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.
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.
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.
R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road
Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Delmoe Lake Area/Road Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestButte Ranger DistrictArea/Road Closure
Elkhorn Mine Area and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety, the mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the adit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
Use of Vehicles Off Road
Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas
This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.
Annual Food Storage Order
Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.
Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as…
Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Restrictions
A package of restrictions for the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests regarding travel and camping with stock, campfires, group size, and mandatory party/individual registration.
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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