Whitetail Yurt
Closed — Currently closed for winter. The yurt is available year-round by reservation, but access depends on weather conditions. Campground managed services operate mid-May through mid-September. Potable water available Memorial Day through Labor Day only.
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.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
The Whitetail Yurt offers a unique camping experience in the remote Yaak River Valley of northwest Montana's Kootenai National Forest. This 16-foot yurt is situated among pine trees adjacent to the Yaak River at an elevation of 2,918 feet within the Salish Mountain Range. The rustic structure provides basic shelter with a locking door, windows, and wooden floor, accommodating up to three people on the provided bunk bed (twin over full) with mattresses, plus floor space for additional sleepers. The yurt includes a table and four chairs but no heat source, so guests should come prepared for variable weather conditions. Vault toilets and firewood are available within Whitetail Campground. Potable water is available from Memorial Day through Labor Day; visitors staying outside these dates must bring their own water. Guests must bring all cooking, cleaning, and sleeping supplies, and are expected to pack out all trash and clean the yurt before departure. The facility is not cleaned between visits. The Yaak River and its tributaries provide excellent habitat for trout and big game animals. The valley has served as an important travel route throughout history for the Kootenai Indians, early prospectors, and loggers. Recreational opportunities include fishing, floating the Yaak River (undeveloped access for small packable boats), hunting, hiking, and scenic driving tours. The small community of Yaak is located approximately 5.3 miles northeast, offering dining and community events. Access to the yurt depends on weather conditions, with winter access potentially limited by snow.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| 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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