USDA Forest Service · Montana

Kenck Cabin

USDA Forest Service · Montana, United States

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Sites
1
Hookups
1 no hookups
Season
December 1 to September 30
Drinking water
No
Restrooms
No
Elevation
5,266 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Access road
S.F. CAMP - NORTH LOOP (NFSR 9234-A) · native material · suitable for passenger cars
Lake
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Nearest town
Choteau
Address
Rocky Mountain Ranger District PO Box 340, Choteau, MT, 59422
Activities
Camping

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Guests can stay at Kenck Cabin for a rustic getaway in the fresh mountain air. The cabin was built in 1924 by a traveling doctor who arrived in the area in 1904 and spent his entire career along the Rocky Mountain Front. In 2003 the property was donated to the Forest Service by the Kenck Family Trust, and it has since been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Recreation

Guests can relax by the stream, watch for birds and hike the surrounding area. Photographers will particularly enjoy the views of Patrol Lookout found by the gate to the cabin.

Facilities

Kenck is comprised of one room that sleeps six on a double bed, a futon that turns into a double bed and two cots. Heating and cooking is from two wood stoves, and firewood is provided. Cooking utensils and dishes are also provided. The cabin has a replica of an old monarch stove and classic wood dining chairs. No water is available. Renters should bring their own drinking water or be prepared to filter or boil stream water. A bucket and shovel is provided. An outhouse is available directly behind the cabin. Items to bring include trash bags, coolers, food, toilet paper, bedding, flashlights, small propane cylinders for the lanterns. (Click here for more cabin details.)

Natural Features

Perched at an elevation of about 5,200 feet, the cabin sits near a series of flowing water, including Benchmark Creek, South Fork Sun River and Burned Creek. The surrounding area is a mixed conifer forest. The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest boasts 1,600 miles of streams and a mix of small natural and man-made lakes. Native wildlife includes grizzly and black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, lynx, bighorn sheep and grey wolves.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest town with conveniences is Augusta. The distance is about 30 miles, but due to rough, winding gravel roads, travel time can take an hour and a half to two hours.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January30°17°-36°42°11 of 11
February29°15°-25°46°11 of 11
March39°24°-3°53°11 of 11
April42°28°3°62°11 of 11
May51°34°23°73°9 of 11
June64°43°34°88°0 of 11
July78°53°41°88°0 of 11
August76°52°41°88°0 of 11
September66°45°28°81°2 of 11
October49°34°18°69°7 of 10
November38°24°-7°60°10 of 10
December31°17°-13°47°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Montana · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.