Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area
Bear Creek Campground is a popular summer and fall destination for camping, hiking and picnicking. Located at 6,350 feet, the campground includes 12 designated campsites. Within the wilderness boundary, group size is limited to no more than 15 people and 20 head of stock. Stock are not permitted on the south side of the creek. Camping is not allowed at the trailhead, and certified weed‑free hay is required.
The campground has a vault toilet, and drinking water is available in spring and summer. No garbage service is provided, so visitors must pack out all trash. Bear‑resistant food storage boxes are available. The site serves as the trailhead for the Bear Creek Loop Trail in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, which is suitable for hikers, hunters and horseback riders. The campground accommodates both stock users and family campers.
The recommended maximum trailer length is 28 feet. The stay limit is 16 days. Food and refuse storage requirements are in effect and enforced. There is no designated day‑use picnic area at this site.
Reservations
General Information
There is no cell phone coverage in the area.
Open annually from early May through late November, weather dependent.
Open annually from early June through late November, weather dependent.
16 day stay limit. Food storage requirements.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night
There is a $15.00 per night fee for overnight camping.
Address: 5 Forest Service Road Ennis, MT 59729
Phone: 406-682-4253
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 45.1626
Longitude: -111.55646
Elevation
6,350
Directions
From Ennis, MT travel South on Highway 287 for approximately 10 miles. Turn East on Bear Creek Loop at Cameron, MT for atleast 10 miles. Follow the signs to the campground.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Vault toilet(s)Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Yes, drinking water is available from a hand pump
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes
Backpacking
Picnicking - Single
Horseback Riding