Crystal Lake Cabin
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Crystal Lake Cabin provides sweeping views of Crystal Lake in the heart of the Big Snowy Mountains of Central Montana. Located about 20 miles south of Lewistown, the cabin adjoins Crystal Lake Campground, providing conveniences like a picnic area and boat ramp for non-motorized boats. Recreation opportunities abound, including floating, fishing, canoeing and hiking.
Access from December 1 through June 15 is by snowshoe, snowmobile, cross country skiing or hiking for 6 miles.
The one-room rustic cabin, accommodates up to six guests. Beds with mattresses, a cooking stove and a wood stove for heat is included. The firewood supplied is limited and only for use in the wood stove and guests are asked to restock the wood box in the cabin prior to departure. DO NOT USE THE SUPPLIED FIREWOOD FOR OUTSIDE FIRES. A vault toilet is located outside for year-round use. The cabin is furnished with pots, pans, dishes and utensils. Propane lights are provided but no electricity is available.
Guests should plan to bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Other items to bring: cleaning supplies, bedding, food, cooler, toilet paper, matches, flashlight, garbage bags and other personal necessities. Guest must clean the cabin/toilet completely, pack out all food and trash upon departure. NO PETS ALLOWED INSIDE CABIN. (Click here for more cabin details.)
Need to Know
- You need a combination code for the cabin and the gate. Please ensure that your confirmation letter contains the combination code.
The gate at the Forest Boundary is locked annually from December 1 through June 2, and access during the locked period is by snowshoe, snowmobile, cross country ski or a hike
- There is no water, electricity or dump station at the cabin
- Cell phone service is minimal
- No campers or other types of camping units are allowed at the cabin site; parking is limited to one vehicle; excess vehicles may be parked at either the Ice Caves Trailhead or Grand View Picnic Area
- The site is a Pack In/Pack Out facility; guests must bring garbage bags and remove all trash
Visitors must clean the cabin and police the site before departure, check out time 11:00 AM
- Pets are not allowed in the cabin at any time, but can be kept outside in a kennel or on a six-foot or less leash. Users are responsible for removing all pet food and droppings from rental site prior to departure.
- For more information please call the Judith Ranger District in Stanford, Montana at (406) 566-2292
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
The cabin sits near the shores of Crystal Lake. The beautiful lake spans 45 acres at an elevation of 5,700 feet. With a maximum depth of 15 feet, the lake seeps fresh water through a porous limestone bottom. The lake generally freezes in the winter.
The Big Snowy Mountains, lush with mixed conifers, rise up from the lake, providing spectacular views. The highest peaks in the mountain range reach 8,600 feet.
Nearby Attractions
Crystal Lake, Ice Caves
Recreation
The Ice Caves Trail leads hikers to the ridgetop of the Big Snowy Mountains, where it intersects with the Crystal Cascades Trail Bypass. The Lake Loop Trail trailhead, located at the north end of the Crystal Lake Campground, takes hikers to Grand View Trail Junction and additional ridgetop views. Both the Ice Caves Trail and Grand View Trail may be impacted by winter snow as late as the first part of July.
The lake freezes over and ice fishing is possible if the ice is thin enough for fish to survive. In summer months, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Kayaking and canoeing is popular.
Contact Information
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109 CENTRAL AVE. P.O. BOX 484 STANFORD MT 59479
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-566-2292 OR 406-236-5511
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Lewistown, drive west on Montana Highway 200/US 87 for about 8 miles. Turn left (south) on Crystal Lake Road. Continue south, following the well-signed directions to the lake for 20 miles. At the "T" junction, turn left and continue on to Crystal Lake. The last 6 miles is paved and mostly a single lane.
On December 1, the paved section is gated, and access beyond the gate is by snowmobile, skis, snowshoes or hiking only.
