Bear Creek Campground
Open for the season, operating early May through late November (weather dependent). Potable water from hand pumps is available mid-May through September. First-come, first-served only; no reservations. Food storage order in effect March 1 through December 1. The adjacent Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area is closed December 2 through noon May 15.
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
About
Bear Creek Campground sits at 6,350 feet on the western slope of Montana's Madison Range within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This small, first-come, first-served campground offers 12 designated sites split by Bear Creek. Sites 1-6 on the south side are reserved for family camping only, while sites 7-12 on the north accommodate horses and stock with hitchrails and corrals. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. Facilities are basic but functional: two vault toilets (one on each side of the creek), centrally located hand-pump water hydrants, and bear-resistant food storage boxes. Water runs mid-May through September only. There is no garbage service, so plan to pack out everything you bring in. Firewood is extremely scarce near the campground. The campground serves as a staging area for the Lee Metcalf Wilderness via the Trail Fork Bear Creek trailhead. Stock users should note that only certified weed-free hay is permitted, and group size within the wilderness is limited to 15 people and 20 head. Cell coverage is nonexistent in the area. The adjacent Bear Creek Wildlife Management Area closes December 2 through noon on May 15.
Directions
From Ennis, MT travel south on Highway 287 for approximately 10 miles. Turn east on Bear Creek Loop at Cameron, MT. Follow the signs to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 28ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 682-4253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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