Located at the east base of the Gravelly Range, Wall Creek Cabin is a small dwelling that gives guests access to prime elk and deer viewing, as access is through a state Wildlife Management Area. It is typically open to the public from mid-May through November, offering ample opportunity to explore southwestern Montana. Built in about 1930, the rental cabin was originally a crew quarters/warehouse/garage. The compound served as headquarters for the Wall Creek Ranger District, later the Madison District, until the 1940s. There are currently four log buildings at the site, including the small rental cabin, a barn and a main "Ranger" cabin and it's woodshed. The barn and corral and main cabin are used by grazing permit holders. Only the smaller cabin with a small holding corral is available for public use. Though usually quiet, there may be work activity associated with grazing management, with cowboys, horses and dogs living at the site, and their days often start early. The site can easily be reached by vehicle though roads may be muddy or snow covered. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Horseback Riding
Year-round
Hunting
Year-round
Year-round
Birding
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Horseback Riding
Nearby
Hunting
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.
The Wall Creek Cabin offers a clean and well-maintained space with beautiful views of the Madison Valley and Range, making it a pleasant retreat. However, guests noted some noise from nearby dogs, accessibility issues with the rustic outhouse, and minor cleanliness concerns with the stove. Additionally, some experienced reservation issues related to access codes and cabin availability.
passcode required for gated Road to the cabin. There was no Internet access for us to see the reservation and get that code. We ended up not occupying the cabin and camping 60 mi up the road. There was no indication in Recreation.gov that a passcode was needed, and the passcode was provided at the very bottom of a lengthy email confirmation. This rating is based entirely on the reservation system and not on the location itself.
Cabin is as described and clean enough. We had a nice two-night stay. The propane stove worked well. There was not really mouse sign, but we set mouse traps any way and we did catch one in the first entry room where we cooked and did dishes. I think it had just slipped in under the door. The main sleeping room seems like it is pretty mouse proof. Be sure and bring toilet paper, and yes, the outhouse is a primitive older 'privy' - not a vault toilet - but functionally okay. The facility has a bigger cabin and barn adjacent, and a range rider with dogs and horses lives and works out of it during the summer, so there is not complete privacy.
No vault toilet this is a one-hole pit outhouse. The outhouse has accessibility issues (entry and exiting). Easy to miss-step. Cabin was clean. Stove could use a good cleaning.
Really nice view of the Madison Valley and Madison Range to the east. We visited Norse Hot Spring on day three. Very much recommended.
Bring mouse traps. I got 3 in 5 days. I left extra traps.
A lot of wasp nests, maybe 10. On the cabin and the barn.
Terrible outhouse. Bring your own TP and a light. This is the reason I didn’t give the place an excellent rating.
Ax needs a new handle or repaired. It looks new but it is damaged. I think it can be repaired with tools and a couple of hours of time.
Very few “ extra” supplies.
Bedroom is lovely! Location and road are great! Great access to the Madison River. We brought horses and it was perfect for them. Great place to take pictures or use your artistic skills.
From Ennis, take US Highway south for about 18 mi to Indian Creek and the McAtee Bridge fishing access
site. Turn right and go nearly 1 mi to junction just beyond bridge. Turn left and travel toward Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area for 2.7 mi ...
From Ennis, take US Highway south for about 18 mi to Indian Creek and the McAtee Bridge fishing access
site. Turn right and go nearly 1 mi to junction just beyond bridge. Turn left and travel toward Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area for 2.7 mi to T junction.
Turn left and stay on main road for 2.5 mi, through many twists and curves, to another T junction. Staying on main road, turn left and travel for about 2 mi.
Turn right, through gate, at Wall Creek Station sign, and travel a half mile to another gate. Go through gate, entering the administrative site, and cabin is just beyond. Route is signed once leaving highway. Maps (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South) may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
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)
Water may be available seasonally from a horse trough spigot and must be treated or boiled before using
The cabin remains locked; key code will be available with your paid receipt
A mandatory food storage order is in effect annually between March 1 and December 1 to ensure all food is properly stored and unavailable to wildlife; please contact the Madison Ranger District for more details
Guests' horses are allowed only within the small holding corral at the southeast corner of the cabin. Horses are not allowed within the cabin fence, the large corral at the barn or grazing within the administrative site. Horses may be picketed ouside of the administrative site, near the Hyde Creek trailhead.
All garbage and food, water, beverages and packaging must be packed out
Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here to learn more
Rodent poison may be used in the cabin; please take proper precautions with children and pets to avoid ingestion
Learn more about the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
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.
Be aware that this facility is not cleaned between user visits and need your cooperation. Please bring cleaning supplies as renters are required to clean the facility before leaving. We are doing the best we can to keep facilities open and available to the public
Hunters and hikers may walk through the administrative site to access a non-system trail that leads into a popular hunting area beyond the cabin.
Maximum occupancy is 4 people. Tents or camping units for additional people are not allowed within the administrative site. Dispersed campsites are available about 1/4 mile away.
