Deer Creek Cabin
Open year-round. Reservations available via Recreation.gov with a 5-night maximum stay. Limited firewood is currently available at the cabin. Winter road conditions may make trailhead access impassable; call the Yellowstone Ranger District for current conditions.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 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 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Moderate. 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
From Recreation.gov
There is limited firewood available at the Deer Creek Cabin. Please plan accordingly. Call district at 406-222-1892 for further information.
About
The Todd Family built Deer Creek Cabin between 1953 and 1960 as a summer cattle-grazing retreat and fall hunting base. The Forest Service acquired the cabin in 1993, and it has survived two forest fires. Today it serves as a year-round recreation rental in a remote, wildlife-rich setting that includes bear, moose, elk, deer, and antelope. The single-room cabin accommodates up to 4 guests with a double bed and bunk beds (no mattresses provided). Heating comes from a wood stove, and cooking options include both a wood cookstove and a propane cookstove with lantern. There is no electricity or running water; guests must treat creek water or bring their own. An outhouse with pit toilet is located outside. Basic cooking supplies, table and chairs, axe, and cleaning gear are provided. Three trail routes lead to the cabin, each 4-5 miles long. Summer access is by foot, horse, or OHV under 50 inches wide. Winter access is by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. All routes may require fording Lower Deer Creek multiple times, with water depths ranging from 6 inches to several feet in spring. Horse corrals are available on site. The area offers excellent fishing, hunting, and backcountry exploration opportunities.
Directions
From Big Timber, take I-90 east to Exit 384 (Bridger Creek). Turn south and travel 8.2 miles to the junction of Main Bridger and West Bridger Creek Road. Turn right onto West Bridger Road and continue 4 miles to the Jim's Gulch Trailhead parking area. Hike or ride Trail 129 for about 1 mile, then follow the ridge to the divide and descend to Lower Deer Creek Trail 5. Turn south on Trail 5 and continue 1.5 miles upstream to the cabin. Alternative routes via Placer Gulch Trailhead (5.2 miles, ATV/horse/foot) or Tie Cutter Trailhead (ATV) are also available.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 222-1892 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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