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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 10 at 4:13PM MDT until October 12 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of between 2 to 5 inches across lower elevations, with 5 to 8 inches in the mountains. Locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of central and southwest Montana. * WHEN...Until 6 AM MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be 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
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!