Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Star4.02
9 reviews
Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service Road, Ennis, MT 59729

Quick Facts

7,211 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Madison Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bear Creek Campground - Mt
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for standard nonelectric campsites is $15. Payment can be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app using the Scan and Pay option, or at...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(406) 682-4253
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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 9 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeaceful

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.
Accessibility involves mixed road conditions with paved sections transitioning into gravel roads. The final stretch includes private land with signs indicating road easements. The road may be challenging to navigate with trailers according to some user reviews.
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)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies are available in Ennis, MT, roughly 11 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Experience the best of Montana's mountain climate from late spring through early fall, when Bear Creek truly comes alive. During these prime months, fresh mountain water flows freely, and the lifting of winter wildlife restrictions opens up endless exploration opportunities. Winter visitors will find a transformed landscape of gentle snowfall and crisp, dry air—perfect for those seeking solitude and stark beauty. The moderate temperatures throughout the camping season create ideal conditions for everything from leisurely creek-side relaxation to ambitious wilderness treks.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Best late spring through early fall; trails and water available mid-May to Sept.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Good trail access and aspens for fall color but can be crowded during hunting season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring water returns and trails open; best use begins mid-May when water's available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round; cross-country skiing possible but access and services are limited in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31, 2025 (standard nonelectric first-come-first-served season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground is open year-round; however, water availability is seasonal (mid-May to September). Wildlife Management Area closure affects recreational areas from December 2 to May 15, barring entry except through trail use.
  • Current Alerts: Spring/early summer 2023 saw improvement installations, which may have temporary disruptions. Wildlife area restrictions are active from December to May.

About Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Nestled at the foot of Montana's majestic Madison Range, Bear Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into the wilderness with just 12 thoughtfully placed sites. This hidden gem caters to both traditional campers and equestrian adventurers, with dedicated horse-friendly areas alongside standard camping spots. Each site comes equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars, while seasonal water access ensures comfort during your stay. As a gateway to the renowned Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area, the campground doubles as a launching point for unforgettable backcountry adventures.
Bear Creek Campground offers a mix of camping options including sites for tents, small RVs, and horse camping.
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Reserving a campsite

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

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking is highly popular with trails leading directly from the campground into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. The trails provide access to landmarks like Sphinx Mountain. Note that motorized and mechanized usage is prohibited on these trails.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is likely due to the proximity to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and the adjacent State Wildlife Management Area.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFirewood is scarce. Wildlife activity requires the use of bear-resistant food storage practices. The gravel road leading to the campground can be challenging for trailers.
Active AlertsSpring/early summer 2023 saw improvement installations, which may have temporary disruptions. Wildlife area restrictions are active from December to May.
Food Storage RequiredA bear box is centrally available for food storage, adhering to wildlife management regulations.

Weather at Bear Creek Campground - Mt

Reviews

4.0
9 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Bear Creek Campground - Mt is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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

Accessibility Features

Specific comments about accessibility features are not provided in the user reviews.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Information about pet policies or experiences is not provided in user reviews.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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