How much does camping cost at Trail Creek Cabin?

Camping fees at Trail Creek Cabin are $55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Trail 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 Trail Creek Cabin before I book?

Yes! Trail Creek Cabin has 7 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 Trail Creek Cabin?

Trail 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 Trail Creek Cabin?

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

Can I have a campfire at Trail Creek Cabin?

Fire policies at Trail Creek Cabin: Please collect your own firewood for campfires. Do not burn provided wood in outside fires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Trail Creek Cabin have?

Trail 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 Trail Creek Cabin?

Yes, pets are allowed at Trail Creek Cabin. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Trail Creek Cabin?

Trail Creek Cabin offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Trail Creek Cabin?

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

Trail Creek Cabin

4.61

24 reviews

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Top 6% in MTWinter

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Hiking Camping Montana

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,200 ft

Price

$55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Trail Creek Cabin

$55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $55.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

406-222-1892

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Campground Map

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Trail Creek Cabin

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Nearby places

Livingston (approx. 20 miles), Bozeman (approx. 50 miles), Yellowstone National Park (approx. 80 miles)

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 90 (Exit 316) travel south for 7 miles on Trail Creek Road, then west for 1 mile on Newman Creek Road to reach the trailhead. From the trailhead, the cabin is 2.2 miles along a trail. Alternatively, travel 3 miles south on Trail Creek Road, then 2 miles east on Goose Creek Road to a locked gate. The cabin is 5.2 miles beyond the gate, accessible by off-road vehicles under 50 inches wide. Winter conditions may require additional skiing or navigation aids such as topographic maps and compasses.

Weather at Trail Creek Cabin

Current alerts(16)

5 night maximum stay limit
ARRIVAL ON 1st DAY OF RESERVATION 2:00 p.m. DEPARTURE ON THE LAST DAY OF YOUR RESERVATION 12:00 p.m.
Cabin is not accessible by car or truck. Cabin is accessible only by foot, horse, ATV, ski or snowmobile. To get to the cabin via Goose Creek Trail No. 439, motorized ATV use dates allowed are from 6/16 to 12/1 annually.
Cell phone coverage is either limited or not available in this area

Best Time to Camp at Trail Creek Cabin

Best season: winter. Winter offers the most unique experience at Trail Creek Cabin—deep snow transforms the landscape into a quiet, backcountry playground ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and true solitude. Expect cold, stable mountain conditions with typical temperatures from about 7°F to 25°F and consistent powder on meadows and tree runs; the wood stove makes evenings cozy. Crowds are minimal compared with summer, so winter is best if you want pristine snow, wildlife tracks, and a historic cabin stay, Peak months: January, February, March, December

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in MT

Identified as the best season; reviewers praise skiing, snowshoeing and the winter experience.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Trail Creek Cabin

Trail Creek Cabin is a remote US Forest Service rental in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Livingston, Montana. This single backcountry cabin sits in mid-elevation forest and operates seasonally, with winter the standout season for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and solitude. A wood stove, firewood, and basic cooking supplies make it a cozy base for wildlife viewing and hiking, though navigating the surrounding mix of public and private lands requires attention to signage.

Trail Creek Cabin is a remote backcountry lodging facility offering rustic cabin accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the most unique experience at Trail Creek Cabin—deep snow transforms the landscape into a quiet, backcountry playground ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and true solitude. Expect cold, stable mountain conditions with typical temperatures from about 7°F to 25°F and consistent powder on meadows and tree runs; the wood stove makes evenings cozy. Crowds are minimal compared with summer, so winter is best if you want pristine snow, wildlife tracks, and a historic cabin stay, Peak months: January, February, March, December

Elevation6200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin occupies an alpine meadow ringed by dense lodgepole pine forest. Behind the structure, an intermittent creek adds sound to the landscape when flowing. Mountain ridges define the horizon in all directions, creating the kind of visual isolation that comes with true backcountry placement. The terrain varies from open grassland to thick conifer stands, with the surrounding national forest extending in most directions except where private property boundaries limit travel.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe cabin itself serves as the accommodation, equipped with bunk beds, wood stove, and essential furniture, but guests must bring their own bedding and supplies. A horse corral is available for equestrian travelers.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were referenced.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 5 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity of 4 guests.

Groups

Trail Creek Cabin does not explicitly reference group-specific accommodations.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or their contact center at 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe cabin is remotely accessible via foot, horseback, mountain bike, ATV (under 50 inches), or snowmobiles in winter. Accessibility features include bunk beds and essential furniture but require guests to bring their own supplies.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four guests inside, while the horse corral can host up to four animals.

PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a secluded meadow surrounded by national forest land, offering privacy but with nearby private property boundaries that require adherence to trails.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring extra firewood for outdoor fires, propane canisters, and navigation aids for finding trails in winter. Be aware that stove heating requires 1-2 logs per 90 minutes.

Best CampsitesThe single cabin sleeps four inside and corrals four horses outside. Previous guests have left behind cooking supplies, pots, pans, and puzzles. Firewood is provided. Reviews note the space stays clean and well-stocked, though visitors should bring extra propane, fire-starting materials, and sufficient bedding since amenities remain basic.

Need help booking Trail 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

The cabin is located in a remote area that is not accessible by car or truck. Guests must travel on foot, horseback, motorized vehicle (under 50”) or mountain bike. In winter, skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles may be used to reach the cabin. The best route for arriving on foot or horseback is about 2 miles, while motorized vehicles (under 50”), and snowmobiles have a 5-mile route. To get to the cabin on motorcycle or ATV via Goose Cr Trail No. 439, the dates allowed are from 6/16 to 12/1 annually. WATER SOURCES ARE UNRELIABLE DUE TO STREAM FLOWS. THERE MAY BE NO NEARBY WATER SOURCE. The cabin does not offer electricity or water. Guests must bring their own drinking WATER, food, cooking gear and propane canisters for the lantern and cookstove, as well as their own bedding, dishes, utensils, matches, newspaper, flashlights, garbage bags, extra toilet paper, a first aid kit and dish soap, among other necessities.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Trail Creek Cabin

Trail Creek Cabin provides a variety of recreational activities including hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. The cabin is ideally positioned along a trail system connecting the Yellowstone and Bozeman Districts.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Winter Activities4.0/5Top 21% in Montana

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Open meadow, ridgelines, forest and wildlife make it a very photogenic backcountry spot.

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 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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Trail Creek Cabin

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From Booking Sources

4.6

24 reviews

Top-Rated

Trail Creek Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Trail Creek Cabin has received consistent praise for its rustic charm, cleanliness, and well-stocked supplies. Many visitors appreciated the secluded location and opportunities for winter sports and hiking.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors highlighted the availability of firewood, cooking supplies, and the cozy wood stove. The cabin's scenic location and trails were also frequently mentioned.

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers noted issues with nearby private property boundaries limiting trail access. Others mentioned challenges with icy or muddy trail conditions and the absence of water sources.

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

All reviews refer to campsite 001 within the Trail Creek Cabin loop. The cabin receives high marks for cleanliness and good maintenance.

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing extra propane, fire-starting materials, a topographic map, compass, and sufficient bedding as the cabin lacks modern amenities.

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In winter, guests praised skiing and snowmobiling opportunities but noted cold overnight temperatures requiring firewood. Summer visitors enjoyed hiking and wildlife viewing but reported muddy trails...

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Trail Creek was the perfect getaway in the snow." - Leah S. "Beautiful Backcountry Cabin with multiple options for ingress and egress." - Michael Parker "The cabin sleeps 4 comfortably on bunk beds,...

Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Guests appreciated the accessibility via snowmobiles, ATVs under 50 inches, and hiking. However, the remote location requires proper planning and navigation tools.

Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet stories were positive, with guests frequently mentioning their dogs enjoying the cabin stay and trails.

Based on 24 reviews

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Trail Creek Cabin

$55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $55.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-222-1892

Go if

You want a quiet, self-sufficient winter cabin experience with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing from the door.

Skip if

You need clear trail access without private land confusion or prefer summer camping over winter backcountry stays.

Nearby Campgrounds

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Mystic Lake Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Custer Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman. Managed by the Forest Service, this single rental cabin offers a cozy base for backcountry fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing with a wood stove, full kitchen amenities, and vault toilets. Summer brings reliable access and long days for exploring wildflower meadows and mountain biking lower trails.

Trail Creek Cabin

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Trail Creek Cabin

Campground Map

Weather at Trail Creek Cabin

Current alerts(16)

Best Time to Camp at Trail Creek Cabin

Planning Tips

About Trail Creek Cabin

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Trail Creek Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Trail Creek Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Trail Creek Cabin

Current alerts(16)

Best Time to Camp at Trail Creek Cabin

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Trail Creek Cabin?

Amenities available

Things to do at Trail Creek Cabin

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews