Vigilante Cabin
The Vigilante cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1920s and were first used as a guard station. The middle house, which is the largest, is available by reservation public use. The remaining outbuildings are still used by Forest Service personnel throughout the year. The cabin lies a short walking distance away from the upper Ruby River.
General Information
• This is a 3 room cabin that sleeps 6. The cabin is equipped with a wood burning stove for heat. Firewood is available for use in the cabin stove only. It is also equipped with a refrigerator & lights. Flush toilet and potable water is available June through September.
• There is minimal cooking equipment provided.
• Renters must call the district office with their reservation number at 406-682-4253 during office hours for the lock combination. Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Mountain Time) Mon-Fri, closed on weekends and Federal holidays.
• The vault toilet is located approximately 100 feet east of the cabin.
• Bears frequent the area with mandatory food storage and refuse requirements in effect March 1 through December 1 annually. All food, garbage and animal carcasses must be properly stored and made unavailable to wildlife.
• Potential exposure to hantavirus due to presence of mice droppings in cabins.
• Rodenticide may be in use in cabin. Take appropriate precautions to avoid ingestion by children and pets.
• No garbage service provided. Please Pack it in, Pack it out.
• No cleaning service provided. Please clean the cabin before leaving. Cleaning supplies are provided.
• Please replenish supply of split wood and kindling before leaving. Please do not chop wood on the porch.
• The Ruby River is located several hundred yards east of the cabin.
• Livestock are not allowed at this site.
Year Round
No camping or stock allowed at this site.
There is a $75.00 per night fee for this cabin.
Address: 5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729
Phone: 406-682-4253
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
Vigilante cabin is located about 50 miles southwest of Ennis, Montana and about 40 miles southeast of Sheridan, Montana. From Ennis, travel 23 miles west on Montana Highway 287 to Alder. Turn south toward Ruby River Reservoir on County 248 and travel 29 miles to Vigilante Station. The route is well marked. The last 20 miles are gravel road, which can be slippery when wet or snow-covered. The lock combination for the gate is the same as the cabin. Please keep the gate closed and locked. Maps (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest South) may be purchased ($10.00) by calling the Madison Ranger District at 406-682-4253.
Specific directions are available by calling 406-682-4253.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not currently available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Guests need to bring their own water, including enough for cleaning, from October to May. There is an indoor bathroom during the summer months, with a sink, shower, and flush toilet.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking
Day Hikes