Lost Horse Guard Station

Lost Horse Guard Station

A Rural campground in Montana

Lost Horse Guard Station sits among the stunning landscapes of Bitterroot National Forest in Montana . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.

Sites are first-come, first-served , and the best times to visit are Jul-sep when the weather is most comfortable .

🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.

🏕️ At a Glance

⛺ Sites: 50
🚙 Max RV: 35 feet ft
🏛️ Agency: Usda Forest Service
🚻 Restrooms: No
💧 Water: Yes
🐕 Pets: No
🚿 Showers: No
🥾 Hiking: Available
🦅 Birding: 100/100 (Pacific Flyway)
⏱️ Stay Limit: 14 days
💲 Nightly Fee: $25-35
📅 Reservations: First-come, first-served
🌆 Best Seasons: Jul-sep
📍 GPS: 46.1307, -114.4934
🆔 Facility ID: 10176101

💳 Booking & Fees

📅 Reservations: First-come, first-served. View on Recreation.gov →
💵 Nightly Fee: $25-35
📋 Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.

⏰ Stay Limit: 14 days
💡 Tip: Book early for peak season (Jul-sep). Sites can fill up months in advance.

💧 Water Access & Features

🏞️
Nearest Water Body
Lost Horse Creek
Stream
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📸 Discover the Beauty of Bitterroot National Forest

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.

🌞 Jul-sep

🦅 Peak birding: May, Jun, Aug

🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings

Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.

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Lost Horse Guard Station located in Montana, offering 50 camping sites.

Lost Horse Guard Station

A Rural campground in Montana

📍
Location
, Montana
💰
Fees
$25-35

Stay Limit
14 days
🚌
Max RV Length
35 feet
🐾
Pets
No
📡
Cell Coverage
Verizon: Fair
AT&T: Fair
T-Mobile: Poor

Overview

These Features Create a Microclimate in the Canyon That Sustains a Dense Mixed Coniferous Forest That Contains Ponderosa Pine in the Lower/Drier Sites; Douglas-Fir, Western Hemlock and Western Red Cedar Along the Creek, and Lodgepole Pine, Subalpine Fir, Engelmann Spruce and Whitebark Pine in the Higher Elevations.

the Lost Horse Guard Station Was Built in 1938 by Request of George Case, Moose Creek District Ranger, to Assist the Forest Service’S Efforts to Administer and Manage the High Country of the Southern Bitterroot Range. Using Funds From the Works Progress Administration (Wpa), the Cabin Was Constructed by Emil Schwartz, From Wisdom, Mt and Known for a Paying Close Attention to Detail. Its Quality of Construction Is Evident Through the Minimal Amount of Required Repairs and Restoration Over the 80 Years Since Its Construction. It Is an Excellent Example of a Region One Standard Plan Log Cabin and Guard Station, with Saddle-Notched Random-Length Log Crowns, a Drive Through Porch, Native Stone Foundation and Cedar Shingle Roof. the Cabin Features Two Sets of Full Sized Bunk Beds, a Wood Burning Stove As the Heat Source and a Propane Cook Stove. There Is No Drinking Water at This Cabin, Please Bring Your Own Water for Drinking, Cleaning Etc. There Is No Trash Service at This Cabin. Pack It in, Pack It Out. Firewood Is Not Provided at This Time.

Visitors to the Lost Horse Guard Station Have Access to a Multitude of Recreation Opportunities.

Hiking: There Are Many Trails That Are Close to the Cabin. the Bailey Lake Trailhead Is Within Walking Distance. Travel One Mile to the West to Bear Creek Pass and Access the Bear Creek Trail, Lower and Upper Bear Lakes, Coquina Lake, Fish Lake and the South Fork of Lost Horse Creek Drainage. Travel 2 Miles to the North to Access the Twin Lakes Trail and Wahoo Pass Trail and the Vast Expanse of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

Fishing: Along with Lost Horse Creek, Anglers Can Drive or Hike to Any of the Lakes Mentioned Above. Expect to Find Brook Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Brown Trout and Mountain Whitefish. Disclaimer* Some of the Lakes in the Area Are in Idaho. Please Obtain the Appropriate Licenses in the State That You Will Be Fishing in.

Hunting: Many Species Are at Home in the Lost Horse Creek Drainage. Hunters Can Strike Out in Search of Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Black Bear, Elk and Mountain Grouse Species.

Skiing: with Routine Heavy Snowfall, This Area Is a Great Opportunity for Cross Country Skiiers with Some Areas Being Groomed and Lots of Wild Untouched Snow.

