Whitetail Yurt
Open year-round, weather dependent. Potable water is available Memorial Day through Labor Day only; bring your own water outside this window. Pack out all trash and food. Contact the ranger station at (406) 295-4693 for the lock combination before arrival. 5-day consecutive stay limit with a mandatory 7-day break before rebooking.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
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
The Whitetail Yurt provides a unique lodging experience in the remote Yaak Valley of northwest Montana. Situated at 2,918 feet elevation within the Kootenai National Forest, the 16-foot yurt offers more protection than a tent while maintaining a connection to the surrounding wilderness. The structure includes a locking door, windows, wooden floor, one bunk bed with mattresses (twin top, full bottom), and a table with four chairs. No heat source is provided. The Yaak River and its tributaries support populations of trout and big game animals, making this an excellent base for fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation. The valley has historical significance as a route used by Kootenai Indians, early prospectors, and loggers. The nearby town of Yaak, approximately 5 miles northeast, offers food and occasional community events. Guests must bring cooking, cleaning, and sleeping supplies. A mandatory food storage order requires bear-resistant containers or vehicle storage. The yurt operates on a pack-out policy for all trash and food, and renters are responsible for cleaning before departure. The lock combination is obtained by calling the Three Rivers Ranger District prior to arrival.
Directions
From Troy, Montana, follow Highway 2 west for 9.5 miles to Yaak Highway 508. Follow Yaak Highway 508 for 24 miles to Whitetail Campground. The yurt is in site 9. From Bonners Ferry, Idaho, follow Highway 95 north for 3.5 miles, turn right on Highway 2 for 20 miles, then left onto Yaak Highway 508 for 24 miles.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| dthorstenson@fs.fed.us | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 295-4693 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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