Bear Creek Campground

Closed — Closed for winter season. Typically operates from mid-May through September when water is available. First-come, first-served only, no reservations. 16-day stay limit enforced.

About

Located at 6,350 feet elevation at the base of the western slope of the Madison Range, Bear Creek Campground offers a summer and fall camping destination on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The campground features 12 designated campsites divided by Bear Creek, with sites 7-12 on the north side equipped with hitchrails and corrals for horse camping, while sites 1-6 on the south side are reserved for non-stock use. Most campsites are shaded by Douglas fir and aspen trees. The campground sits in a draw between hills at the edge of the National Forest, adjacent to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness to the east and a State wildlife management area to the north. It serves as the only campground on the west side of the Madison Range and is the starting point for Middle Fork and Trail Fork trails into designated wilderness. The trailhead provides access to ascend Sphinx Mountain, a prominent peak in the range. The campground can be crowded during hunting season, and firewood is scarce in the area. Facilities include vault toilets, two centrally located water hydrants (available mid-May through September), bear-resistant food storage boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. No garbage service is provided. The maximum recommended trailer length is 28 feet. Food storage orders are in effect from March 1 to December 1, requiring all food, attractants, and game carcasses to be stored in a bear-resistant manner when unattended.

Directions

From Ennis, travel south on US Highway 287 for 11 miles to Cameron. Turn left onto Bear Creek Road and travel on pavement for 3 miles, then turn right where pavement ends. Travel 1.5 miles and turn left. Travel one mile and turn right. Travel just under one mile and turn left at the old schoolhouse. Finally travel 2.3 miles to the campground. All turns are marked with Bear Creek signs.

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