Bar Gulch Cabin

Star4.46
37 reviews
415 S. FRONT STREET, TOWNSEND, MT, 59644, USA

Quick Facts

4,629 ft

Price

$25 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1, 2025...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Helena National Forest 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
Bar Gulch Cabin
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin rates range from $25 to $50 per night depending on season, excluding discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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
406-266-3425
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 37 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

"User reviews for Bar Gulch Cabin vary widely, with some guests praising the rustic charm and location, while others criticize issues such as cleanliness and missing features."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

415 S. FRONT STREET, TOWNSEND, MT, 59644, USA

Bar Gulch Cabin

415 S. FRONT STREET, TOWNSEND, MT, 59644, USA

Driving directionsFrom Helena, take Canyon Ferry Road over the dam, past Kim's Marina. Continuing east, watch for a left-hand turn onto Magpie Road. From this intersection, proceed up Magpie Road 3.9 miles. Turn left on Bar Gulch Road. Continue on Bar Gulch Road approximately 0.25 miles to the cabin. The cabin is located on the left.
Access to the cabin is good and does not usually require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Snow removal is not provided, which may affect accessibility during winter.
Nearby places
Helena - 24 miles, Townsend - 30 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies likely available in Helena (24 miles) or Townsend (30 miles). Exact locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Bar Gulch Cabin

Summer days bring brilliant blue skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, though visitors should come prepared for the local fly population that thrives in the warm months. As autumn paints the mountains in gold and crimson, crisp air signals the approach of winter's transformation. Snow blankets the landscape from late fall through spring, creating a winter wonderland where ice crystals form delicate patterns around the cabin's weathered walls. Each season offers its own magic, from wildflower blooms to pristine snowscapes.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers great hiking and blue skies but reviewers note flies and occasional lack of firewood.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn reviews highlight tranquility and excellent outdoor exploration opportunities.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 10% in MT

Meadows of wildflowers, streams and returning wildlife make spring an attractive season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Cabin warmth praised in winter and skiing is available nearby; winter stays positive in reviews.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

About Bar Gulch Cabin

Nestled in a sun-dappled clearing where wildflowers dance in the mountain breeze, Bar Gulch Cabin offers a genuine slice of Montana's mining heritage. This charming 1930s-era cabin, once home to hopeful prospectors seeking their fortunes in the Big Belt Mountains, has been lovingly preserved as a backcountry retreat. Now under the stewardship of Helena National Forest, this cozy single-room sanctuary invites modern adventurers to step back in time while exploring the rugged beauty of Montana's wilderness.
Bar Gulch Cabin is a single-room structure suitable for up to six guests. It caters primarily to cabin-based camping experiences.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Bar Gulch Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Nearby trails provide opportunities for exploration, and Canyon Ferry Lake is popular for fishing and birdwatching.
HikingGuests can access trails directly from the cabin, including Bar Gulch Trail and Belt Divide Trail. The Ridge Trail offers expansive views and overnight opportunities.
FishingFishing is available at Canyon Ferry Lake, located five miles away, and includes species like rainbow trout, perch, ling, and walleye.
BikingBiking is available near the cabin, although specific trail details are not provided.
BoatingBoating is possible at Canyon Ferry Lake, which is five miles away, with no specific docking facilities mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with possibilities to see elk, deer, black bears, moose, and various bird species, including bald eagles near Canyon Ferry Lake.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include fly infestations during summer, mouse droppings, and icy conditions in colder months around the back door.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Bar Gulch Cabin

Reviews

4.5
37 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Bar Gulch Cabin is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bar Gulch Cabin vary widely, with some guests praising the rustic charm and location, while others criticize issues such as cleanliness and missing features.
Review Summaries
Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviews highlight the cabin's efficient heating, the convenience of trails nearby, and the peaceful surrounding environment. Guests enjoy the antique cook stove and rustic charm.
Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring complaints include missing water pump handles, poor cleanliness, mouse droppings, and flies during summer. Some visitors also report garbage left behind on the screened porch.
Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing sufficient water, extra propane, bug spray, and sand to manage icy conditions near the back door in colder weather.
Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention flies and the lack of firewood. Winter reviews praise the warm cabin and opportunities for skiing nearby. Autumn reviews highlight tranquility and outdoor exploration...
Show more
Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wood stoves worked great and plenty of cookware." - LOGUN N "It’s one of my favorite places to go to get out of town!" - AARON O "Taking the hike heading west behind the cabin is recommended." -...
Show more
Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews focus on the single Bar Gulch Cabin, with mixed sentiments about its amenities and condition.
Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 37 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One review mentions bringing a dog to the cabin, but no further details about pet policies or features are provided.
Based on 37 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Bar Gulch 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
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest
Bar Gulch Cabin