Savenac Bunkhouse

For those of us living in Montana, the vastness of our landscapes often hides unique gems that offer more than just a typical outdoor experience. While traditional campgrounds are abundant, sometimes the adventure calls for something different – a place where history meets recreation, and comfort blends with the wilderness. Enter the Savenac Bunkhouse, nestled within the Historic Savenac Tree Nursery near Superior. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a distinctive lodging option that appeals to Montana locals seeking a comfortable base for group adventures, family gatherings, or simply a unique retreat close to some of the region's best recreational opportunities.

The Savenac Bunkhouse offers a rustic yet amenity-rich experience, providing "great sleeping arrangements" for those looking to explore the beautiful Lolo National Forest and beyond. It’s a space designed for groups, offering a cozy and practical alternative to multiple tents or RVs. Whether your passion lies in mountain biking the renowned Hiawatha Trail, exploring hundreds of miles of ATV or hiking trails directly from your door, or simply soaking in the history of a century-old Forest Service nursery, the Savenac Bunkhouse serves as an excellent hub. This comprehensive guide is specifically tailored for Montana locals, providing all the essential details about this remarkable bunkhouse, from its unique location and accessibility to its comfortable amenities, key features, and why it stands out as an exceptional choice for your next memorable Montana adventure.

Savenac Bunkhouse is uniquely located at 209 Riverside Ave W, Superior, MT 59872, USA. This places it directly on the historic grounds of the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery, a significant site within the Lolo National Forest in western Montana. Its location offers a blend of historical ambiance and direct access to a myriad of outdoor activities.

For Montana residents traveling from major population centers like Missoula, the Savenac Bunkhouse is conveniently accessible via Interstate 90. It's located approximately 90 miles west of Missoula. Travelers should take Haugan Exit #16 from I-90. The Savenac compound is well-signed, and the entrance is easily visible from the road, making for a straightforward drive. From other parts of western Montana, access via I-90 or connecting state highways is similarly direct.

The bunkhouse's location within the Historic Savenac Tree Nursery means visitors are immediately immersed in a unique environment. The compound itself features a visitor center (open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day), interpretive trails, and beautiful grounds to explore. Crucially, its proximity to the world-class "Route of the Hiawatha" bike trail (just 7 miles to the west on Interstate 90 towards Lookout Pass) makes it an ideal base for cycling enthusiasts. Furthermore, it offers "immediate access to many snowmobile, ATV, or hiking trails from the front door," catering to a wide range of outdoor pursuits year-round. This excellent accessibility, combined with its central position amidst prime recreational areas, makes Savenac Bunkhouse a highly convenient and attractive destination for Montana locals.

• Group Lodging: The Savenac Bunkhouse is designed for group accommodations, with a capacity of up to 35 people. It features four rooms, each with two twin beds, along with bunkbeds.
• Sleeping Facilities: Provides bunkbeds and twin beds with mattress covers. Visitors need to bring their own bedding.
• Restrooms with Showers: The bunkhouse includes a single restroom with a shower, and a larger restroom with three sinks and two showers, offering essential comforts.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available at the site.
• Picnic Tables: There are picnic tables outside the bunkhouse for outdoor dining.
• No Cooking or Dining Facilities Inside: Important to note that there are no cooking or dining facilities within the bunkhouse itself; it is primarily a sleeping facility.
• No Pets Allowed Inside Bunkhouse: Pets must be on a leash in the main compound and are not allowed inside the building.
• No Sewage or Electric Hookups: As a historic Forest Service rental, it does not offer RV sewage or electric hookups.
• Campfire Allowed: Campfires are permitted in designated areas, subject to fire restrictions.
• Heated Bunkhouse: The bunkhouse is heated, making it suitable for year-round use.

• Historic Setting: Located on the grounds of the Historic Savenac Tree Nursery, offering a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation. The nursery was founded in 1907.
• Close to Hiawatha Trail: Provides excellent access to the famous "Route of the Hiawatha" mountain biking trail, just 7 miles away. Bike rentals are available nearby at Lookout Pass.
• Direct Trail Access: Immediate access to "hundreds of miles of ATV/UTV trails directly from camp," as well as hiking and snowmobile trails.
• Year-Round Activities: Suitable for year-round use, with opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing in winter, and hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing in warmer months.
• Large Group Capacity: Accommodates large groups up to 35 people, making it ideal for family reunions, club trips, or group retreats.
• Rustic Charm with Amenities: Offers a rustic cabin experience enhanced by amenities like showers and heat, providing a comfortable stay.
• Proximity to Ski Resorts: Centrally located minutes from major ski resorts like Lookout Pass.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see moose, elk, deer, and other wildlife in the surrounding Lolo National Forest.
• Visitor Center and Interpretive Trails: The Savenac compound features a visitor center (seasonal operation) with interpretive trails, displays, and memorials.

Savenac Bunkhouse is a rental facility managed by the Lolo National Forest, a part of the U.S. Forest Service. Reservations and inquiries are typically handled directly through the Forest Service office or via online reservation platforms.

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

Phone: (406) 822-4233

Mobile Phone: +1 406-822-4233

It is highly recommended to call this number for availability, especially since the bunkhouse is open seasonally (April 1 to October 14) and may be reserved for administrative use or maintenance at other times. Booking typically involves a daily use fee, so confirm current rates and reservation procedures well in advance of your planned stay. You can also often find booking information and details on the Lolo National Forest's official website or Recreation.gov.

For Montana locals, Savenac Bunkhouse represents an ideal and truly unique accommodation option that perfectly blends convenience, comfort, and an authentic connection to our state's rich history and abundant outdoor opportunities. Its suitability stems from its strategic location, its ability to accommodate groups, and its comprehensive access to diverse recreational activities.

The most compelling reason for Montanans to consider Savenac Bunkhouse is its capacity for "great sleeping arrangements" for larger groups. For family reunions, group adventures, or club trips, finding comfortable lodging that keeps everyone together can be a challenge. The bunkhouse's ability to host up to 35 people, complete with multiple rooms and essential amenities like showers and heat, makes it an incredibly practical and appealing alternative to traditional camping or fragmented lodging. This communal aspect fosters a stronger sense of camaraderie and simplifies logistics for group outings.

Furthermore, its location is a major draw for the active Montana lifestyle. Being "close to Hiawatha trail" provides direct access to one of the region's most famous and scenic mountain biking routes, a beloved activity for many locals. Beyond the Hiawatha, the promise of "immediate access to many snowmobile, ATV, or hiking trails from the front door" means that regardless of the season, there's an adventure waiting. This year-round recreational accessibility, from winter sports to summer hiking and fishing in nearby streams like the St. Regis River, positions the bunkhouse as a versatile hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

The historic setting of the Savenac Tree Nursery itself adds an enriching layer to the experience. For Montanans, understanding and appreciating our state's heritage is important, and staying at a place steeped in Forest Service history provides a unique educational component. While there are no cooking facilities inside, the availability of picnic tables and fire rings allows for traditional outdoor meal preparation. In essence, Savenac Bunkhouse isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a comfortable, strategically located, and historically significant base camp that empowers Montana locals to fully embrace the boundless recreational opportunities and deep-rooted history that define our extraordinary state.

Savenac Bunkhouse

209 Riverside Ave W, Superior, MT 59872, USA