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 July 5 at 3:19PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
At 319 PM MDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 9 miles southwest of Manhattan to near Bozeman to 18 miles north of Crescent Lake. Movement was northeast at 20 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Locations impacted include... Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Logan, Maudlow, Four Corners, Amsterdam, Bozeman Hot Springs, Church Hill, Gallatin Gateway, Menard, and Madison Buffalo Jump State Park.
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
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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