Bear Creek Cabin (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Mt)
4.2215 reviews5 FOREST SERVICE RD., ENNIS, MT 59729, USA
Bear Creek Cabin (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Mt)
$65.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The cabin rental fee is $65 per night during its open season. Reservation service fees vary based on the method used, including $8 for online/app bookings, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in person. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.
About this campground
Nestled at the gateway to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Bear Creek Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Montana mountain experience. This charming rustic retreat seamlessly blends wilderness solitude with modern comforts, featuring electricity, a crackling wood stove, and a fully functional kitchen. Whether you're carving fresh tracks through pristine powder on cross-country skis, exploring endless hiking trails on foot or horseback, or simply gathering around the warmth of the wood stove after a day of snowshoeing, this cozy haven accommodates up to four guests in comfort. Perfect for intimate family adventures or small groups of friends, the cabin serves as your basecamp for unforgettable wilderness experiences.
Bear Creek Cabin offers rustic and cabin-style accommodations, making it ideal for those seeking a remote, nature-centric experience.
Historical SignificanceYour mountain retreat places you within easy reach of Montana's most treasured historical and natural landmarks. Just three miles west, the ghost towns of Virginia City and Nevada City transport visitors back to the gold rush era, where weathered storefronts and dusty streets tell tales of fortune seekers and frontier life. For those seeking broader adventures, the world-renowned geysers and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park await just 60 miles away, while the underground wonders of Lewis and Clark Caverns offer equally spectacular exploration at the same distance. This strategic location allows guests to blend wilderness solitude with fascinating day trips to some of the West's most iconic destinations.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Bear Creek Cabin into a snow-laden wonderland, where temperatures can plunge to a bracing -5°F before factoring in wind chill. The landscape becomes a pristine canvas of white, with fresh snowfall creating ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. Ice crystals sparkle in the morning sun, and the crunch of snow underfoot accompanies every adventure. Many visitors embrace the full winter experience by skiing in when roads become impassable, while others coordinate snow plowing for vehicle access. The cabin's winter-only availability (spring, summer, and fall are reserved for other uses) makes each visit a special cold-weather escape into Montana's spectacular backcountry.
ElevationPerched at 6,250 feet above sea level, Bear Creek Cabin offers the authentic high-country experience that defines Montana's mountain wilderness. At this elevation, the air carries a crisp, invigorating quality that awakens the senses, while the thin mountain atmosphere creates impossibly blue skies by day and star-studded heavens by night. Visitors should prepare for the elevation's effects—the combination of altitude and winter temperatures creates an environment that demands respect but rewards preparation with unparalleled mountain vistas and the kind of pristine conditions that make every outdoor adventure memorable.
Natural Features and SceneryBear Creek Cabin sits like a jewel in a crown of natural splendor, where groves of quaking aspens shimmer golden in the light and towering Douglas firs stand sentinel over rolling meadows. The namesake Bear Creek babbles and rushes nearby, its waters providing a constant mountain soundtrack and attracting diverse wildlife to its banks. This remarkable ecosystem serves as home to some of North America's most magnificent creatures—majestic elk move through the meadows at dawn, mule deer browse in the forest edges, and both black and grizzly bears roam the wilderness (proper food storage essential). Mountain grouse flutter through the understory, completing a wildlife tableau that transforms every glance out the cabin window into a potential National Geographic moment.
Geological RegionPositioned at the western base of the mighty Madison Range in southwestern Montana, Bear Creek Cabin occupies a geological transition zone where mountain meets meadow in spectacular fashion. This unique location at the doorstep of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness showcases the region's diverse topography—from the dramatic peaks of the Madison Range that pierce the sky to the east, to the gently rolling meadows dotted with aspen groves and Douglas fir forests that surround the cabin. Bear Creek has carved its path through this landscape over millennia, creating a riparian corridor that adds both beauty and ecological richness to this remarkable corner of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four people comfortably. Group sizes for camping sites are not detailed.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is moderate, as the cabin is near the Bear Creek Bunkhouse and adjacent campground.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors should bring cleaning supplies, extra blankets, and all necessary provisions, including food and water. Sections of the road may require a high-clearance vehicle.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself (campsite 001) is highly recommended for its rustic charm and proximity to wilderness trails.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Guests can check in after 4:00 PM.
