About POLE CREEK CABIN
Overview Pole Creek Cabin is unique in not only its quiet end-of-the-road location, but that it is also located along both a winter snowmobile trail and within the Pole Creek Cross Country Ski Area trail system. In the spring the area is full of wildflowers and wildlife to view and in the fall it would make an ideal hunting camp. The cabin was built in the mid-1950s by the E-La-Ka-Wee boy scouts for a summer camp retreat. In the early 1990s the cabin was refurbished and used as a winter snowmobile and ski warming hut. Winter access is possible from the Nordic Ski area parking lot at Forest Developed Road (FDR) 473 and Highway 16, but only by cross country skis or snowmobiles. Recreation The cabin is conveniently located for access to a wide variety of year-round activities. Because this cabin is located on both ski and snowmobile trails, it is a great winter activity destination. Some of the summer activities that take place in and around the area include fishing, mountain biking, ATV riding, hiking and hunting.Facilities Pole Creek Cabin is a two room cabin that can sleep 4-6 people in the two sets of bunk beds with room on the floor for additional cots or sleeping bags. The main room contains a wood stove for heat, kitchen cabinets and counter, table, chairs and benches. Basic utensils are available in the cabinets. A fire ring and picnic table are just outside the door and a vault toilet is located nearby. Firewood is provided at the site. No drinking water, electricity, trash service or cook stove are provided. Guests should consider packing a cook stove and most other gear they would bring on a regular camping trip.Natural Features The Pole Creek Cabin is located at 8,200 feet elevation on the Powder River Ranger District nearest Buffalo, Wyoming. The cabin is surrounded by a lodgepole pine forest and is nestled along the edge of a meadow frequented by moose and a variety of other wildlife species. A short drive from the cabin, one can tour the scenic Crazy Wom
How to Get There
From Buffalo, Wyoming, take State Highway 16 west 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Developed Road (FDR) 456 and travel approximately 1 mile to a large open meadow. The cabin is situated on the west side of the road, back in the trees 50 yards and can be hard to spot from FDR 456. Vehicles can be parked along the timber edge in front of the buck-and-rail wooden fence.
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 12 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 (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 POLE CREEK CABIN
Heading to POLE CREEK 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 POLE CREEK CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for POLE CREEK CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/250041) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to POLE CREEK CABIN?
From Buffalo, Wyoming, take State Highway 16 west 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Developed Road (FDR) 456 and travel approximately 1 mile to a large open meadow. The cabin is situated on the west side of the road, back in the trees 50 yards and can be hard to spot from FDR 456. Vehicles can be parked along the timber edge in front of the buck-and-rail wooden fence.
References & Official Resources