Woods Cabin: A 1928 Log Cabin on Montana’s Lake Como You Can Rent

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On the north shore of Lake Como in Montana’s Bitterroot National Forest, you can rent a historic log cabin built in 1928. Woods Cabin has three bedrooms, a full kitchen and dining area, a big living room, and a deck with views across the lake to the snowy Como Peaks. There’s no electricity, just wood stoves and propane lamps, which makes it a true rustic Montana escape for families and groups of up to 15.

Elevated overview of red-roof log Woods Cabin on a gravel drive with Lake Como and forest behind — USDA Forest Service / Bitterroot National Forest / Recreation.gov

A Cabin with a Long History

Dr. Herbert Hayward built the cabin in 1928 as a private lakeside retreat. It was later sold to C.M. Buxton, then to Bud and Irene Wood, whose family used it for many years before donating it to the Forest Service in the 1990s. Today, anyone can book it through Recreation.gov.

Big Windows and a Lakeside Deck

Large windows and a spacious deck make the most of the setting. From the deck, you look straight across Lake Como to the Como Peaks, often topped with snow.

Rustic deck bench looking across Lake Como to snow-peaked Como Peaks — USDA Forest Service / Bitterroot National Forest / Recreation.gov

Room for a Group Inside

The large living and dining room has a long trestle table with benches, which makes it ideal for family dinners or group gatherings. Two wood stoves keep the cabin warm (firewood is provided, though you may need to split it), and propane lamps provide light after dark.

Living and dining room with trestle table, benches, multi-pane windows, and wood stove corner — USDA Forest Service / Bitterroot National Forest / Recreation.gov

The full kitchen has wood counters, a sink, and a window looking into the trees, so you can cook real meals even without grid power.

Woods Cabin kitchen with sink, wood counters, and window to the trees — USDA Forest Service / Bitterroot National Forest / Recreation.gov

Three bedrooms with bunks and cots give the cabin room for up to 15 people overnight.

Bedroom with wooden bunk, green cot, and multi-pane window — USDA Forest Service / Bitterroot National Forest / Recreation.gov

Getting There, Even in Winter

A gravel drive winds through the trees to the cabin, where there’s parking for two vehicles, with more space in an upper lot. Four day-use vehicle passes come with your stay.

Gravel drive approach through trees toward Woods Cabin — USDA Forest Service / Bitterroot National Forest / Recreation.gov

In winter, the road from the main Lake Como Road to the cabin isn’t plowed. You may need to park at the boat launch and walk, ski, or snowshoe about three-quarters of a mile across the dam to reach the cabin, which turns the trip into part of the adventure. A vault toilet is nearby year-round.

Exterior corner of the log Woods Cabin with multi-pane windows — USDA Forest Service / Bitterroot National Forest / Recreation.gov

Stay Details

Location: north shore of Lake Como, Bitterroot National Forest, near Darby, Montana
Built: 1928
Layout: 3 bedrooms, full kitchen and dining area, large living room, deck
Sleeps: up to 15
Utilities: no electricity; two wood stoves (firewood provided) and propane lamps
Bathroom: vault toilet nearby
Parking: 2 vehicles at the cabin, more in the upper lot; 4 day-use passes included
Winter access: road not plowed; park at the boat launch and walk, ski, or snowshoe about ¾ mile across the dam
Check-in 2 p.m., check-out noon; maximum stay 5 nights
Rates: $100 per night in peak season (May 1 to Sept. 30); $60 per night off-season (Oct. 1 to April 30)

What Makes This Stay Special

A real 1928 log cabin with a story, donated to the public by the family who loved it.
Lake and mountain views from a big deck.
Room for big families and groups, at a price that’s hard to beat.
An off-grid stay with wood stoves and lamplight.
A winter ski or snowshoe trip right to the front door.

For more public lands cabins and lookouts you can rent, see the Tilly Jane A-Frame on Mt. Hood, Calpine Lookout in Tahoe National Forest, and Jersey Jim Lookout in Colorado.

Learn More

Woods Cabin, Bitterroot National Forest
Reservations: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234288
Forest Service: fs.usda.gov, Woods Cabin
Darby-Sula Ranger District: 406-821-3913, 712 N. Main, Darby, MT 59829
Photos: USDA Forest Service / Bitterroot National Forest / Recreation.gov. Rates as listed by the Forest Service in October 2026.

Highlights

Historic 1928 log cabin on Montana’s Lake Como
Three bedrooms; sleeps up to 15
Deck with views of Lake Como and the Como Peaks
Full kitchen, wood stoves, and propane lamps; no electricity
Bookable year-round, with ski or snowshoe access in winter
Run by the Bitterroot National Forest

Explore More

Would you snowshoe across a frozen dam to spend the night in a 1928 cabin? Tell us in the comments.

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

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Alex

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.