoor seating with tables, chairs, and a charcoal grill, while the large backyard features a fire pit, picnic tables, and horseshoe pit. The lower meadow provides space for RVs, tents, and stock animals for larger family gatherings. Trail #171A departs directly from the property, providing 10 miles of hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding access to Sylvia Lake. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Nearby fishing opportunities include Sheppard Creek behind the cabin, mountain streams, and Tally Lake (7 miles away, Montana's second deepest lake). The cabin sits in a valley near Mt. Swaney with views of forested mountains. Guests must bring bedding, food, and water if visiting outside the April-November window. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility in bear country. No cell phone service. Dogs allowed with outdoor kennel provided. Non-smoking facility.
Directions
From Whitefish, travel west on Highway 93 approximately 12 miles to mile marker 139. Turn left onto Farm to Market Road and continue 1.7 miles. Turn right at the Tally Lake Campground sign onto Star Meadows Road (Forest Service Road 539). Continue to mile marker 15; cabin driveway is almost directly across.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 758-5204 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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