BAR GULCH
BAR GULCH

Featured amenities

Parking Parking

About Bar Gulch Cabin

Bar Gulch Cabin is located in the Big Belt Mountain Range in Helena National Forest. The cabin was originally constructed in the 1930s on Forest Service lands to be used for mining purposes. Instead, it was used for recreational purposes and issued a special use permit, which was transferred to several owners until it was donated to the Forest Service in 1988. Today the cabin is a rustic getaway for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in west-central Montana. It is accessible by car, but snow removal is not provided in winter. The cabin offers several amenities, but guests should be prepared to bring some of their own supplies and gear.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Campfire Ring
  • Firewood Available
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking

Cabin Interior

  • Heating
Missing information?

01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

🏠 Cabin
  • 6 guests

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews

60 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Bar Gulch Cabin offers a charming and spacious retreat in a peaceful area, appreciated for its unique local decor and quick heating. Many guests enjoy the nostalgic experience of disconnecting from modern amenities, although some note the cabin's proximity to trails limits seclusion. However, concerns about maintenance and cleanliness, particularly regarding rodent issues, have been raised, suggesting improvements are needed before it can be safely booked.

Based on guest feedback

4.5

Overall rating

Based on 60 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 73.3% (44)
4 stars 11.7% (7)
3 stars 6.7% (4)
2 stars 3.3% (2)
1 star 5.0% (3)

Showing 60 reviews

Logun N

Verified

April 6, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

Wood stoves worked great and plenty of cookware.

Helpful

Logun N

Verified

April 6, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

Wood stoves worked great and plenty of cookware.

Helpful

Jen M

Verified

June 19, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

Cute cabin with screened-in back porch and skylight.

Helpful

Jen M

Verified

June 19, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

Cute cabin with screened-in back porch and skylight.

Helpful

Stacy E

Verified

October 22, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

Our first visit!! We will be back!!! Althought it rained the whole time, we had a great visit!! Cabin heated up fast and stayed warm all night with 1 log. Inside of cabin was nice and clean, but screened porch had quite a bit of garbage left behind, we took it with us! Loved the porch, didn't have a outdoor fire the pit is a little to close to fence!

Helpful

Stacy E

Verified

October 22, 2022 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

Our first visit!! We will be back!!! Althought it rained the whole time, we had a great visit!! Cabin heated up fast and stayed warm all night with 1 log. Inside of cabin was nice and clean, but screened porch had quite a bit of garbage left behind, we took it with us! Loved the porch, didn't have a outdoor fire the pit is a little to close to fence!

Helpful

CeCe B

Verified

January 3, 2023 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

In colder weather be wary of ice near the back door-sand works great but it does get tracked into the cabin. the wood cook stove is an awesome feature if you like cooking and it helps to warm up the cabin :) I would recommend bringing plenty of water as we read that the pump was not working and extra propane cannisters for the lamp! (we bring our own portable cook stove but there is one available at the cabin)

Helpful

CeCe B

Verified

January 3, 2023 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA BAR GULCH

In colder weather be wary of ice near the back door-sand works great but it does get tracked into the cabin. the wood cook stove is an awesome feature if you like cooking and it helps to warm up the cabin :) I would recommend bringing plenty of water as we read that the pump was not working and extra propane cannisters for the lamp! (we bring our own portable cook stove but there is one available at the cabin)

Helpful

Location & Directions for Bar Gulch Cabin

415 S. Front Street, Townsend, MT 59644 United States

Elevation: 1,430 ft

Nearest town

Townsend, MT - 35 mi

About 43 min to downtown

Highway access

Bar Gulch Cabin is accessible via US Highway 12, located approximately 17 miles to the south in Townsend.

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

  • Use the combination lock code from your reservation email to enter the cabin.
  • Print and present your confirmation letter to officials if requested.
  • Ensure the cabin is locked when you leave.

Safety & rules

  • Clean the cabin before you leave.

Fires & fuel

  • Ensure that open fires are contained within the designated campfire ring.

Amenities

  • Cookware, utensils, firewood, and lanterns are not guaranteed amenities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 24, 2026

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Explore Townsend, MT

Population: 1,967

Nearby city: Great Falls, MT

Approx. 58 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 3,842 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service