Bear Creek Cabin
Currently closed for public use. The cabin operates as an administrative site from May through November and reopens for public rental in December. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 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 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. 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
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
Bear Creek Cabin sits at the edge of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness at the foot of the Madison Range, surrounded by open meadows, mature aspens, and Douglas fir. The two-room cabin sleeps four on two single beds and one bunk bed set. Amenities include electricity, a wood stove for heat with firewood provided, refrigerator, stove/oven, and basic cooking equipment. A vault toilet is located 40 feet from the cabin. The cabin is available for public rental from December through April, making it ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter exploration. During summer and fall months, the site is used administratively and closed to public reservations. Visitors must bring their own water or treat creek water, as no potable water is available. Campfires are prohibited, and camping outside the cabin is not allowed. The Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area immediately north is closed to all off-trail access December 2 through May 15. Cell coverage is extremely limited. The cabin is approximately 60 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, with the historic towns of Virginia City and Nevada City about 3 miles west.
Directions
From Ennis, take Highway 287 south for 11 miles to Cameron, Montana. From Cameron, turn east on Bear Creek Loop and continue approximately 6-8 miles following signs to the cabin. The last several miles are gravel or dirt roads which may be muddy or snow-covered and may not always be plowed.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| 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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