Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)
4.017 reviews5242 HWY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT 59047, USA
Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)
$45.00 - $45.00 / 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
Nightly rate for the cabin is $45. No discounts are reflected in this rate, and additional fees including taxes or incremental charges may apply.
About this campground
Step back in time at Deer Creek Cabin, where the rugged spirit of Montana's ranching heritage comes alive in this authentic wilderness retreat. Hand-built by the Todd Family during the 1950s, this historic cabin stands as a testament to frontier ingenuity, offering modern adventurers a rare glimpse into the past while serving as your basecamp for year-round exploration in the heart of Gallatin National Forest. Whether you arrive on snowshoes through winter's hushed wonderland or by horseback under summer skies, you'll discover a sanctuary where fishing tales are born, wildlife roams freely, and the simple pleasures of cabin life await those seeking genuine backcountry solitude.
Deer Creek Cabin is a rustic lodging option that caters to groups, offering minimal facilities. It is accessible year-round and is ideal for those seeking a remote experience.
Historical SignificanceWithin these weathered walls lies a story of Montana resilience that spans generations. Between 1953 and 1960, the Todd Family carefully constructed this cabin with their own hands, creating a working base for their cattle operations and a cherished hunting camp that would become legendary among locals. The cabin has witnessed the changing face of the wilderness, surviving not one but two forest fires that swept through the region, emerging each time as a defiant monument to human determination. Since 1993, when stewardship passed to Gallatin National Forest, this living piece of history continues to shelter adventurers, connecting today's visitors with the pioneering spirit of those who shaped this landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of Montana's seasons at Deer Creek Cabin, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own adventure palette. Winter transforms the approach into a pristine snowscape best navigated on snowshoes or cross-country skis, rewarding hardy souls with untouched powder and crystalline silence. As snow melts into summer, the trails open to hikers, equestrians, and ATV enthusiasts, though savvy visitors should prepare for seasonal creek crossings that can range from ankle-deep trickles to rushing mountain streams. The rocky terrain adds character to your journey, reminding you that the best destinations require a little effort to reach.
ElevationNull.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where nature writes its own dramatic narrative across every vista. The surrounding wilderness serves as a living gallery for Montana's most magnificent residents—black bears lumber through berry patches, majestic moose wade through marshy meadows, swift antelope bound across open spaces, and elk bugle their haunting calls while deer pick their way through the underbrush. The 2006 forest fire has left its artistic signature on the hillsides, where blackened sentinels stand in stark beauty against regenerating undergrowth, creating a powerful reminder of nature's cycles of destruction and renewal. Below, the creek winds its serpentine path through the valley, its crystal waters harboring native trout that rise to well-presented flies in pools shadowed by overhanging banks.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Gallatin National Forest, Deer Creek Cabin occupies a remarkable ecological crossroads where multiple habitats converge in dramatic fashion. This remote sanctuary showcases nature's resilience through the haunting beauty of fire-scarred hillsides from the 2006 blaze, where blackened trees create a striking contrast against new growth fighting to reclaim the slopes. The varied terrain supports an impressive diversity of wildlife, from the smallest songbirds to the largest ungulates, all thriving in this dynamic landscape where forest meets meadow, where burned areas give way to thriving stands of timber, and where the patient observer can witness the ongoing story of wilderness renewal.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess to the cabin is challenging and requires navigating trails by ATV, horse, or foot in the summer and by snowshoes, skis, or snowmobiles in the winter. The trails are described as steep and rocky in places, with creek crossings of varying depth (6 inches to several feet in spring).
Sites SizeThe cabin provides indoor accommodations for up to four people. Livestock can be kept in a corral or fenced pasture adjacent.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote meadow next to a stream, offering a secluded experience. User reviews describe the location as "beautiful" and "quiet."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe ATV trail from Placer Gulch offers straightforward access and beautiful views. Creek proximity is ideal for water filtering. Guests have praised the abundance of firewood and rustic charm.
Best CampsitesCampsite: 001 (Loop: AREA DEER CREEK CABIN).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
5night maximum stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size for using the facility and adjacent area is 15 people.
Groups
The cabin accommodates up to 15 people, including the adjacent meadow area. Indoors, it sleeps up to four individuals.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-room cabin with wood cook stove, heating stove, bunk beds, and double bed.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNull.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for reservations canceled prior to arrival. Late cancellations are subject to additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival. For modifications to existing reservations, a $10 change fee applies. Refunds are not provided for weather or accessibility issues on or after the day of arrival.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
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
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Deer Creek Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, winter sports, and wildlife viewing. Reviews suggest that the area is ideal for exploration and provides a scenic escape.
