Along the Lewis and Clark Trail lies a swath of land managed by the U.S. Forest Service with a number of remote cabins for rent. In North Dakota, a few cabins are available through private owners. For lucky adventurers who want to experience some of what Lewis and Clark's expedition members did, these vacation rentals are far off the beaten path.
A working cattle ranch with a rich rodeo history, this property is owned and operated by the fourth generation of the original 1900 founder. The ranch has one rustic cabin with expansive views of the northern Badlands and many amenities, including a full kitchen with microwave, hot and cold running water, heat, and electricity. With accommodations for up to nine people and facilities for horses, this cabin can give a family of wannabe cowboys a genuine out-West experience.
Naard Creek Ranch Cabin
11580 6th Street NW
Killdeer, ND 58640
701-764-6911
naardcreek.com
In the Badlands of North Dakota, this cabin is on a 25,000-acre private ranch with miles of horseback riding and hiking trails. The fully furnished rustic log cabin sleeps four and has a full kitchen, with horse corral nearby (horses welcome). Mountain bikers are also invited. Bow hunting is permitted on the property in season, and hunters are encouraged to inquire.
River Ranch Retreat Cabin
889 115 Ave. NW
Killdeer, ND 58640
701-863-6695 or 701-863-6938
riverranchretreat.com
This cabin is so remote visitors can only reach it by hiking 2.5 miles, and it accommodates only two people. Located in the Gallatin Mountains near Bozeman, it is open 365 days a year. This is a camping cabin; it has no running water or electricity, but it does have an outhouse and basic furnishings. A wood stove is used for cooking and heating, and guests must bring their own bedding, food, and any other supplies. (Gallatin National Forest has a number of other remote cabins available.)
Gallatin National Forest, Bozeman Ranger District Office
3710 Fallon Street
Bozeman, MT 59718
406-522-2520
bozemannet.com
Cooking and heating wood stoves, furnishings, hand pump for water, lantern, propane cooking stove, and double bed and bunk bed are the amenities in this cabin. It has no electricity or running water, and the "facility" is a pit toilet. In the Big Belt Mountain Range about 30 minutes from Helena, Bar Gulch is accessible by car for packing in bedding, groceries, and other necessary supplies. (Helena National Forest has a number of other remote cabins available.)
Bar Gulch Cabin, Montana
Helena National Forest, Townsend Ranger District
2880 Skyway Drive
Helena, MT 59602
406-266-3425
fs.fed.us
