I finally made it thru the post... wow, thats allot of good info. So after talking with neighbors who use water storage, well drillers, father in-law (plumber), my dad (lived on the site when I was a kid) and the info here... I think I have figured out how I want to go.
500 gallon fresh water tank (Black so light cant get thru and designed for the application)
short stand (basically to give a solid level base) essentially a short deck with 6x6 framing and concrete piers. Cheaper than a concrete pad with footings.
Shed around the tank with a metal roof. Shed will have approx 1' of free space around tank. Shed will be round for asstetics and use carsiding (on verticle) for the sides. Basically it should look like an old railroad tank.
Ill use a small pump with a float to fill/top off the tank and a shallow well pump (already have) with my existing pressure tank etc to run from the tank to the house. Even in the worst of summer we still have water, just not enough.
the cabin is in a valley so I could place the tank above the level but, that would require about 200' of hose (each way) and trenching and I just dont see the need. Power is normally available and I am working on an "end of the world" power solution in addition to my generator.
Ive started looking at different water sanitation solutions. Right now Im leaning toward an Ozone sterilazation system. They claim you can keep water drinkable for years like that.
I also considered an inground tank but between the expense of a backhoe and the maint issues, I decided a drainable above ground is the way to go.
on a slightly side project, you guys have me wanting to build an observation tower!
