Owl Creek Corral
4.529 reviews200 Ranger Station Rd, Bigfork, MT, 59911, USA
Owl Creek Corral
$20.00 - $20.00 / 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
Owl Creek Corral is available for $20 a night for a maximum stay of seven consecutive nights. Additional charges may apply for reservation fees ($8 for online, $9 contact center, $3 in-person) and late cancellations ($10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee).
About this campground
Tucked away at the Owl Creek Packer Camp Trailhead, Owl Creek Corral offers a peaceful escape for equestrian adventurers seeking solitude in Montana's backcountry. This hidden gem features an expansive 65-foot square corral crafted from sturdy 5-rail steel pipes, complete with convenient metal hay bunks and a reliable water trough for your horses. Behind the main enclosure, a cozy 42 by 20-foot secondary area provides additional space for gear or smaller stock. Built to accommodate up to 12 horses comfortably, this well-appointed facility serves as your gateway to miles of pristine wilderness trails, far from the crowds that flock to more popular destinations.
The Owl Creek Corral is primarily an equestrian facility with limited camping accommodations. It does not provide typical camping sites for tents or RVs.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Owl Creek Corral into a crystalline wonderland, with December bringing a gentle blanket of snow averaging 4-5 inches. Daytime temperatures hover near 30°F while nights dip into the low 20s, creating perfect conditions for those magical frost-covered mornings. The dry mountain air and frequent clear skies—about one in four days—reward winter visitors with stunning visibility and brilliant stargazing opportunities. While the calm winds make for pleasant riding conditions, wise equestrians should prepare for snow-covered trails and pack accordingly for the season's beauty and challenges.
ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet in Montana's magnificent high country, Owl Creek Corral offers that perfect sweet spot where the air is crisp but not thin, and the views stretch endlessly through forests of towering mixed conifers. This elevation provides natural cooling in summer and spectacular seasonal changes that paint the surrounding landscape in nature's finest colors.
Natural Features and ScenerySet against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swan Valley, Owl Creek Corral is embraced by a living cathedral of lodgepole pines and Douglas firs that whisper ancient stories in the mountain breeze. At 4,200 feet, this scenic haven offers riders panoramic vistas that stretch across forested ridges and valleys, with the jewel-like Holland Lake glimmering nearby. The mixed conifer forest creates a naturally sheltered environment, providing dappled shade in summer and snow-laden beauty in winter, making every season a photographer's dream.
Geological RegionThe Swan Valley cradles Owl Creek Corral in a pristine ecosystem where lodgepole pines and Douglas firs have thrived for centuries. This remarkable geological region showcases Montana's diverse forest tapestry, where ancient glacial activity carved the dramatic valleys and ridges that define today's spectacular landscape. The varied terrain offers endless exploration opportunities through one of the Northern Rockies' most ecologically rich corridors.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified, and the site primarily caters to equestrian users.
Sites SizeThe main corral is 65 ft. x 65 ft., and a smaller separate area measures 42 ft. x 20 ft.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly discussed; the corral is part of a larger camp loop.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for visitors with equestrian needs due to the steel pipe corral and metal hay bunks provided.
Best CampsitesThe campground features a single corral; no specific campsite distinctions are highlighted.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity of 12 head of stock.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites at this location.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle corral facility comprising a 65 ft. x 65 ft. main area and a smaller 42 ft. x 20 ft. section behind it.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season runs from January 1 to December 31, with drinking water available only from May 20 to November 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov, online, app, contact center, or in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations may be made by calling the Swan Lake Ranger Station during business hours at (406) 837-7500.
Cancellation PolicyGuests can cancel reservations anytime before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 fee and forfeiture of any paid reservation fees. Late cancellations (less than 1 day before check-in) incur additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Activities you can enjoy
Owl Creek Corral provides opportunities for equestrian activities, hiking, and access to nearby recreation at Holland Lake, including fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also explore trails leading into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, with some leading into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. Details about difficulty levels or trail lengths are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is available at Holland Lake, located approximately half a mile from the corral.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available at Holland Lake, which is a short distance from the campground.Boating
Boating is available at Holland Lake, which is approximately half a mile from the corral. Specific details about boat types or docking facilities are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not discussed in the available information.Water Sports
Water sports such as boating are available at Holland Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential danger from grizzly bears requires proper food and garbage storage. Seasonal accessibility concerns may arise due to snow and inclement weather.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Contact the ranger district office at (406) 837-7500 for weather and road conditions. For emergencies, medical and other services are likely available in nearby Bigfork, MT, approximately 35 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31 (peak season rates apply year-round).
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided. Visitors are advised to use appropriate containers for food and garbage due to the presence of grizzly bears.
Proximity to water featuresApproximately half a mile from Holland Lake, which offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight dissatisfaction with the reservation system, with one reviewer stating, "The reservation system for Owl Creek was VERY misleading! Unless you have animals that need a corral, no fee should be collected."
Campground Map
200 Ranger Station Rd, Bigfork, MT, 59911, USA
Driving directionsOwl Creek Corral is located at the Owl Creek Packer Camp, about 4 miles off Montana State Highway 83 in the Swan Valley. From Highway 83 turn east onto Holland Lake Road #44 near mile marker 35. After 2.5 miles, turn right on Owl Loop Road #9558. Go about 0.5 miles and turn right on Road #10121 to Owl Creek Packer Camp. The camp entrance is located on the right. Turn here and continue straight through the camp, turn left at the end and drive past the corrals. The corral for rent is the last corral near the end of this loop on the right.
The campground is accessible via 4 miles of driving from Montana State Highway 83. Roads leading to the site include Holland Lake Road #44, Owl Loop Road #9558, and Road #10121. Seasonal weather conditions may affect accessibility, but no specific challenges such as unpaved terrain or road closures are mentioned.Nearby places
Bigfork, MT (approximately 35 miles away)
Condon, MT (9 miles or about 20 minutes away).
Nearby supplies
A general store is located about 9 miles away in the town of Condon. Additional supplies and services may be available in Bigfork, MT, approximately 35 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
9 reviews
Owl Creek Corral is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Owl Creek Corral highlight its suitability for equestrian use, its peaceful and scenic location, and the recreational opportunities available nearby. However, there are complaints about the reservation system, with some users finding it misleading.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the quiet setting, access to trails, and nearby recreational activities at Holland Lake. "We had a wonderful time making memories at this beautiful cabin" and "Lots and lots of...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
One user noted that the reservation system was misleading, particularly for non-equestrian visitors: "Unless you have animals that need a corral, no fee should be collected as per the USFS employees...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend hiking to Holland Lake Falls and bringing proper containers for food due to grizzly bear activity.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not provide detailed insights into seasonal variations, though the site is described as quiet and peaceful, suggesting it may be less crowded year-round.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great place to camp during Tour Divide. Lots of people with horses that certainly would deal with any bears that might show up," noted one user. Another said, "Owl Creek Cabin has all the amenities...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific user feedback often refers to the suitability of the site for equestrian users: "Beautiful place to camp and to watch the packers and their mules!"
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not provide information specific to pet policies or experiences.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025