About Bear Creek Cabin (Beaverhead-deerlodge National Forest, MT)
The Bear Creek Cabin, located at the base of the west slope of the Madison Range, allows visitors to experience southwestern Montana's vast wilderness areas, including wide open fields and a variety of nearby mountain ranges. Situated on the Trail Fork of Bear Creek, the cabin offers a scenic location to enjoy activities such as hunting, skiing, snowshoeing, as well as hiking and horseback riding on nearby trails. A smaller cabin, Bear Creek Bunkhouse, is located about 100 ft to the west and is also on the rental program.
The cabin is used as an administrative site in the summer and fall months, but is open to the public between December and April. 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.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Horseback Riding
Year-round
Hunting
Year-round
Skiing
Winter
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Horseback Riding
Nearby
Hunting
Nearby
Winter
Skiing
Nearby
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
Most popular amenities
Parking
Parking and Transport
Parking
Missing information?
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
Bear Creek Cabin offers a charming and well-stocked environment, with a functional wood stove and a sense of history. It is situated in a beautiful location with easy access to various trails. However, some amenities like utensils and firewood were lacking, and the wood stove may not adequately heat the cabin in winter.
Stayed one night in all my 14 days and we couldn't even build a fire because the stove pipe leaked smoke so bad we had to open doors for an hour. I tried to cancel stay a few times but web site wouldn't let me and also chatted with your help line as well.
Stayed one night in all my 14 days and we couldn't even build a fire because the stove pipe leaked smoke so bad we had to open doors for an hour. I tried to cancel stay a few times but web site wouldn't let me and also chatted with your help line as well.
We had a hard time getting fire started in main cabin. Perhaps outlet pipe needs cleaning. Bunkhouse stove: Could not regulate the flue. otherwise, cabin is great.
We had a hard time getting fire started in main cabin. Perhaps outlet pipe needs cleaning. Bunkhouse stove: Could not regulate the flue. otherwise, cabin is great.
Overall, the experience was excellent, despite temperatures falling below -5 deg F during the day (w/o wind chill). We had only one live mouse in the cabin ... I did not see it long enough to tell whether it was a deer mouse or a house mouse. Good amount of cobwebs on ceiling. The cabin BADLY needs a mop, to clean the floor. Why post signs about hantavirus danger, yet only provide straw brooms for cleaning? Although I understand the funding squeeze for USFS given increasing frequency and costs of firefighting, it somewhat saddens one to see the cost of a cabin rise to more than the cost of a hotel in rural MT($73./night).
There were lots of fun games to play, as outside temperatures provided some danger to lungs. Someone (either a local landowner, or USFS) very kindly plowed the road after the fresh snow, which obviated our cautious approach of driving the truck out the night before the snow and skiing out the morning after the fresh snow. Cabin was VERY well stocked, with fridge, 4-burner stove + oven, electric lights, nice beds with pads, dishes and silverware, board games, puzzles, firewood, etc.
Overall, the experience was excellent, despite temperatures falling below -5 deg F during the day (w/o wind chill). We had only one live mouse in the cabin ... I did not see it long enough to tell whether it was a deer mouse or a house mouse. Good amount of cobwebs on ceiling. The cabin BADLY needs a mop, to clean the floor. Why post signs about hantavirus danger, yet only provide straw brooms for cleaning? Although I understand the funding squeeze for USFS given increasing frequency and costs of firefighting, it somewhat saddens one to see the cost of a cabin rise to more than the cost of a hotel in rural MT($73./night).
There were lots of fun games to play, as outside temperatures provided some danger to lungs. Someone (either a local landowner, or USFS) very kindly plowed the road after the fresh snow, which obviated our cautious approach of driving the truck out the night before the snow and skiing out the morning after the fresh snow. Cabin was VERY well stocked, with fridge, 4-burner stove + oven, electric lights, nice beds with pads, dishes and silverware, board games, puzzles, firewood, etc.
The cabin needs some repairs and expect to do some cleaning (inside and outside). The dogs “deposits” right by the front steps were a fun first site. All in all, it is a rustic experience that we enjoyed once we got it cleaned up.
The cabin needs some repairs and expect to do some cleaning (inside and outside). The dogs “deposits” right by the front steps were a fun first site. All in all, it is a rustic experience that we enjoyed once we got it cleaned up.
The campground is accessible via Highway 287, which is approximately 11 miles from Ennis, Montana. From Highway 287, the access continues on Bear Creek Loop.
You will receive the entrance combination with your payment receipt; if not, contact the Madison Ranger District during office hours.
Cancellation policy
Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Safety & rules
This facility is in a remote area; familiarize yourself with bear, water, and weather safety before your visit.
All trash and food must be removed from the site upon departure.
Familiarize yourself with hantavirus exposure risks when visiting the cabin.
This facility is not cleaned between visits; please bring cleaning supplies and clean before leaving.
Utilities
No potable water is available; creek water must be filtered, treated, or boiled before use.
Accessibility
Expect very limited cell phone coverage at this location.
Pets
All hay and feed brought to the site must be certified free of weed seeds.
General
Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Fires & fuel
Do not move firewood; obtain it locally to prevent pest spread.