Red Dead Redemption 2's Story Mode map hides cabins, ruins and camps that the game calls shacks. Many are easy to ride past, but plenty hold valuables and small finds, and a few have letters and notes that add to the story.
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West Elizabeth
Lenora View is the stop where the story decides what you find. The porch note can depend on story progress, so if it hasn't turned up on your first visit, come back after more of the story.
Ambarino
Dormin Crest and Snowfield Shack both sit near the western map edge, so one ride covers both. Clawson's Rest and Dodd's Bluff are both west of the Dakota River, so they pair up too.
New Hanover
You don't need the UFO to explore Hani's Bethel. If you want to see it, read the sermon first, then come back around 2 a.m. under a half moon. At Osman Grove, the front door is locked, so use the open side door. The fountain pen there ties into Mary-Beth's camp item request, so grab it if you're working on that.
Lemoyne
Crawdad Willies can start an optional rescue encounter, and you don't need it to explore the shack.
Shacks are grouped by map state, and Region is the smaller area inside each state. Directions like northwest of Valentine start from the landmark named. A blank Availability note means no special story timing or character limit is recorded. Check Approach for locked doors, nearby threats or clues outside.
How five shacks count toward 100%
Five shack discoveries count toward 100% completion. You'll find the progress under Progress > Total Completion > Shacks. Visits past the five are optional, so you can stop there if the objective is all you want.
The finds worth a detour
Valuables are the main reason to plan a stop. Fairvale Shanty is the clearest pick, with a gold nugget, a platinum watch and jewelry in one place. Old Trail Rise's cellar has hidden cash, and the climb down the ladder is worth it.
Vetter's Echo has Dutch's pipe and poems, and Martha's Swain has a pocket mirror. Several finds are letters, notes and books that reveal small environmental stories, so read them when you're ready for spoilers.
Spoiler: which shacks only show up late
Argil Rise, Ridge View and Shepherds Rise only appear in John's epilogue. They're worth a visit once you get there, but they don't have to be among your five discoveries.
Bear Claw is a John stop too. Arthur's chapters don't give you access to that camp, so visit it as John.
FAQ
Does the game announce each shack I visit?
No. A single visit doesn't trigger a notice, so check your progress in the menu after a run of visits instead of waiting for a pop-up.
Do I have to loot everything or enter every house?
No. Exploring a shack means reaching it and checking its accessible rooms or nearby clues. Some houses can't be entered, and you don't need every item to explore a spot.
Which shacks have cigarette cards?
Clawson's Rest, Vetter's Echo, Hani's Bethel, Old Trail Rise and Crawdad Willies each have cigarette cards. Dormin Crest has Premium Cigarettes, which aren't cards. If you're collecting those, head to Red Dead Redemption 2 cigarette cards.
Does this cover Red Dead Online?
No. These shacks are Story Mode only. Red Dead Online's buildings and the game's other homesteads and houses aren't part of them.