Check-out
Guests must check out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 16 consecutive nights during a single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 4 guests allowed per stay in the cabin.
Groups
No specific group site details are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features a two-room cabin and adjacent bunkhouse, along with other nearby sites suitable for equestrian use.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season for public reservations is December 1st through April 31st. The cabin is used as an administrative site during summer and fall months.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific mention of walk-up availability; reservations should be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. Cancellations within 14 days incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Creek Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities primarily focused on nature exploration and winter sports. Hiking and horseback riding trails are popular during warmer months, while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities abound in winter.
Hiking
"There are a variety of hiking and horseback riding trails in the area." Popular trails lead to Helmet and the Sphinx. Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted on nearby wilderness trails.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in backcountry areas with proper permits. Specific details about fishing opportunities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, grizzly bears, and mountain grouse. Visitors are advised to learn about bear safety before their visit.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular during winter months. Visitors also highlight scenic trails and the remote winter experience.Water Sports
No information about water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood is provided for cabin heating but not for campfires. Guests must bring their own firewood for outdoor use.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential safety concerns include black bears and grizzly bears, extreme cold temperatures in winter, icy or muddy roads, and hantavirus exposure within the cabin.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are available in Ennis, Montana. Visitors are advised to call the Madison Ranger District for additional assistance.
Good to know
Peak season datesDecember 1st - December 31st (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out their garbage, as trash and recycling facilities are not available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresBear Creek flows near the cabin and bunkhouse, providing a picturesque water feature but requiring treatment for drinking.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include smoke leakage from the wood stove, outdated facilities such as vault toilets, and the need for thorough cleaning upon arrival.
Campground Map
5 FOREST SERVICE RD., ENNIS, MT 59729, USA
Driving directionsFrom Ennis, take Highway 287 south for 11 miles, to Cameron, Montana. From Cameron, turn east on Bear Creek Loop and continue approximately 6 miles to the cabin. The last several miles are gravel or dirt roads, which may be muddy or snow-covered and may not always be plowed. Maps of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South are available by contacting the Madison Ranger District.
The last several miles of the road to Bear Creek Cabin are gravel or dirt, and they may be muddy or snow-covered depending on the season. Plowing is not guaranteed. Visitors are advised to plan for these road conditions and bring appropriate vehicles.Nearby places
Ennis: 0 miles (nearest city)
Cameron: 11 miles
Virginia City and Nevada City: approximately 3 miles west
Yellowstone National Park: approximately 60 miles north
Lewis and Clark Caverns: approximately 60 miles north.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are available in Ennis, Montana, which is the nearest town to the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.2
15 reviews
Bear Creek Cabin (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Mt) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bear Creek Cabin vary widely, with sentiments ranging from highly positive about its rustic charm to critical of its maintenance and rising costs.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciate the cabin's cleanliness upon arrival, the well-equipped facilities, and the scenic location. "It has most everything you could possibly need." "Great cabin! Super comfortable to...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include issues with the wood stove, cleanliness of the vault toilets, and maintenance concerns such as cobwebs, mouse sightings, or non-functioning appliances. "The outhouse is a joke."...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing cleaning supplies, extra firewood, and being prepared for limited cell service and harsh winter conditions. One user suggests, "Just come prepared and understand that it’s...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Positive trends emerge during winter for those seeking snowshoeing and cross-country skiing activities. However, issues like stove functionality and harsh temperatures are noted. Summer reviews focus...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Overall, the experience was excellent, despite temperatures falling below -5 deg F." "This is probably my 4th year coming here. Love it and this year it was even cleaner." "Cabin was very clean on...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most reviews focus on campsite 001 within the Bear Creek Cabin area. Guests express mixed experiences, often highlighting the rustic nature of the cabin and issues like stove performance and toilet...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility for users with disabilities is not explicitly addressed in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and some reviews mention the presence of animals, including "dogs' deposits" near the cabin steps.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025