How much does camping cost at Crandall Creek Cabin?

Camping fees at Crandall Creek Cabin are $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crandall Creek Cabin first-come first-served or reservation?

Crandall Creek Cabin 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 Crandall Creek Cabin before I book?

Yes! Crandall Creek Cabin has 12 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 Crandall Creek Cabin?

Crandall Creek Cabin 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 Crandall Creek Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Crandall Creek Cabin?

Fire policies at Crandall Creek Cabin: Please collect your own firewood for campfires. Do not use the provided firewood for outdoor fires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Crandall Creek Cabin have?

Crandall Creek Cabin has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crandall Creek Cabin?

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

What amenities are available at Crandall Creek Cabin?

Crandall Creek Cabin offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Crandall Creek Cabin?

Popular activities at Crandall Creek Cabin include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crandall Creek Cabin

4.43

30 reviews

5242 HWY 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Top 23% in MTWinter

Featured in:Mountain Camping Montana Hidden Gem Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Four-wheel drive is ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Yellowstone Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Four-wheel drive is ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Yellowstone Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Crandall Creek Cabin

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-222-1892wurie@fs.fed.us

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5242 HWY 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Crandall Creek Cabin

5242 HWY 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Nearby places

Livingston (52 miles)

Wilsall (24 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Livingston, travel north on Highway 89 to Wilsall. Turn right from Highway 89 onto Shields River Road. Follow Shields River Road until the pavement ends and turn right at the end of the pavement. Travel approximately 7 miles to a fork in the road, and take the left fork towards the Shields River Camp (approximately 2 miles to the camp). About 100 yards beyond the campground, take a left onto a gated road. The cabin combination code will open the gate. The cabin is located 200 yards down this road. Due to road conditions, a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is suggested. From Dec. 2 through March 31, the last seven miles of the access road to Crandall Cabin are not plowed. Plan to ski, snowshoe or snowmobile this distance from the end of the plowed road to the cabin.

Weather at Crandall Creek Cabin

Current alerts(18)

5 night maximum stay limit
A stock corral is provided for four animals. If the corral is used for stock, it must be cleaned before leaving. Feed must be Certified Weed Seed Free and out-of-state horses must have a current Coggins test. Water for the horses can be obtained from a creek nearby.
ARRIVAL ON 1st DAY OF RESERVATION 2:00 p.m. DEPARTURE ON THE LAST DAY OF YOUR RESERVATION 12:00 p.m.
Cell phone coverage is either limited or not available in this area

Best Time to Camp at Crandall Creek Cabin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most comfortable conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to upper-70s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, creek crossings, and the rough road into the area are usually fully passable after the June 16 opening, making hiking, mountain biking, and creek-side fishing prime. Long daylight and generally stable weather mean the best chance to explore the Crazy Mountains scenery and watch wildlife with moderate crowds limited by̶ Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Best season noted; comfortable temps, reliable access, greenery and abundant wildlife.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Four-wheel drive is suggested on this road from June 16 to Dec. 1. Guests who arrive after Dec. 1 must get to the cabin by hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling seven miles from the end of the plowed road to the cabin. No off-road vehicles or motorcycles are allowed beyond the Shields River Loop gate from Dec. 2 to June 15.

About Crandall Creek Cabin

Crandall Creek Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Custer Gallatin National Forest, managed by the Yellowstone Ranger District near Livingston. This seasonal rental offers a spacious interior with large dining tables, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, drawing visitors for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing along the creek. Guests praise the modern facilities and scenic setting, though flies can be an issue and corral details sometimes cause confusion.

Crandall Creek Cabin provides rustic cabin accommodations with limited amenities. It is a reservable facility, and guests often describe it as clean and modern.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the most comfortable conditions — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to upper-70s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s. Trails, creek crossings, and the rough road into the area are usually fully passable after the June 16 opening, making hiking, mountain biking, and creek-side fishing prime. Long daylight and generally stable weather mean the best chance to explore the Crazy Mountains scenery and watch wildlife with moderate crowds limited by̶ Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation6400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Crazy Mountains rise above the cabin in steep peaks shaped by millions of years of tectonic uplift and erosion. The Shield River and its tributaries, including Crandall Creek, cut through the foothills and valleys below. Fire has altered the immediate landscape around the cabin, opening views but reducing tree cover. Wildlife passes through regularly: black bears, elk, deer, and occasional moose along the waterways. Target Rock stands visible from the cabin. On clear nights, the lack of light pollution reveals full star fields.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin offers rustic accommodations featuring three bunk beds, a wood stove, propane lantern, and propane cookstove. However, guests need to bring their own bedding, cookware, and propane canisters.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

5night maximum stay limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum group size for using the facility and adjacent area is 15 people.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or the NRRS Contact Center at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityBoth the cabin and adjacent vault toilet are wheelchair accessible. The cabin also features a locked gate for privacy.

Site SizeThe cabin is spacious and can accommodate up to six people.

PrivacyThe cabin offers privacy with a locked gate and is surrounded by natural features. Recent fire damage has affected the surrounding tree coverage.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors should bring propane for the cookstove and lantern, bedding, cookware, and cleaning supplies. Winter guests should be prepared for cold temperatures and snowshoe or ski access.

Best CampsitesThere's one site: the cabin itself. It holds six people, with large tables for meals and games. Reviews mention the cabin is clean and modern inside despite the rustic setting. The space works well for groups, but expect flies in warmer months.

Need help booking Crandall Creek Cabin?

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

FIREWOOD IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH. PLEASE BRING FIREWOOD OR GATHER FROM FOREST DURING SUMMER. DO NOT BURN PROVIDED FIREWOOD FOR OUTDOOR FIRES,EVER, AS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE. Firewood is available during winter months as long as supplies last.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Crandall Creek Cabin

Crandall Creek Cabin offers diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, birding, hunting, and horseback riding. Winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are popular. Fishing in nearby creeks is highly regarded. Reviews emphasize the cabin's location as ideal for hiking and hunting.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails nearby; location praised for accessibility to scenic routes and clear paths.

Fishing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area hosts bears, elk, deer, moose and many birds; wildlife viewing highlighted.

Winter Activities3.5/5

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Mountain vistas, river corridor, wildlife and dark skies offer excellent photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

4.4

30 reviews

Recommended

Crandall Creek Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Crandall Creek Cabin are generally positive, emphasizing its cleanliness, spaciousness, and suitability for hiking and hunting. Some users mentioned issues with flies and concerns about communication from the forest service regarding fire damage and corral availability.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Cleanliness and modern facilities are frequently mentioned positively. Guests appreciate the spacious cabin, large tables for dining and games, and the picturesque scenery.

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users reported fly infestations, especially during warmer months. Others noted a lack of communication from the forest service regarding recent fire damage and missing corral facilities.

Based on 30 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews varied, with poor experiences during fly infestations (Keith N.) and high praise for the cabin's cleanliness and spaciousness (Charles R., Lisa T.).

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing sufficient supplies, including bedding, propane canisters, and cookware. Winter renters should prepare for snowshoeing or skiing to access the cabin. Bring topographic maps...

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews often praise the cabin's warmth and cozy atmosphere but note the need to frequently tend the woodstove. Summer reviews highlight the surrounding greenery and wildlife but mention the...

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Crandall Creek Cabin is probably the cleanest and most modern of any cabin I’ve ever stayed at.' - Charles R. 2. 'It was awesome well kept thank you for a lovely night.' - Jordan J. 3. 'We heard...

Based on 30 reviews