Bar Gulch Cabin
The cabin is open and available for reservations via Recreation.gov. Access is generally good but a 4-wheel drive vehicle may be required in winter as snow removal is not provided. Firewood is not guaranteed June 1 through August 31.
Winter Storm Warning issued October 10 at 10:56AM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Heavy, wet snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 14 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Big Belt, Bridger and Castle Mountains. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Gusty winds combined with the wet and heavy nature of the snow could bring down tree branches. Isolated power outages are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snowfall amounts will vary drastically from grassy surfaces to roadways, most notably at lower elevations, with accumulations on non-grassy surfaces being confined mainly to between the evening through late morning hours.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
About
Bar Gulch Cabin sits in a grassy clearing surrounded by mixed-conifer forest in Montana's Big Belt Mountains, about 5 miles north of Canyon Ferry Reservoir. Originally constructed in the 1930s for mining purposes, the cabin was later used recreationally under special use permits before being donated to the Forest Service in 1988. Today it serves as a rustic getaway accommodating up to six guests. The one-room cabin features a skylight, two bunk beds with mattresses, a full-sized bed, wood stove for heat, an antique cook stove, and propane lanterns. There is no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing. An accessible vault toilet, picnic table, and campfire ring are located outside. Guests must bring drinking water, propane cylinders for the lanterns and stove, sleeping bags, and other essentials. Recreation opportunities abound nearby. Belt Divide Trail and Bar Gulch Trail offer hiking right from the cabin. Canyon Ferry Lake, just five miles away, provides boating, fishing for rainbow trout, perch, ling and walleye, and excellent bald eagle viewing. The surrounding area supports elk, bighorn sheep, deer, black bear, moose, and a variety of birds.
Directions
From Helena, take Canyon Ferry Road over the dam, past Kim's Marina. Continuing east, watch for a left-hand turn onto Magpie Road (#425). From this intersection, proceed up Magpie Road 3.9 miles. Turn left on Bar Gulch Road. Continue approximately 0.25 miles to the cabin on the left. The cabin is 24 miles from Helena and 30 miles from Townsend.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 266-3425 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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