The Cabins at Blacktail, located in Lakeside, Montana, provide a unique getaway combining rustic accommodations with a focus on community-building and outdoor activities.
Set on a scenic plot off Blacktail Road, the property features six cabins, a sauna, and a cold plunge fed by a natural spring.
Open since the summer of 2023, the cabins offer a space for guests to engage in wellness activities, retreat experiences, and other group events.
Owned by Somers residents Julie and George Darrow, the property was acquired after the couple spent time traveling the country in an RV. The Darrows, seeking a place to call home, were drawn to the Flathead Valley and purchased the land in 2021.
“We knew wherever we landed we wanted to be a part of the community,” Julie said, recalling the family’s journey from Florida to Montana. “It just felt right.”
According to an article published by Daily Interlake, the six cabins, originally used as man camps in North Dakota’s oil fields, were repurposed and transformed into short-term rentals.
Each cabin, spanning 400 square feet, is uniquely themed—ranging from boating to skiing—and designed with a rustic yet modern aesthetic. Guests can enjoy features like hot tubs, fireplaces, and locally sourced coffee and snacks.
Cabin 1, Camp Haus, features two queen bedrooms and one shower bath, offering a comfortable retreat with a private gravel patio, hot tub, picnic table, hammock, and a private propane fire pit. Inspired by the Montana camp experience, this cabin combines outdoor relaxation with cozy interiors.
Similarly, Ski Haus offers the same layout with two queen bedrooms and one shower bath, but with a skiing-inspired theme, complete with all the same amenities, providing guests with a charming escape ideal for those looking to enjoy Montana’s outdoor beauty.
The Darrows made it a priority to support local businesses in developing the space. The custom-built Finnish cedar sauna was crafted by Missoula-based Stone and Plunge, and local artists contributed murals and decor for the cabins.
Since opening to the public, The Cabins at Blacktail has hosted a variety of events, including weddings, a watercolor retreat, and outdoor group activities.
The space is also available for corporate retreats, charity events, and wellness activities. The sauna and cold plunge, open to the public, are available for individual and group bookings.
Julie also emphasized the goal of fostering community engagement, saying, “Our biggest goals for this property are to continue to facilitate community involvement and activities.”
Located just off Blacktail Road, the cabins offer a peaceful retreat in the forested foothills near Blacktail Mountain Ski Area.
