USDA Forest Service · Montana
Zips Place Cabin
USDA Forest Service · Montana, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 electric
- Season
- June 1 to March 31
- Cost
- Federal Pass discounts do not apply.
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 4,596 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
- GIEFER TRAILHEAD (NFSR 11142) · crushed aggregate or gravel · suitable for passenger cars
- Lake
- Flathead National Forest
- Nearest town
- HUNGRY HORSE
- Address
- Hungry Horse Ranger Station, PO Box 190340, HUNGRY HORSE, MT, 59919
- Phone
- 406-387-3800
- Activities
- Camping, Cross Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Wildlife Viewing
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Zip's Place Cabin is located 48 miles east of Hungry Horse, in northwestern Montana. It provides a beautiful setting on property that was originally a homestead granted in 1937. In 1945 the land was bought by the Kimmet family of Cut Bank, and in 1954 the family constructed the cabin that resides there today. Visitors enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, winter sports and viewing wildlife.
The cabin can be accessed by vehicle during the summer months. The summer parking area is approximately 120 ft. from the cabin, some visitors find a cart to be helpful to transport gear to the cabin. During the winter months when snow is present or when the road conditions are impassable, guests must park at the designated winter parking area and hike, snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe approximately one mile to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in warmer months. Cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snow shoeing entertain visitors in winter. Elk and moose are among the native animals that may be spotted in the area.
Facilities
The rustic cabin can accommodate up to eight guests. Amenities include a vault toilet, electric stove, coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave oven, lights, electric and propane heat, pots and pans, utensils and cutlery, dishes and cleaning items. Pets are allowed, but cleaning up after them is required. Electricity is provided but water is only available from a well hand-pump June 1 to November 30. Guests should bring food, bedding and basic camp gear, including a first aid kit.
The cabin can be accessed by vehicle during the summer months. The summer parking area is approximately 120 ft. from the cabin, some visitors find a cart to be helpful to transport gear to the cabin. During the winter months when snow is present or when the road conditions are impassable, guests must park at the designated winter parking area and hike, snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe approximately one mile to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Natural Features
The cabin entrance faces a large grassy lawn area. The rear backs up to a stand of lodgepole pine and Douglas fir trees. A small stream runs behind the cabin.
The Hungry Horse Ranger District is bordered on the east by the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park. It also covers part of the 286,700-acre Great Bear Wilderness.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Hungry Horse, located an hour away, offers a variety of conveniences like grocery stores and gas stations.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31° | 20° | -36° | 39° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 28° | 15° | -25° | 45° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 38° | 25° | -7° | 54° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 42° | 29° | 2° | 62° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 51° | 36° | 18° | 76° | 7 of 11 |
| June | 63° | 44° | 31° | 86° | 1 of 11 |
| July | 77° | 54° | 44° | 90° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 76° | 54° | 42° | 89° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 66° | 47° | 33° | 80° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 48° | 34° | 20° | 67° | 7 of 10 |
| November | 37° | 26° | 2° | 57° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 30° | 20° | -11° | 44° | 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
- Devil Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 13 sites
- Challenge Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi · 1 sites
- Summit Campground · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi
- Buffalo Calf Campground · Tribal Lands · 15 mi
- Two Medicine Campground · National Park Service · 16 mi · 105 sites
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.