About BIG SPRINGS WARMING HUT
Overview Big Springs Warming Hut is located 22 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana in beautiful Island Park, Idaho at an approximate elevation of 6,300 feet. Visitors love Island Park for its world-class fishing and outstanding scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.Recreation Big Springs is the headwaters of Henry's Fork and is one of the largest springs in the country. Henry's Fork is considered one of the best fisheries in the nation. Fly-fishermen cast for rainbow and brook trout. Tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting are also popular on the river. The Big Springs National Recreation Water Trail can be accessed from the campground and ends 4.5 miles away at Macks Inn. It offers a lazy three-hour float or canoe trip through beautiful scenery. Wildlife, including moose, bald eagles and Sandhill cranes, are often seen along the trail. The charming and historic John Sack Cabin is nearby, noted for its unique location, construction and furnishings. Hiking, biking, horseback riding and ATVing are popular activities. Many miles of trails crisscross Island Park, including the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and the Nez Perce Trail are in the area.Facilities The warming hut can accommodate up to 200 people. It is fully enclosed and has a concrete floor. Several picnic tables are inside, along with a wood-burning stove for cool weather. Electrical outlets and overhead lighting are provided inside the building. Outside there are picnic tables, grills and a campfire circle. A very large parking area is on-site, with 20-amp electric hookups on the edge. Please note that there is no water on-site, but it is available at Big Springs Campground 2.5 miles away. Firewood can be purchased there also. A vault toilet is located next to the warming hut.Natural Features Island Park is composed of two areas of extinct volcanic activity. The Henry's Fork Caldera sits inside the larger Island Park Caldera. The area is known for its dense forests of lodgepole pine, broa
How to Get There
From West Yellowstone, Montana, travel 22 miles south on Highway 20 to Mack's Inn. Turn east on Big Springs Loop Road and travel 2 miles to the warming hut access road. Turn south into the warming hut parking area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BIG SPRINGS WARMING HUT
Heading to BIG SPRINGS WARMING HUT? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BIG SPRINGS WARMING HUT?
No central reservation system listed for BIG SPRINGS WARMING HUT. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233825) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BIG SPRINGS WARMING HUT?
From West Yellowstone, Montana, travel 22 miles south on Highway 20 to Mack's Inn. Turn east on Big Springs Loop Road and travel 2 miles to the warming hut access road. Turn south into the warming hut parking area.
How do I contact BIG SPRINGS WARMING HUT?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-558-7658 OR 208-270-0094.
References & Official Resources
