Cabin and Lookout Rentals in the Northern Region

Northern Region Orders, Alerts, and Notices

Rent a Room with a View

Looking for a cozy basecamp for skiing or a relaxing unplugged vacation? Rent a cabin or a lookout and start to unwind.

Reserve Now on Recreation.Gov

The Outdoors Awaits Outside Your Door

a lookout cabin sits on a log tower far above the ground and photographer. An evergreen tree and huckleberry bush frame a large boulder in the foreground. Up Up Lookout, a 40-foot Lookout in the Lolo National Forest.

From old homesteads, historic log ranger stations over a century old, and lookouts built by the Civilian Conservation Corps to more modern cabins and lookouts, the Northern Region is home to rental cabins and lookouts across Montana and Northern Idaho.

How to Rent a Cabin, Lookout, or other Forest Service Facility

All Forest Service facility rentals require reservations to be made on-line with a credit  card at Recreation.gov up to six months in advance. They are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. The daily rental rate for each facility and maximum lengths of stay vary. A non-refundable recreation fee is charged. The Recreation.gov Mobile App is a great way to find and reserve nearby cabins, campgrounds, and other recreation sites, too.

Visit our National Forest Cabin Rental Pages for a complete overview of rental cabins, lookouts and other facilities:

Things to Know

  • Most of the Northern Region has specific regulations regarding food storage, and these regulations must be followed at every facility.
  • After you complete your reservation on the Recreation.gov  website, you will receive a confirmation email. You must have this confirmation email with you during your stay.

Know how to get into your rental before you go!

  • In the reservation confirmation email, look under the topic heading Entrance / Combination Lock Code in the reservation details for instructions on gaining access to your rental cabin. Sometimes this is a combination lock code for the building itself. Other times there will be specific instructions on how to obtain a key for the cabin or gate or both.
  • If you cannot locate the code, or have lost your confirmation email, call 877-444-6777 with your reservation number to have your letter re-sent.
  • Be sure to contact the Ranger District where your cabin rental is located if you have any questions. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on Federal holidays. Plan ahead!

Are pets allowed?

  • Whether or not pets are allowed varies from facility to facility.
  • Some allow dogs, if they are kenneled inside. Others require dogs to be kenneled outside.
  • Some cabins have corral and other stock facilities. Be sure to carry only certified weed-seed-free hay and feed products.
  • Follow all local bear food storage regulations regarding pet food. Most of the Northern Region has specific regulations regarding food storage.

What do I need to bring?

A rustic living room and dining room with wood floors, an old-fashioned warming stove, piano, and opulent wallpaper.
The living room at Judith Guard Station, a historic ranger station built in the early 1900's, west of Utica, Montana on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
  • Each cabin or lookout has different amenities. Check the list on your reservation closely, and the Facilities section on the Recreation.gov website and be sure you have what you need for your stay.
  • In general, you will need:
    • Headlamps
    • Sleeping bags or  bedding
    • Clothing appropriate for the northern mountains
    • Bug spray
    • Toiletries
    • Garbage bags
    • Toilet Paper
    • Matches
    • Food
    • Cooking and eating utensils and stoves are available in some locations, not in others.
    • Water may be provided, or you may need to bring it. In some locations it might be available in the summer but not the winter.
    • Your Reservation Confirmation Letter.