Hiking
Numerous trails surround Deer Creek Cabin, providing opportunities for exploration on foot, horseback, or ATV. Trails vary in difficulty, with some described as "steep and rocky." "The Placer Gulch ATV trail... is all cut out on very steep and rocky sidehills," but "the scenery is worth it."Fishing
Fishing is available in the nearby creek, which contains trout. User reviews indicate mixed satisfaction, with one stating, "Fishing was not good. All the fish were too small to keep," while another noted, "Our kids had a bit of luck pulling trout out of the stream."Wildlife viewing
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bear, moose, antelope, elk, deer, and numerous bird species. User reviews mention sightings of deer and a bald eagle.Winter Activities
Experienced cross-country skiers and snowshoers will enjoy challenging winter landscapes. Snowmobiling is another option, with trailers needing to be parked on Iron Mountain Road.Water Sports
No specific water sports activities, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests must collect their own firewood from the surrounding area. Campfires are allowed within the designated fire ring.
- Quiet hours are Null.
Hazards
General hazardsCreek fording may be required, with depths ranging from 6 inches to several feet. Wildlife hazards include bears and moose. Remote location increases the risk of exposure to hantavirus.
Active alertsGuests must verify road and weather conditions with the Livingston Office due to challenging access.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
Livingston Office of the Yellowstone Ranger District: 406-222-1892. Emergency services may be limited in proximity, with cell phone coverage being unreliable.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo garbage service is provided, and visitors are required to pack out all trash, including empty propane canisters.
Proximity to water featuresLocated next to a creek that is suitable for water filtering and trout fishing.
Common complaintsGuests frequently note the lack of mattresses in the cabin and challenges posed by overgrown grass. "Great spot, nice cabin. FS took out mattresses and we never got a notice. Rough night and stiff next day."
HostLivingston Office of the Yellowstone Ranger District serves as the managing entity. Contact: 406-222-1892.
Campground Map
5242 HWY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT 59047, USA
Driving directionsDeer Creek Cabin is located approximately 30 miles south of Big Timber, Montana. It can be accessed by 3 different routes. One recommended route is the Placer Gulch Trailhead, accessible by foot, horse, or OHV (50 inches or less): From Exit 370 on Interstate 90 just east of Big Timber, take Frontage Road (south side of the interstate) 8 miles east. Turn right (south) onto Lower Deer Creek Road (Forest Service Road #482) and proceed 16.2 miles to the Placer Gulch Trailhead sign located on the left side of the road. Park at the trailhead and travel Placer Gulch Trail 256 by foot, horse or off-road vehicles a distance of 5.2 miles to the Deer Creek Cabin. Alternatively, Jim's Gulch Trailhead offers foot or horse access 4 miles from the cabin. Tie Cutter Trailhead near Jim's Gulch provides ATV access. Winter access may require snowmobiles due to unplowed roads.
The cabin's access is challenging, particularly during winter months when roads may be impassable for passenger cars and four-wheel drive vehicles. Trails often require navigation over steep and rocky terrain, and creek fording is common with water depths ranging from 6 inches to several feet in spring.Nearby places
Big Timber, MT: 30 miles (approximately 45 minutes driving). Livingston, MT: null.
Nearby supplies
Null.
Camper Reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Deer Creek Cabin (Mt) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User sentiment about Deer Creek Cabin is generally positive, with many appreciating its scenic location and rustic charm. Common themes include the cabin's cleanliness, well-stocked supplies, and proximity to hiking trails and wildlife. Access challenges and the absence of mattresses were noted by some users.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the cabin's "beautiful location," "lots of floor space," and proximity to a creek for filtering water. Reviews also highlight the well-stocked amenities left by previous visitors and...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the removal of mattresses ("FS took out mattresses and we never got a notice"), limited cell phone coverage, steep and rocky trails, and overgrown grass around the cabin due to...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sleeping pads and bedding due to the lack of mattresses. Pack extra propane canisters and garbage bags, as there is no trash service. Use topographic maps, GPS, and compasses for navigation....
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews highlight challenging access and suitable landscapes for snowshoeing and skiing. Summer reviews emphasize the scenic trails and the creek's utility for cooling off. Access is...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "The cabin is very rustic but perfect in every way." - Heidi B.
2. "Great spot, nice cabin. FS took out mattresses and we never got a notice." - Michael R.
3. "Deer Creek Cabin was in a beautiful...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 001 is consistently mentioned in reviews. Positive aspects include well-stocked supplies and scenic views. Challenges include steep trails and the absence of mattresses.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews generally highlight the steep, rocky trails and challenging access, making it less suited to individuals with mobility limitations. There are no specific accessibility features noted.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025