Cabin City Campground

For those of us who live in Montana, the desire to escape into our magnificent forests and find a peaceful retreat is a constant pull. We appreciate campgrounds that offer a balance of essential comforts and genuine immersion in nature, a place where the sounds of the wilderness prevail. Cabin City Campground, nestled within the sprawling beauty of the Lolo National Forest near Plains, truly delivers on this promise, providing a quiet and exceptionally well-maintained haven for local campers.

This isn't just another stop along the highway; it's a destination that boasts some surprising amenities that make for a remarkably comfortable outdoor experience. From its paved sites to its remarkably clean facilities and even the unexpected bonus of free firewood, Cabin City Campground sets itself apart. It’s a testament to the dedication of the U.S. Forest Service and its helpful camp hosts in providing a welcoming environment for all who seek solace in Montana's incredible landscapes.

Many Montanans will find Cabin City Campground an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway. Whether you're pulling an RV, pitching a tent, or simply looking for a basecamp to explore nearby fishing spots or scenic trails, this campground offers a compelling blend of convenience and tranquility. It’s the kind of place that consistently earns rave reviews, often for the very details that make a camping trip truly enjoyable.

Cabin City Campground is strategically located at Old Mullan Rd, Plains, MT 59859, USA, placing it within the vast Lolo National Forest in western Montana. More precisely, it's situated just 2.5 miles off Interstate 90, Exit 22 (Henderson), and is approximately 30 minutes west of Superior, Montana. This makes it an incredibly accessible campground for travelers heading east or west on I-90, minimizing lengthy detours onto rougher roads.

The proximity to a major interstate ensures a relatively easy drive, which is a significant advantage for those pulling RVs or trailers. Despite this easy access, the campground is set back enough from the freeway that it maintains a wonderfully quiet atmosphere, allowing visitors to truly feel immersed in the natural surroundings. This balance of convenience and peaceful seclusion is a key draw.

The campground is adjacent to Twelve Mile Creek and is surrounded by dense woods, offering a classic Montana forest setting at an elevation of approximately 3,200 feet. While the address lists Plains, it's more accurately described as being in the De Borgia area, which is within the jurisdiction of the Superior Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest.

From Cabin City Campground, visitors have reasonable access to nearby towns like St. Regis (about 15 miles east) for gas and groceries, and Superior (30 miles east) for additional services. This means you can easily restock supplies or explore local communities while enjoying the tranquility of the forest. Its location also serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring attractions like the Route of the Hiawatha Trail (approximately 20-30 miles to the west), fishing opportunities on the St. Regis River, and other recreational pursuits within the Lolo National Forest.

Services Offered

• Paved Campsites: The campground features 24 paved campsites, providing a stable and clean surface for tents and RVs. There are 12 sites in Loop A and 12 in Loop B.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires (fire restrictions permitting).
• Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at designated spigots within the campground, offering a convenient and essential amenity.
• Vault Toilets: Multiple vault toilets are available and are consistently praised by visitors for their exceptional cleanliness and lack of odor.
• Trash Services: Trash services and bear-proof containers are provided on-site, making waste disposal convenient and promoting a clean environment.
• Campground Host: A friendly and helpful camp host is typically on-site during the operational season, providing assistance, information, and ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests.
• Free Firewood: A standout feature, free firewood is often provided nightly by the campground host, adding significant value and convenience for campers.
• Mix of Reservable and First-Come, First-Served Sites: Some sites (e.g., sites 1-6 in Loop A and 1-6 in Loop B, or generally even-numbered sites) are reservable through Recreation.gov, while others (e.g., sites 7-12 in each loop, or odd-numbered sites) are available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility.
• Fee Required: A daily fee is required for camping, consistent with National Forest campgrounds.
• 14-Day Stay Limit: A 14-day stay limit is typically enforced to ensure equitable access for all visitors.
• Suitable for RVs: The paved sites can accommodate most RVs up to 35 feet in length (though some sites may have specific length limits or be better suited for smaller rigs), without hookups.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Cleanliness of Facilities: Visitors consistently rave about the cleanliness and surprisingly pleasant smell of the vault toilets, a significant highlight for any campground.
• Free Firewood: The provision of free firewood is a highly valued and frequently mentioned perk, saving campers money and effort.
• Quiet and Wooded Setting: Despite being close to I-90, the campground is remarkably quiet and beautifully wooded, with plenty of shade and a peaceful ambiance.
• Paved Campsites: The paved sites offer a clean, level, and easy-to-use surface for both tents and RVs, enhancing comfort and accessibility.
• Friendly and Helpful Camp Host: The presence of an "amazing" camp host, like Maggie mentioned in a review, significantly contributes to a welcoming and positive experience.
• Adjacent to 12 Mile Creek: The campground is next to 12 Mile Creek, providing the soothing sound of flowing water and opportunities for nature watching and potentially fishing.
• Easy Interstate Access: Its close proximity to I-90 makes it incredibly convenient for travelers, serving as an excellent overnight stop or a base for longer stays.
• Proximity to Outdoor Recreation: Cabin City Campground is located about 20 miles from the famous Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail and offers fishing opportunities in the St. Regis River and Twelve Mile Creek.
• Beautiful Scenery: The surrounding Lolo National Forest offers beautiful scenery, providing a picturesque backdrop for camping and outdoor activities.

Contact Information

Address: Old Mullan Rd, Plains, MT 59859, USA

Phone: (406) 822-4233

Mobile Phone: +1 406-822-4233

The provided phone number connects to the Superior Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest, which manages Cabin City Campground. This is the authoritative source for the most up-to-date information regarding the campground's operating season, current fees, water availability, road conditions, fire restrictions, and any changes to reservation policies.

Superior Ranger District Office (Lolo National Forest):

Address: 209 W Riverside Ave., Superior, MT 59872

Phone: (406) 822-4233

It is highly recommended for local users to contact the Ranger District or check the Recreation.gov website for reservations and current conditions before planning a trip, especially during peak seasons. While some sites are first-come, first-served, securing a reservable spot can provide peace of mind.

For those of us who live in Montana, Cabin City Campground offers an outstanding and often delightful camping experience that truly aligns with our appreciation for both natural beauty and practical comfort. Its suitability for locals stems from several key features that make it a standout destination in the Lolo National Forest.

Firstly, the exceptional cleanliness of its facilities, particularly the vault toilets, is a detail that genuinely enhances the outdoor experience. We know that clean amenities can make a significant difference, and Cabin City consistently exceeds expectations in this regard. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to visitor comfort that is highly valued.

Secondly, the provision of free firewood is an incredible bonus. This thoughtful touch not only saves us money but also the effort of sourcing and chopping wood, allowing more time to simply enjoy the campfire under the Montana stars. It’s a small detail that speaks volumes about the hospitality here.

The campground's strategic location, just off I-90 but far enough to be quiet, makes it incredibly convenient for weekend getaways or as a comfortable stop on longer road trips across the state. We can easily access it without navigating complex backroads, yet once there, we are surrounded by the serene beauty of the forest. The mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites also provides flexibility, catering to both planners and spontaneous adventurers.

Whether it's the peaceful ambiance, the well-maintained sites, the friendly camp host, or the added value of free firewood, Cabin City Campground consistently delivers a high-quality camping experience. It's a place where we locals can truly relax, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the best of what Montana's outdoor recreation has to offer, making it a highly recommended and frequently revisited destination.

Cabin City Campground

Old Mullan Rd, Plains, MT 59859, USA