About Bear Creek Bunkhouse (Beaverhead-deerlodge National Forest, MT)
The Bear Creek Bunkhouse allows visitors to experience southwestern Montana's vast wilderness areas, including wide open hills and the Lee Metcalf Widerness in the Madison mountain range . Situated on the Trail Fork of Bear Creek, the cabin offers a scenic location to enjoy nature. The cabin was constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as crew quarters and a garage. A larger cabin is located about 100 ft to the east and is also on the rental progarm.
The bunkhouse is used as an administrative site in the summer, but is open to the public between December and April. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing, though the state lands to the north of the cabin are closed to entry, being a Wildlife Management Area.
The site can be accessed by vehicle, however, a portion of the road may be muddy or snow-covered, as it is not always plowed. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities, including water for drinking and cleaning.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed
- Opens on Dec 1
Campground Amenities
Connectivity and Media
Cell Reception
Missing information?
Report Incorrect Information
Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Bear Creek Bunkhouse (Beaverhead-deerlodge National Forest, MT).
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
The cabin at Bear Creek Bunkhouse provided a memorable experience for the family, with a moose sighting shortly after arrival. It has been well-maintained and clean since their previous visit 15 years ago. Overall, a positive stay for the family.
My wife and I stayed in this cabin 15 years ago. I brought my two kids with me this time. We saw a moose 15 minutes after arriving. Very memorable experience. Cabin was clean and well taken care of.
The setting is beautiful, and the bunkhouse is sweet. With another cabin just yards away, and the outhouse right next to that cabin, it is awkward when the main cabin is occupied with 5 or more people. No biggie, but if I rented again, I would want to rent both at the same time, and share with friends, not complete strangers.
From Ennis, take Highway 287 south for 11 mi, to Cameron, Montana. From Cameron, turn east on Bear Creek Loop and continue approximately 6 mi to the cabin. The last several miles is gravel or dirt, which may be muddy or snow-covered and may not al...
From Ennis, take Highway 287 south for 11 mi, to Cameron, Montana. From Cameron, turn east on Bear Creek Loop and continue approximately 6 mi to the cabin. The last several miles is gravel or dirt, which may be muddy or snow-covered and may not always be plowed. Maps may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
Entrance combination is available with your reservation confirmation. If you do not receive the combination, you must call the Madison Ranger District at 406-682-4253 Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for the cabin combination. The office is NOT open on Federal Holidays.
This facility is located in a remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water and weather safety (including avalanche danger)
Visitors must supply their own drinking water; Creek water must be properly filtered, treated or boiled for drinking or cooking purposes
Cell phone coverage is extremely limited
All garbage and food must be packed out
When visiting a cabin, visitors should learn about the potential dangers of exposure to hantavirus
Hay and feed, including grain, must be certified weed, seed-free
Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Be aware this facility is not cleaned between user visits. Please bring cleaning supplies for your visit. Renters are required to clean facility before leaving. We are doing the best we can to keep facilities open and available to the public. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.