Big Creek Cabin

Star4.44
26 reviews
5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT, 59047, USA

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Yellowstone Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Big Creek Cabin
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for Big Creek Cabin is $75 for the peak season, applicable from January 1 through December 31, 2025. Additional reservation fees may...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
406-222-1892
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.44

Recommended

Based on 26 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationwell-maintained

"User reviews frequently praise the rustic charm, cleanliness, and beautiful location of Big Creek Cabin. It is appreciated for its easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and winter sports."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT, 59047, USA

Big Creek Cabin

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT, 59047, USA

Driving directionsFrom Livingston, drive south on Highway 89 for approximately 34 miles to Big Creek Road and a sign for Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. Turn right at the sign and follow Big Creek Road for about 5 miles to the cabin. High-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended. In winter, the road is plowed to Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. Park in the small parking lot just west of Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, then cross-country skis or snowshoes are required the last half-mile to the cabin from the end of the plowed road. The road gate just past Mountain Sky Guest Ranch closes from Dec. 2 to May 15 annually for protection of the road.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle when there's no snow, but four-wheel drive is strongly recommended due to rugged terrain and possible road conditions such as deep puddles that require high clearance vehicles. In winter, skis or snowshoes are necessary for the last half-mile.
Nearby places
Livingston (34 miles, approximately 45 minutes drive). Pray is mentioned in reviews as being nearby, but distance is not provided.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are not explicitly mentioned, but users noted proximity to Chico Hot Springs in Pray, MT (15–25 minutes away) which might offer some amenities. Guests are instructed to bring all essential supplies including water, propane, bedding, cookware, and garbage bags.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Cabin

Paradise Valley's dramatic seasons paint an ever-changing canvas around Big Creek Cabin. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where temperatures can plunge to a bracing -9°F and gentle snowfalls dust the surrounding peaks with pristine powder. During one memorable cold snap, visitors witnessed 1.53 inches of fresh snow blanketing the valley. As spring melts into summer, the cabin basks in Montana's legendary warmth and sunshine, offering perfect conditions for exploration. Each season brings its own magic—from winter's hushed solitude to summer's vibrant wildlife activity.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm months offer hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing; reviews praise summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasons described as dramatic; fall likely good for views and wildlife though details are sparse.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring not extensively detailed; creek may run fast limiting fishing; trails/conditions variable.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Popular for XC skiing and snowshoeing; open year‑round though very cold and access can be challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The cabin is open year-round, but reservations for the peak season start on June 21, 2025, and winter access requires specialized gear (e.g., skis or snowshoes).
  • Current Alerts: The road gate closes from December 2 to May 15 annually for road protection.

About Big Creek Cabin

Step back in time at Big Creek Cabin, where over a century of wilderness history awaits in the heart of Paradise Valley, Montana. This remarkable log structure began its story in 1907 and grew into its current impressive form in 1925, when it served as a backcountry guard station. Now the largest cabin in the Yellowstone District, this 28-by-40 foot wilderness retreat welcomes groups of up to 15 adventurers within its five cozy rooms and twin wraparound porches. Here, modern conveniences fade away as you embrace the self-sufficient mountain lifestyle—bringing your own supplies, gathering firewood responsibly, and living by the timeless rhythms of the wilderness.
Big Creek Cabin is a reservable rustic cabin facility offering non-electric accommodations with amenities suitable for groups and families.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 5 nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Group Sites
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek Cabin offers diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The surrounding area also features trails for equestrians and historic features.
HikingA trailhead near the cabin provides access to three trails, including one that leads into the Gallatin Range. Reviews mention well-maintained trails.
FishingThe creek near the cabin offers good trout fishing opportunities. "We fish in the creek (when the water isn't running too fast), hike most every day."
Wildlife viewingThe location offers frequent sightings of bears, elk, deer, and moose. One review mentions seeing a mountain lion.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNatural hazards include wildlife such as bears and mountain lions, as well as potential exposure to Hantavirus in remote cabins. Visitors must follow food storage guidelines and exercise caution on rugged roads.
Active AlertsThe road gate closes from December 2 to May 15 annually for road protection.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Big Creek Cabin

Reviews

4.4
26 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Big Creek Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews frequently praise the rustic charm, cleanliness, and beautiful location of Big Creek Cabin. It is appreciated for its easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and winter sports.
Review Summaries
Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, scenic location adjacent to Big Creek, ample firewood during winter, and proximity to trails and wildlife.
Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Cold weather during winter stays, limited kitchen supplies (e.g., only one pot and pan), challenges with road conditions requiring high-clearance vehicles.
Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra propane canisters for lanterns and stoves, additional cookware, and garbage bags. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for access, especially during wet or snowy conditions.
Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays are popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but cold temperatures are a common challenge. Warmer months offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The cabin is great! Unfortunately, when we visited it was really cold, when we got there it was -9F." 2. "Had a great time at the Big Creek Cabin! ... It offers an inexpensive alternative to...
Show more
Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 01 is consistently praised for its views of Big Creek and proximity to trails. "Big Creek is about 50ft. from the back porch where we did some awesome rockhounding."
Based on 26 reviews

Accessibility Features

Winter accessibility requires cross-country skis or snowshoes due to snow-covered roads. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for non-winter access.
Based on 26 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or features were noted.
Based on 26 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Big Creek Cabin? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Montana

Campgrounds
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Big Creek Cabin