Over Snow Travel: While the Road Makes for an Easier Ride, Deep Powder Can Be Found Very Easily in a Variety of Terrain for Riders of Any Experience Level. Note* Motorized Travel Is Not Permitted in the Wilderness Area

Horseback: Bear Creek Pass and Twin Lakes Both Feature Ramps and Hitching Posts for Those Riders Looking to Either Take a Leisurely Day Ride or Venture Into the Labyrinth of Trails That Disect the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

Kayak/Canoe/Sup: Just 2 Miles From the Cabin, Motorized Boats Are Prohibited on Twin Lakes, This Makes for a Great Opportunity for Non Motorized Craft.

Opportunities for Other Activities Such As Climbing, Bird Watching, Photography and General Nature Viewing Abound in This Area.

the Cabin Resides Nearly 18 Miles From Highway 93 in the Lost Horse Creek Drainage on the West Side of the Beatuful Bitterroot Valley. the Lost Horse Road Was Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (Ccc). the Drainages on the West Side of the Valley Differ From the Surrounding Landscape. These Glacial Carved Canyons Are Home to Towering Peaks, Craggy Granite Cliffs, Serene Alpine Lakes, Steep Avalanche Chutes, Flowing Creeks and Cascading Waterfalls. the Lost Horse Road Provides Access Into the Bitterroot Mountains Much Further Than the Typical Eastern Boundary of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Can Be Accessed at Bear Creek Pass and Twin Lakes, Which Are Both Within 2 Miles of the Lost Horse Guard Station.

Managed by: Usda Forest Service

Site Details

Campsite Information

  • Total Sites: 50
  • Hookup Types: Electric
  • Max RV Length: 35 feet

Amenities

  • 🚻 Restrooms: No
  • 🚿 Showers: No
  • 🗑️ Dump Station: No
  • 💧 Potable Water: Available
  • 🛝 Playground: No
  • 🧺 Laundry: False
  • 📶 WiFi: False
  • 🏊 Swimming: No
  • 🎣 Fishing: Available
  • 🛥️ Boating: Available
  • 🥾 Hiking: Available

Map & Location

Address & Coordinates

Address: Lost Horse Work Center

City: , Montana 59840.0

Coordinates: 46.13073, -114.493438

Area Type: Rural

Phone:

Activities & Attractions

Popular Activities: Fishing|hiking|water|lake|trail|rv|tent|cabin

Available Activities:

  • 🎣 Fishing: Available
  • 🛥️ Boating: Available
  • 🥾 Hiking: Available
  • 🏊 Swimming: No

Regulations & Permits

🔥 Stay Limits & Fees

Maximum Stay: 14 days

Nightly Fee: $25-35

Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)

📋 Reservations

Reservations: First Come First Served

Book on Recreation.gov

🌤️ Weather & Climate

80.6°F
Summer High
20.4°F
Winter Low
15.42″
Annual Precip
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
Jul-sep
Best Visit Time

📱 Connectivity

Verizon

Fair Signal

LTE

AT&T

Fair Signal

LTE

T-Mobile

Poor Signal

4G

📺 Television Reception

Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS

Signal Quality: Fair

Total Stations: 6 stations

Nearest Market: Billings/GREAT FALLS

Notes: Signals FROM Billings/GREAT FALLS MARKET

📻 Radio Reception

Total Stations: 13 stations (4 AM, 9 FM)

AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Fair

Major Formats: Country, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK

Local News: KGVO 1290 Am

Market: Billings/GREAT FALLS

Notes: 4 AM, 9 FM Stations from Billings/Great Falls

🔌 EV Charging

⚡ Hamilton City Hall

Distance: 17.9 miles away

Address: 223 S 2nd St, Hamilton, MT

Network: evgateway

Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772

Essential Information

Park System Information

Park Classification & Structure

  • Park Type: National Forests
  • Parks Post Name: bitterroot-national-forest
  • Parent Park Name: Bitterroot National Forest
  • Correct Park Type Mapping: bitterroot-national-forest

System Statistics

  • Total Campgrounds in System: 24.0
  • States Covered: Idaho, Montana
  • Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service

System IDs & References

  • Parent Organization ID: 131.0
  • Parent Recreation Area ID: 1014
  • Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
  • Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1014, 1014.0

URL Slugs & Navigation

  • State Slug: montana
  • Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
  • Park Type Slug: national-forests
  • Parent Park Slug: bitterroot-national-forest

Additional Park Information

Welcome to Bitterroot National Forest! This Beautiful Destination Features 24 Campgrounds Across Idaho, Montana. Managed by Usda Forest Service, This Location Offers Incredible Camping Opportunities for Every Type of Outdoor Enthusiast.

Data Reference Notes

Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service

10176101 Lost Horse Guard Station