Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)

4.01

13 reviews

5242 HWY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT 59047, USA

Quick Facts

5,246 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,246 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rate for the cabin is $45. No discounts are reflected in this rate, and additional fees including taxes or incremental charges may apply.

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

406-222-1892

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What Campers Say

4.01

Satisfactory

Based on 13 reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationwater

"User sentiment about Deer Creek Cabin is generally positive, with many appreciating its scenic location and rustic charm. Common themes include the cabin's cleanliness, well-stocked supplies, and proximity to hiking trails and wildlife. Access challenges and the absence of mattresses were noted by some users."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5242 HWY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT 59047, USA

Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)

5242 HWY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT 59047, USA

Driving directionsDeer Creek Cabin is located approximately 30 miles south of Big Timber, Montana. It can be accessed by 3 different routes. One recommended route is the Placer Gulch Trailhead, accessible by foot, horse, or OHV (50 inches or less): From Exit 370 on Interstate 90 just east of Big Timber, take Frontage Road (south side of the interstate) 8 miles east. Turn right (south) onto Lower Deer Creek Road (Forest Service Road #482) and proceed 16.2 miles to the Placer Gulch Trailhead sign located on the left side of the road. Park at the trailhead and travel Placer Gulch Trail 256 by foot, horse or off-road vehicles a distance of 5.2 miles to the Deer Creek Cabin. Alternatively, Jim's Gulch Trailhead offers foot or horse access 4 miles from the cabin. Tie Cutter Trailhead near Jim's Gulch provides ATV access. Winter access may require snowmobiles due to unplowed roads.

The cabin's access is challenging, particularly during winter months when roads may be impassable for passenger cars and four-wheel drive vehicles. Trails often require navigation over steep and rocky terrain, and creek fording is common with water depths ranging from 6 inches to several feet in spring.

Nearby places

Big Timber, MT: 30 miles (approximately 45 minutes driving). Livingston, MT: null.

Nearby supplies

Null.

Best Time to Camp at Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)

Experience the dramatic personality of Montana's seasons at Deer Creek Cabin, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own adventure palette. Winter transforms the approach into a pristine snowscape best navigated on snowshoes or cross-country skis, rewarding hardy souls with untouched powder and crystalline silence. As snow melts into summer, the trails open to hikers, equestrians, and ATV enthusiasts, though savvy visitors should prepare for seasonal creek crossings that can range from ankle-deep trickles to rushing mountain streams. The rocky terrain adds character to your journey, reminding you that the best destinations require a little effort to reach.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews praise scenic trails and creek use for cooling/filtering water.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Autumn likely scenic in a mountain meadow but fewer specific fall reviews provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Marshy meadows and wildlife activity noted; good for spring exploration but specific reviews limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with skiing/snowshoeing potential, though access can be difficult in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: Guests must verify road and weather conditions with the Livingston Office due to challenging access.

About Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)

Step back in time at Deer Creek Cabin, where the rugged spirit of Montana's ranching heritage comes alive in this authentic wilderness retreat. Hand-built by the Todd Family during the 1950s, this historic cabin stands as a testament to frontier ingenuity, offering modern adventurers a rare glimpse into the past while serving as your basecamp for year-round exploration in the heart of Gallatin National Forest. Whether you arrive on snowshoes through winter's hushed wonderland or by horseback under summer skies, you'll discover a sanctuary where fishing tales are born, wildlife roams freely, and the simple pleasures of cabin life await those seeking genuine backcountry solitude.

Deer Creek Cabin is a rustic lodging option that caters to groups, offering minimal facilities. It is accessible year-round and is ideal for those seeking a remote experience.

Historical SignificanceWithin these weathered walls lies a story of Montana resilience that spans generations. Between 1953 and 1960, the Todd Family carefully constructed this cabin with their own hands, creating a working base for their cattle operations and a cherished hunting camp that would become legendary among locals. The cabin has witnessed the changing face of the wilderness, surviving not one but two forest fires that swept through the region, emerging each time as a defiant monument to human determination. Since 1993, when stewardship passed to Gallatin National Forest, this living piece of history continues to shelter adventurers, connecting today's visitors with the pioneering spirit of those who shaped this landscape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of Montana's seasons at Deer Creek Cabin, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own adventure palette. Winter transforms the approach into a pristine snowscape best navigated on snowshoes or cross-country skis, rewarding hardy souls with untouched powder and crystalline silence. As snow melts into summer, the trails open to hikers, equestrians, and ATV enthusiasts, though savvy visitors should prepare for seasonal creek crossings that can range from ankle-deep trickles to rushing mountain streams. The rocky terrain adds character to your journey, reminding you that the best destinations require a little effort to reach.

ElevationNull.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where nature writes its own dramatic narrative across every vista. The surrounding wilderness serves as a living gallery for Montana's most magnificent residents—black bears lumber through berry patches, majestic moose wade through marshy meadows, swift antelope bound across open spaces, and elk bugle their haunting calls while deer pick their way through the underbrush. The 2006 forest fire has left its artistic signature on the hillsides, where blackened sentinels stand in stark beauty against regenerating undergrowth, creating a powerful reminder of nature's cycles of destruction and renewal. Below, the creek winds its serpentine path through the valley, its crystal waters harboring native trout that rise to well-presented flies in pools shadowed by overhanging banks.

Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Gallatin National Forest, Deer Creek Cabin occupies a remarkable ecological crossroads where multiple habitats converge in dramatic fashion. This remote sanctuary showcases nature's resilience through the haunting beauty of fire-scarred hillsides from the 2006 blaze, where blackened trees create a striking contrast against new growth fighting to reclaim the slopes. The varied terrain supports an impressive diversity of wildlife, from the smallest songbirds to the largest ungulates, all thriving in this dynamic landscape where forest meets meadow, where burned areas give way to thriving stands of timber, and where the patient observer can witness the ongoing story of wilderness renewal.

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.

Groups

The cabin accommodates up to 15 people, including the adjacent meadow area. Indoors, it sleeps up to four individuals.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle-room cabin with wood cook stove, heating stove, bunk beds, and double bed.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNull.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies for reservations canceled prior to arrival. Late cancellations are subject to additional penalties, including forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival. For modifications to existing reservations, a $10 change fee applies. Refunds are not provided for weather or accessibility issues on or after the day of arrival.

AccessibilityAccess to the cabin is challenging and requires navigating trails by ATV, horse, or foot in the summer and by snowshoes, skis, or snowmobiles in the winter. The trails are described as steep and rocky in places, with creek crossings of varying depth (6 inches to several feet in spring).

Site SizeThe cabin provides indoor accommodations for up to four people. Livestock can be kept in a corral or fenced pasture adjacent.

PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote meadow next to a stream, offering a secluded experience. User reviews describe the location as "beautiful" and "quiet.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe ATV trail from Placer Gulch offers straightforward access and beautiful views. Creek proximity is ideal for water filtering. Guests have praised the abundance of firewood and rustic charm.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Deer Creek Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, winter sports, and wildlife viewing. Reviews suggest that the area is ideal for exploration and provides a scenic escape.

HikingNumerous trails surround Deer Creek Cabin, providing opportunities for exploration on foot, horseback, or ATV. Trails vary in difficulty, with some described as "steep and rocky." "The Placer Gulch ATV trail... is all cut out on very steep and rocky sidehills," but "the scenery is worth it."

FishingFishing is available in the nearby creek, which contains trout. User reviews indicate mixed satisfaction, with one stating, "Fishing was not good. All the fish were too small to keep," while another noted, "Our kids had a bit of luck pulling trout out of the stream."

Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife, including bear, moose, antelope, elk, deer, and numerous bird species. User reviews mention sightings of deer and a bald eagle.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCreek fording may be required, with depths ranging from 6 inches to several feet. Wildlife hazards include bears and moose. Remote location increases the risk of exposure to hantavirus.

Active AlertsGuests must verify road and weather conditions with the Livingston Office due to challenging access.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyGuests must collect their own firewood from the surrounding area. Campfires are allowed within the designated fire ring.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null.

Emergency ServicesLivingston Office of the Yellowstone Ranger District: 406-222-1892. Emergency services may be limited in proximity, with cell phone coverage being unreliable.

Trash & RecyclingNo garbage service is provided, and visitors are required to pack out all trash, including empty propane canisters.

Water FeaturesLocated next to a creek that is suitable for water filtering and trout fishing.

Camp HostLivingston Office of the Yellowstone Ranger District serves as the managing entity. Contact: 406-222-1892.

Weather at Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)

Reviews

4.0

13 reviews

Satisfactory

Deer Creek Cabin (Mt) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment about Deer Creek Cabin is generally positive, with many appreciating its scenic location and rustic charm. Common themes include the cabin's cleanliness, well-stocked supplies, and proximity to hiking trails and wildlife. Access challenges and the absence of mattresses were noted by some users.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the cabin's "beautiful location," "lots of floor space," and proximity to a creek for filtering water. Reviews also highlight the well-stocked amenities left by previous visitors and...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the removal of mattresses ("FS took out mattresses and we never got a notice"), limited cell phone coverage, steep and rocky trails, and overgrown grass around the cabin due to...

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sleeping pads and bedding due to the lack of mattresses. Pack extra propane canisters and garbage bags, as there is no trash service. Use topographic maps, GPS, and compasses for navigation....

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews highlight challenging access and suitable landscapes for snowshoeing and skiing. Summer reviews emphasize the scenic trails and the creek's utility for cooling off. Access is...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The cabin is very rustic but perfect in every way." - Heidi B. 2. "Great spot, nice cabin. FS took out mattresses and we never got a notice." - Michael R. 3. "Deer Creek Cabin was in a beautiful...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 is consistently mentioned in reviews. Positive aspects include well-stocked supplies and scenic views. Challenges include steep trails and the absence of mattresses.

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews generally highlight the steep, rocky trails and challenging access, making it less suited to individuals with mobility limitations. There are no specific accessibility features noted.

Based on 13 reviews

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