Judith Guard Station
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Judith Guard Station is a historic Ranger Station dating back to the early 1900s. Designated as a National Historic Site, the cabin is decorated with historically accurate furnishings and wallpaper. It is just a stone's throw from the Middle Fork of the Judith River and a small campground with a picnic area. Mandatory bear food storage requirements apply, with specfic compliance information posted at the cabin. The cabin, located about 30 miles south of Stanford, may be accessed by regular passenger vehicle until snow season. The road is usually plowed within 2 miles of the station, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle can often make the trip. In times of heavy snowfall, the last half-mile to the cabin may require a snowmobile, skis or snowshoes.
The two-story frame building has a modern vault toilet outside and a porch with chairs. Furnishings include propane cook stove and heat, beds to fit eight guests, table and chairs plus cooking utensils are provided in the kitchen. Portable propane lanterns are available, but users must bring their own propane cylinders.
A hand well with drinking water is available outside from May to September. No water is available during the winter so guests should bring plenty of water during this time period. Guests are asked to bring garbage bags, toilet paper, flashlights, bedding, an ice chest and all personal toiletries. Click here for more cabin details.
Need to Know
- The Guard Station is a historic site and is meant to be rented for use of the Guard Station itself. Due to the historic nature of this facility, campers and RVs may not be parked out front of the Station, but can be parked at the campground just down from the Guard Station. Not abiding by this historical preservation policy is grounds for eviction without refund.
- Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility
- No water, electricity or sewer hookups available
- Cell phone reception is unreliable
- Collect downed, dead wood for campfire firewood
- Pets are not allowed in the cabin at any time, but can be kept outside in a kennel or on a six-foot or less leash. Users are responsible for removing all pet food and droppings from rental site prior to departure.
- No camping units permitted at cabin site
Visitors must clean cabin prior to departure; a fee will be charged if extra clean-up is needed. Check out time 11:00 AM.
- Walk-in reservations no longer accepted
- Bears frequent the area; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
Natural Features
Judith Guard Station sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet on the northern banks of the Middle Fork of the Judith River. The region boasts wooded hills topped with Ponderosa Pine, lodgepole pine and Douglas fir.
Wildlife in the area includes deer, elk, bear, bobcats and montain lions.
Nearby Attractions
Judith River State Wildlfe Management Area lies north of the cabin and Middle fork of the Judith River in close proximity .Grocery stores and gas is available in Stanford, about 30 miles from the cabin. Sapphire Village 5 miles to the northeast
Recreation
Hiking, OHVing, hunting and mountain biking opportunities abound. Nearby hunting includes deer and elk in designated areas. Snow shoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities during the winter months.
Contact Information
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109 CENTRAL AVE. P.O. BOX 484 STANFORD MT 59479
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-566-2292 OR 406-236-5511
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Great Falls, travel east on U.S. Highway 87 for about 63 miles to Windham, Montana, from Windham turn right off HWY 200/87 and head south for approximately 10 miles until the town of Utica. Turn right at Utica, continue south for approximately 13 miles on the county road. At the "Y" junction turn right nto the Middlefork road 822 and continue southwest for about 1 mile until you reack the "Y", stay to the left and continue for about 1 mile to the Judith Gaurd Station
