Bear Creek Campground - MT campground
Ennis, Montana

Bear Creek Campground - MT

Mostly first-come
1 campsites
Open in maps

1

Total Campsites

Campground

Reservable Sites

Mostly first-come

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

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.
Bear Creek Campground - MT photo 2
Bear Creek Campground - MT photo 3

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

1total sites

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

Mostly first-come

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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