Bureau of Land Management · Montana
Axolotl Cabin
Bureau of Land Management · Montana, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 electric
- Season
- May 26 to October 11
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 7,136 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile weak · AT&T weak · Verizon weak (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Lake
- Axolotl Lakes
- Nearest town
- Dillon
- Address
- 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT, 59725
- Phone
- 406-683-8000
- Activities
- Camping, Fish Hatchery, Fishing, Hiking, Historic Sites, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
The Dillon Field Office is unable to make reservations for you. Please call Recreation.gov (877-444-6777) to book a reservation or book online.
Axolotl Cabin is located approximately 14 miles southwest of Ennis, Montana, in the foothills of the Gravelly Range. The cabin provides access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities and breathtaking views as it peers over the Madison Valley. The cabin is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet and is adjacent to Axolotl Lakes Wilderness Study Area.
Recreation
Recreation opportunities abound in the surrounding area including numerous small lakes for angling, paddling, and relaxation, and excellent areas for hiking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. The world famous Madison River winds through the valley below, with abundant scenery all around. The surrounding lands are primarily managed by the Bureau of Land Management and provide a variety of recreational opportunities, including within the Axolotl Lakes Wilderness Study Area (WSA). Certain restrictions are in place for WSA lands; please ensure your understanding of these rules and adhere to restrictions.
Facilities
The cabin sleeps a maximum of seven people. There is a full bed, a full-size fold out futon and two single bunkbeds. No bedding is provided. The cabin amenities run off of both solar and propane. The lights and refrigerator operate off solar power and can be subject to outages. The stove/oven operates off propane; please read directions of how to operate!! There is also a BBQ, wood stove, fireplace, and outdoor fire pit. Non-potable water available; please treat.
One small corral near the cabin can accommodate two horses. You are required to bring your own certified weed seed-free feed; no grazing is allowed.
Natural Features
Tiger salamanders in their larval stage (axolotls) exist in a few of the nearby lakes; please observe only, DO NOT HANDLE. Grayling can be found in some lakes. THIS IS BEAR COUNTRY. Do NOT leave food (human, pet, livestock), toiletries, or ANY ATTRACTANTS (BBQ tools, empty beverage cans, smores sticks, etc.) out overnight. PROPERLY STORE all attractants in the cabin or in a HARD-SIDED LOCKED vehicle when not in use.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (406) 490-9044.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the area may like to explore nearby Virginia City and Nevada City historic districts, as well as access the Gravelly Road scenic drive.
Fees
Reservations are booked through Recreation.gov only. A credit card is required to secure your reservation.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25° | 7° | -27° | 37° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 25° | 7° | -23° | 40° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 33° | 14° | -1° | 52° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 39° | 21° | -9° | 57° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 51° | 30° | 15° | 65° | 11 of 11 |
| June | 61° | 40° | 25° | 80° | 7 of 11 |
| July | 75° | 48° | 35° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 74° | 47° | 40° | 83° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 64° | 39° | 24° | 76° | 4 of 11 |
| October | 46° | 27° | 4° | 67° | 10 of 10 |
| November | 36° | 18° | -16° | 55° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 26° | 7° | -11° | 40° | 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
- Ruby Reservoir Rec Site · Bureau of Land Management · 12 mi
- Ruby Creek Campground · Bureau of Land Management · 16 mi
- Vigilante Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 16 mi · 1 sites
- Bear Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 16 mi
- Bear Creek Bunkhouse (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT) · USDA Forest Service · 17 mi · 1 sites
All public campgrounds in Montana · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-07-28. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.