How much does camping cost at Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Camping fees at Bear Creek Campground - Mt range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bear Creek Campground - Mt first-come first-served or reservation?

Bear Creek Campground - Mt accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Creek Campground - Mt before I book?

Yes! Bear Creek Campground - Mt has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Bear Creek Campground - Mt is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Bear Creek Campground - Mt does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Fire policies at Bear Creek Campground - Mt: Firewood is very scarce in the campground area.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Bear Creek Campground - Mt have?

Bear Creek Campground - Mt has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Pets are not allowed at Bear Creek Campground - Mt. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Bear Creek Campground - Mt offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Popular activities at Bear Creek Campground - Mt include Hiking, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bear Creek Campground - Mt

3.02

9 reviews

Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,211 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7,211 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Madison Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Creek Campground - Mt

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

First Come First Served: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(406) 682-4253

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Nearby places

Ennis (approximately 11 miles, 20 minutes)

Cameron (3 miles from Bear Creek Road junction)

Yellowstone National Park west entrance (70 miles, roughly 1.5 hours)

Lewis and Clark State Caverns (60 miles, approximately 1 hour)

Driving directionsFrom Ennis MT, travel south on US Highway 287 eleven miles to Cameron. Turn left onto Bear Creek Road and travel on pavement for 3 miles, turn right and 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 school house. Finally travel 2.3 miles to the campground. All turns have Bear Creek signs and, along the last 2.3 miles, landowner signs indicate private roads. Coming from the south, follow US Highway 287 to Cameron and follow previous directions from there.

Weather at Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Current alerts(7)

A campsite may not be left unattended for a 24 hour period and must be occupied the first night.
All hay, straw and horse feed must be certified weed seed free.
Fines may be issued for non payment of camping fees.
No garbage service is available. Pack it in, Pack it out

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, driest weather at this 7,200-ft site — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and creekside hikes are at their peak, water is available at sites (mid‑May through September), and horse use is easiest with dry corrals and turnout. Crowds are moderate—more than spring or fall but still limited by the campground's 12 sites—so you get active wilderness access without Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers most reliable access and on‑site water mid‑May through September.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Bear Creek Campground sits at 7,200 feet in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, managed by the Madison Ranger District near Ennis. This small, high-elevation site serves as a trailhead for the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Sphinx Mountain, drawing hikers and climbers who value quiet and direct backcountry access. Summer brings reliable weather, potable water at sites, and cool nights ideal for tent and RV camping.

Bear Creek Campground offers a mix of camping options including sites for tents, small RVs, and horse camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the warmest, driest weather at this 7,200-ft site — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and creekside hikes are at their peak, water is available at sites (mid‑May through September), and horse use is easiest with dry corrals and turnout. Crowds are moderate—more than spring or fall but still limited by the campground's 12 sites—so you get active wilderness access without Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7211 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a sheltered draw where protective hills create a microclimate distinct from the open valley below. Bear Creek flows through the site year-round, and Douglas fir mixes with quaking aspen across the uneven terrain. The Madison Range rises to the east, with Sphinx Mountain visible as a landmark peak. A State wildlife management area borders the campground, adding habitat diversity to the immediate surroundings. Exposed rock faces and varied elevations reflect the area's geological history. Ancient forces carved this drainage into a corridor between mountain and valley.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available, though rental cabins are part of the Bear Creek administrative site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 16 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Groups

Group sites are not specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned. The campground may not be fully accessible for individuals with disabilities due to its rustic nature.

Site SizeSites are generally small, with some sites better suited for smaller RVs or trailers. Campsites 1-6 cater to non-horse use, while sites 7-12 accommodate horse trailers and stock animals.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. User reviews indicate that the campground may feel overgrown and less structured, which could impact privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the creek for privacy and tranquility. Horse visitors should opt for northern sites equipped with corrals and hitchrails.

Best CampsitesSites 7-12 work best for horse trailers and stock animals, with corrals and turnout space. Sites near Bear Creek offer the sound of running water. Southern sites (1-6) are easier to access for non-horse visitors with smaller rigs. Some sites are tight for larger RVs. Reviews mention challenges maneuvering trailers on the gravel roads.

Need help booking Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Bear Creek Campground provides basic amenities suitable for a rustic camping experience. Each of the 12 campsites has a designated parking site, picnic table, and fire ring. There are two centrally located water hydrants, available seasonally from mid-May to September, and a bear-resistant food storage box. Two SST (Sweet Smelling Toilet) outhouses are available, one on each side of the creek. Campsites 7-12 are specifically designed for horse camping, equipped with hitch rails and corrals. However, corrals are not guaranteed to be available for all sites. Several improvements were planned for spring/early summer 2023, including additional corrals at the trailhead.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground supports a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and climbing. The Middle Fork and Trail Fork trails are easily accessible, offering direct entry to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. Fishing is not explicitly mentioned among activities.

Hiking

Climbing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground is equipped with two SST outhouses.

Food Storage RequiredA bear box is centrally available for food storage, adhering to wildlife management regulations.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.0

9 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Bear Creek Campground - Mt has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's rustic nature and popularity among equestrian users. It is considered peaceful and quiet, with some complaints about maintenance and navigability.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

"The campground is peaceful and quiet." "Beautiful area with scenic views." "Trail access to Sphinx Mountain and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness is a significant draw."

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

"The vault toilets needed cleaning." "The campground was overgrown and difficult to navigate with a trailer." "Limited availability of horse corrals."

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites along the main road have corrals and are suitable for trailers, while the back loop sites are smaller and better for tents.

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring cleaning supplies such as Windex and paper towels for the vault toilets." "Be prepared to navigate gravel roads and pack out trash." "Consider visiting during non-peak seasons to avoid crowds."

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground can be crowded during hunting season and is less busy in late summer. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, though access may be limited.

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Campground is very rustic and free." "Tucked back behind ranch land... It's a horse camp, so we picked a site from the horse area." "Pit toilets are available, but bring your own cleaning supplies."

Based on 9 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a budget-friendly wilderness trailhead with summer water access and don't mind gravel roads or vault toilets.

Skip if

You need paved access for trailers, flush facilities, or on-site firewood supply.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.5

(10)

Bear Creek Campground

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Bear Creek sits at 7,211 feet in the West Absaroka Mountains, offering four primitive sites accessible by a short walk from the parking area. Recent flood damage closed vehicle access, but the hike in filters out crowds and delivers what reviewers call a "gem of a campground." No fees, no reservations, no cell service.

Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Campground Map

Weather at Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Planning Tips

About Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bear Creek Campground - Mt?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews