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.
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.
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road
Use of vehicles off road prohibition for the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Delmoe Lake Area/Road Closure
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceBeaverhead-Deerlodge National ForestButte Ranger DistrictArea/Road Closure
Elkhorn Mine Area and Road Closure
The purpose of this Order is for public safety, the mill site is unstable with heavy metals in the soil and the adit area is flooded with falling rock at the portal entrance.
Use of Vehicles Off Road
Possessing or using a vehicle off National Forest System Roads is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands.
Road/Trail Prohibitions, Off-Road Prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness Areas
This order describes the off-road prohibitions in Recommended Wilderness.
Annual Food Storage Order
Food storage order is in effect annually from March 1 to December 1 on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Beaverhead- Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests.
Pallet Prohibition Order Butte Ranger District
The following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Butte Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: possessing or storing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as…
Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Restrictions
A package of restrictions for the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests regarding travel and camping with stock, campfires, group size, and mandatory party/individual registration.
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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!