Crandall Creek Cabin

4.43

30 reviews

5242 HWY 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Mountain Camping Montana Hidden Gem Campgrounds Montana

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Yellowstone Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Yellowstone Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Crandall Creek Cabin

$65.00 - $65.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin rental fee is $65 per night during peak season (June 16 - December 31, 2025). Reservation fees are non-refundable. Late cancellations incur a...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 30 reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanspacious

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5242 HWY 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Crandall Creek Cabin

5242 HWY 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

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.

Access to the cabin is via a semi-primitive dirt road, and four-wheel drive is highly suggested from June 16 to Dec. 1. From Dec. 2 through March 31, the last seven miles of the access road are not plowed, requiring travel via hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling.

Nearby places

Livingston (52 miles)

Wilsall (24 miles)

Nearby supplies

Livingston (52 miles) provides access to grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Crandall Creek Cabin

Experience the dramatic dance of seasons at Crandall Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the cabin into a snow-globe sanctuary, accessible only by snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile as temperatures plunge and powder blankets the mountains. As spring melts into summer, the landscape awakens with wildflowers and warming sunshine, creating perfect conditions for trail adventures and casting lines into crystal-clear waters. Fall arrives in a blaze of golden aspens and crisp mountain air, offering some of the year's most spectacular hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer praised for greenery and wildlife; some reviews note fly issues in warm months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Dec 31; fall likely excellent for scenery, hunting and quieter access.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Site open season begins June 16; spring (Mar–May) generally closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter access requires non-motorized travel; guests praise warmth but note stove tending.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 16 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season runs from June 16 to December 31 annually. Winter access requires non-motorized methods such as skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling.
Current Alerts: Winter guests are advised to carry topographic maps and compasses for navigation due to wind-blown conditions and potential sign damage.

About Crandall Creek Cabin

Escape to Crandall Creek Cabin, where rustic charm meets untamed wilderness in the shadow of the Crazy Mountains. This authentic log cabin invites adventurers seeking a true back-to-basics experience—no electricity hums through the walls, no faucets flow with water, and no propane powers modern conveniences. Instead, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of Montana's backcountry, where self-sufficiency becomes part of the adventure. Pack your supplies, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare for an unforgettable retreat where simplicity reigns supreme.

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

Historical SignificanceCrandall Creek Cabin stands as a testament to Montana's enduring frontier spirit, thoughtfully constructed to carry on the legacy of the historic Bennett Creek Cabin that once stood over a mile away. This newer structure honors the memory of its predecessor while creating new chapters in the story of human connection to this remarkable landscape. The cabin serves as both shelter and storyteller, linking past and present in the timeless narrative of life in the Crazy Mountains.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of seasons at Crandall Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the cabin into a snow-globe sanctuary, accessible only by snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile as temperatures plunge and powder blankets the mountains. As spring melts into summer, the landscape awakens with wildflowers and warming sunshine, creating perfect conditions for trail adventures and casting lines into crystal-clear waters. Fall arrives in a blaze of golden aspens and crisp mountain air, offering some of the year's most spectacular hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

ElevationPerched at 6,400 feet above sea level, Crandall Creek Cabin offers a high-country experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and winter's snow lingers longer. This elevated sanctuary provides natural air conditioning during summer months and transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures. The altitude adds an extra dimension to your stay, offering cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and that invigorating mountain air that makes every breath feel like a gift.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled in nature's amphitheater beneath the dramatic peaks of the Crazy Mountains, Crandall Creek Cabin offers front-row seats to some of Montana's most spectacular scenery. The iconic Target Rock stands sentinel above, while creeks whisper their ancient songs and the Shield River winds through the valley below. On clear nights, the absence of light pollution reveals a celestial show that will leave you breathless. This wild sanctuary serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife—black bears lumber through the forests, elk bugle across meadows, deer bound through morning mist, and the occasional moose makes a majestic appearance along the waterways.

Geological RegionThe cabin rests in a geological wonderland where the Crazy Mountains rise like ancient sentinels from the surrounding foothills. This dramatic landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where tectonic forces pushed these peaks skyward and countless seasons of wind, water, and ice carved the valleys and creeks that define the region today. The Shield River and its tributary streams have sculpted pathways through this mountainous terrain, creating diverse habitats that support an abundance of wildlife. Here, in this meeting place of water and stone, forest and meadow, you'll discover a landscape that captures the very essence of the American West.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

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

Site layoutSingle cabin site located 200 yards from the gated road, surrounded by open space due to fire damage.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityOnly reservable in advance, walk-up availability is not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to online reservations can only be made via the NRRS Contact Center. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Refunds for weather or accessibility issues are not considered. Refund requests can be submitted within 7 calendar days after the reservation ends.

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.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingHiking trails are available in the area, and the location is praised for its accessibility to scenic routes and clear paths.

FishingFishing is excellent in nearby creeks, providing opportunities to catch various fish species.

BikingMountain biking is available, with trails offering various difficulty levels.

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to bears, elk, deer, moose, and various bird species, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include bear and wildlife encounters. Winter guests face risks such as snowdrifts and cold temperatures, requiring preparedness for extreme weather.

Active AlertsWinter guests are advised to carry topographic maps and compasses for navigation due to wind-blown conditions and potential sign damage.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in the fire ring, but guests must collect their own firewood. Provided firewood cannot be used for outdoor fires.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned; null.

Emergency ServicesLivingston (52 miles); nearest emergency services include hospitals and ranger stations accessible through Highway 89.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no garbage service available; guests must pack out all trash and personal belongings. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesNear Shields River and several creeks. Water is accessible nearby but must be treated before consumption.

Camp HostManagement is handled by the Yellowstone Ranger District staff, contactable at 406-222-1892 during business hours.

Weather at Crandall Creek Cabin

Reviews

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

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

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