Bear Creek Bunkhouse
Currently closed for the season. The bunkhouse operates December 1 through April 30 only; it serves as an administrative site during summer and fall. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Red Flag Warning issued August 10 at 6:45PM MDT until August 11 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
...RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 9 PM MDT TUESDAY DUE TO WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR DEERLODGE/WEST BEAVERHEAD AND EAST BEAVERHEAD... The National Weather Service in Missoula MT has issued a Red Flag Warning. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 110 and 111. * TIMING...From noon to 9 PM MDT Tuesday. * WINDS...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 12 to 25 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
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
About
The Bear Creek Bunkhouse offers a unique winter recreation experience in southwestern Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps as crew quarters, this one-room cabin sits at 6,250 feet elevation amid open meadows surrounded by mature aspen and Douglas fir at the edge of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The bunkhouse accommodates two guests and includes two single beds with foam pads, a table with chairs, refrigerator, stove, oven, and basic cooking equipment. A wood stove provides heat, with firewood typically stacked nearby. Electricity powers lights and appliances. A vault toilet is located about 150 feet east of the cabin. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, and sleeping bags. This location serves as a popular trailhead for accessing Sphinx Mountain and the surrounding wilderness. During the rental season, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Note that the Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area immediately north of the cabin is closed to all entry from December 2 through May 15. A mandatory forest-wide food storage order is in effect due to bear activity in the area.
Directions
From Ennis, take Highway 287 south for 11 miles to Cameron, Montana. From Cameron, turn east on Bear Creek Loop and continue approximately 8 miles following signs to the site. The last several miles are gravel or dirt, which may be muddy or snow-covered and may not always be plowed.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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