
1
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Bear Creek Campground - MT
Overview Bear Creek Campground is located at the base of the western slope of the Madison Range in southwest Montana. It's part of an administrative site that also includes the Bear Creek and Bear Creek Bunkhouse rental cabins and a trailhead for entry to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. The small campground features 12 campsites, 6 on each side of the creek. The six sites north of the creek include facilities for horses/stock, while those south of the creek are non-horse use only. This is the only campground on the west side of the Madison mountain range so it can be expected to be crowded and busy during hunting season. There is very little firewood available anywhere near the campground. Recreation Hiking, horseback riding and hunting are very popular activities by visitors to this campground and parking may be difficult to find during peak season. The Middle Fork and Trail Fork trailhead is located only steps away. Because the trails lead to designated Wilderness, no motorized or mechanized use is allowed on the trails. The trailhead is the starting point for those climbing Sphinx Mountain. From December 2 until noon of May 15, the Wildlife Management Area just north of the campground is closed to all entry except to those who stay strictly on the trail and are only passing through to Forest lands. It is open for recreational use the remainder of the year. Facilities Hiking, horseback riding and hunting are very popular activities by visitors to this campground and parking may be difficult to find during peak season. The Middle Fork and Trail Fork trailhead is located only steps away. Because the trails lead to designated Wilderness, no motorized or mechanized use is allowed on the trails. The trailhead is the starting point for those climbing Sphinx Mountain. From December 2 until noon of May 15, the Wildlife Management Area just north of the campground is closed to all entry except to those who stay strictly on the trail and are only passing through to Forest lands. It is open for recreational use the remainder of the year. Natural Features At the base of the Madison mountain range, the campground is situated in a draw between hills on the edge of the National Forest. The Lee Metcalf Wilderness is immediately to the east and a State wildlife management area to the north. The trailhead, at the site, provides access to the Middle Fork and Trail Fork trails, as well as access to ascend Sphinx Mountain, a prominant peak in the range. Most campsites are shaded by Douglas fir and aspen trees. contact_info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (406) 682-4253. Nearby Attractions The Lee Metcalf Wilderness is adjacent to the campground. The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is about 70 miles to the southeast. Lewis and Clark State Caverns is about 60 miles to the north.
- 1 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (1).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Bear Creek Campground - MT special
Resting at the base of the western slope of the Madison Range in southwest Montana, Bear Creek Campground is the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with Big Sky Country. The campground sits in a forested valley where Bear Creek tumbles down from the high peaks, surrounded by a landscape of towering Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and meadows that explode with wildflowers each summer. The town of Ennis, a classic Montana ranching community with genuine Western charm, is nearby and serves as a gateway to some of the region's finest outdoor pursuits. The legendary Madison River, one of the world's premier fly-fishing destinations, flows through the valley and offers blue-ribbon trout water that draws anglers from every corner of the globe. Hikers and backpackers can access trails leading into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, where rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and mountain goats await above the treeline. Bear Creek is a wonderful choice from late June through September, when warm days and cool mountain nights create ideal camping conditions. Early summer brings snowmelt-swollen creeks and carpets of lupine and Indian paintbrush, while September delivers golden cottonwoods and bugling elk. Sites can fill quickly during peak summer weeks, so planning ahead is wise. Stock up on supplies in Ennis, grab a burger at one of the local spots, and settle in for evenings serenaded by the creek and framed by some of Montana's most dramatic mountain scenery.
Campsite Inventory
1 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
CREEK ACCESS
Creek Access
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
02:00 PM
Check-out time
11:00 AM
Condition Rating
Good
Driveway entry
Back-in
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway surface
Gravel
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
8
Minimum guests
Yes
PICNIC TABLES
Picnic Tables
Pets allowed
Yes
Shade
Yes
Site Access
Drive-In
Site Rating
Standard
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Getting There
From Ennis MT, travel south on US Highway 287 eleven miles to Cameron. Turn left onto Bear Creek Road and travel on pavement for 3 miles, turn right and pavement ends. Travel 1.5 miles and turn left. Travel one mile and turn right. Travel just under one mile and turn left at the old school house. Finally travel 2.3 miles to the campground. All turns have Bear Creek signs and, along the last 2.3 miles, landowner signs indicate private roads. Coming from the south, follow US Highway 287 to Cameron and follow previous directions from there.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Bear Creek Campground - MT.
How do reservations work for Bear Creek Campground - MT?
Reservation availability for Bear Creek Campground - MT can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Bear Creek Campground - MT?
Bear Creek Campground - MT currently lists Unknown (1).
Where is Bear Creek Campground - MT located?
Bear Creek Campground - MT is in Montana near Ennis. Coordinates: 45.1100, -110.5996.
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