About HORSE PRAIRIE CABIN
Overview Horse Prairie Cabin is a fairly large, two-room cabin situated on the edge of beautiful Horse Prairie in the southwestern corner of Montana. Forest service work crews used the cabin for lodging in the past. The cabin is available year-round and provides access to abundant hiking, biking, skiing and snowmobiling trails. It is equipped with a variety of amenities, providing guests with a somewhat comfortable and adventurous experience in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The cabin is accessible by vehicle, depending on conditions. Excessive snowfall may require skis, snowmobiles or hiking for up to six miles of the route. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Hikers and mountain bikers can access some great trails in the area. To the west of the cabin, Coyote Creek Road provides access to excellent cross-country skiing. Coyote Creek Road runs approximately seven miles to the top of the Big Hole Divide, climbing about 1,500 feet. The prairie and surrounding area is also open to unlimited snowmobile access during the winter (learn about avalanche danger). Fishing is available in nearby creeks, and anglers might see rainbow and brook trout, as well as mountain whitefish. The waterways drain into the Big Hole River, a blue-ribbon trout stream at the southern end of the forest.Facilities The two-room log cabin comes equipped with bunk beds and mattresses to sleep up to four people, as well as a table and chairs. Propane appliances include a stove, oven and overhead lighting. The kitchen area of the cabin is stocked with basic cookware, utensils, dishes and tableware. There is ample cupboard and counter space for food preparation and storage. It has a wood burning stove for heat. Firewood is provided, but not guaranteed. Please be conservative with wood, this will help us maintain the supply for heating purposes. An axe is provide but do not split wood inside the cabin o
How to Get There
From Dillon, travel south on Interstate 15 for about 20 miles, to Highway 324. Cross the Clark Canyon Reservoir Dam and travel west on Highway 324 for about 21 miles. At Red Butte, continue west on Forest Road 181 (Bloody Dick Road) for about 6 miles to the junction with Forest Road 7340 (Coyote Creek Road). Continue about 2 miles to the cabin. In winter, over-the-snow distance to the cabin will vary from 1 to 6 miles. Maps may be purchased at the Dillon Ranger District 420 Barrett Street, Dillon, MT 59725 - Monday through Friday from 7:30-16:30 mst. Or using a computer - http://www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf (mobile map applications are available).
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
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 HORSE PRAIRIE CABIN
Heading to HORSE PRAIRIE CABIN? 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 HORSE PRAIRIE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for HORSE PRAIRIE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234391) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HORSE PRAIRIE CABIN?
From Dillon, travel south on Interstate 15 for about 20 miles, to Highway 324. Cross the Clark Canyon Reservoir Dam and travel west on Highway 324 for about 21 miles. At Red Butte, continue west on Forest Road 181 (Bloody Dick Road) for about 6 miles to the junction with Forest Road 7340 (Coyote Creek Road). Continue about 2 miles to the cabin. In winter, over-the-snow distance to the cabin will v…
How do I contact HORSE PRAIRIE CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-683-3900.
References & Official Resources