Bear Creek Campground and Picnic area

Introduction / Overview

For Montanans yearning for an authentic and serene outdoor experience, Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area in Cameron, MT, offers a compelling retreat into the heart of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. This hidden gem provides a rustic yet immensely rewarding camping opportunity for those who appreciate peace, quiet, and direct access to some of Montana's most stunning wilderness. Unlike highly developed parks, Bear Creek embraces its natural surroundings, making it an ideal destination for individuals, families, and particularly equestrians seeking a genuine connection with the landscape. It's a place where the sounds of the creek and the rustling leaves replace urban noise, offering a true sense of escape. While the journey to this campground involves navigating gravel roads through private ranch land, the reward is a beautiful, peaceful area that feels worlds away from the everyday. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive guide to what makes Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area a unique and suitable destination for locals looking to explore Montana's majestic outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area is located in Cameron, MT 59720, USA, nestled within the expansive Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana. Situated at an elevation of 6,350 feet, it offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat and a picturesque setting amidst Douglas fir and aspen trees. The journey to the campground is part of its unique character. As noted by visitors, access involves "driving through an easement on private property" via a "gravel Rd." While this suggests a more adventurous route, official directions indicate that from Ennis, MT, you travel south on US Highway 287 for approximately 10-11 miles to Cameron. From Cameron, you turn east onto Bear Creek Loop and follow signs for several miles, including turns on private roads, to the campground. This means that while it's "tucked back behind ranch land," it is ultimately reachable by vehicle. It's important for visitors to be aware that the roads are gravel and can be "overgrown and hard to navigate with a trailer" at times, with a maximum recommended trailer length of 22-28 feet. For RVs, especially larger ones, careful navigation and awareness of road conditions are crucial. However, its proximity to scenic areas like the Lee Metcalf Wilderness (immediately to the east) and the Madison Range, along with being about 70 miles from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, makes it a strategically placed base camp for exploring Southwest Montana's iconic landscapes. The relatively manageable drive from nearby towns like Ennis offers a convenient escape for locals without venturing too far off the grid.

Services Offered

Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area is a basic Forest Service Campground, providing essential amenities that support a comfortable yet rustic camping experience. It emphasizes self-sufficiency and respect for the natural environment:

• Designated Campsites: The campground contains 12 designated campsites, offering spaces for both tent and RV camping. Six sites on the north side of the creek are equipped for horses/stock, while the six sites on the south side are non-horse use only.
• Water Access: Drinking water is available from centrally located water hydrants or a hand pump, typically from mid-May through September. However, visitors should always confirm availability and consider bringing extra water.
• Pit Toilets / Outhouses: Clean pit toilets or outhouses are provided, with one on each side of the creek, offering basic restroom facilities.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for comfortable outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings/Pits: Fire rings are available at each campsite for campfires, subject to current fire restrictions.
• Horse/Stock Facilities: For equestrian campers, the six sites on the north side of the creek are equipped with hitchrails and corrals. Additional corrals may be available at the trailhead.
• Food and Refuse Storage: Bear-resistant food storage boxes are available, and food and refuse storage requirements are enforced to ensure bear safety.
• No Garbage Service: Campers are required to pack out all garbage and refuse to maintain the pristine condition of the campground and surrounding wilderness.
• First-Come, First-Served: Bear Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically accepted. This allows for spontaneous trips but requires flexibility during peak seasons.

Features / Highlights

• Equestrian-Friendly: A significant highlight is its dual designation as a "horse pack camp" and an equestrian campground, offering specific facilities like hitchrails and corrals for those bringing their horses.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Multiple reviews emphasize the tranquility of the campground, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a break from noise. "Quiet and peaceful" and "peaceful nature sounds" are common descriptors.
• Beautiful Natural Area: Nestled in a "beautiful area" with the "creek runs through it," the campground offers stunning views and a picturesque setting amidst Douglas fir and aspen trees.
• Access to Lee Metcalf Wilderness: The campground is located at the trailhead for the Bear Creek Loop Trail, providing direct access to the vast Lee Metcalf Wilderness for hiking, horseback riding, and hunting.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding area is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black bears, grizzly bears, and various bird species, offering excellent opportunities for nature observation.
• Suitable for Small RVs/Trailers: While described as somewhat overgrown, the sites are generally suitable for "small RVs/Trailers," allowing a range of camping styles. The maximum recommended trailer length is 22-28 feet.
• Fishing Opportunities: Located near the Madison River, the area offers premier fishing opportunities, and fishing in Bear Creek itself may also be possible.
• Proximity to Yellowstone National Park: Approximately 70 miles from the west entrance of Yellowstone, it serves as a convenient base camp for exploring one of America's most iconic national parks.
• First-Come, First-Served Accessibility: For spontaneous adventurers, the lack of a reservation system means a spot might be available even on shorter notice.
• Elevation and Climate: At 6,350 feet, it offers cooler temperatures in summer, making it a pleasant escape during warmer months.

Contact Information

Address: Cameron, MT 59720, USA

Phone: For inquiries regarding Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area, you can contact the Madison Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at (406) 682-4253.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area in Cameron, MT, is an exceptional choice for Montanans seeking an authentic, peaceful, and truly immersive outdoor experience close to home. Its location within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest offers convenient access for residents across Montana, particularly those in the southwestern part of the state, ensuring that a natural escape is always within reach. For locals, this means less time traveling and more time enjoying the pristine wilderness. The campground's rustic charm, combined with essential amenities like water and pit toilets, strikes a perfect balance for those who appreciate traditional camping without requiring extensive infrastructure. A significant draw is its designation as an equestrian camp, providing unique facilities for horse owners to enjoy Montana's vast landscapes on horseback. Beyond equestrians, its quiet and peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for anyone seeking solitude, whether for hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the creek. The direct trailhead access to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness opens up a world of backcountry exploration, allowing Montanans to fully embrace the hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities that define their home state. While the access road might be gravel, it serves to maintain the campground's serene, less-trafficked nature, ensuring a genuine wilderness feel. For Montanans who value tranquility, responsible outdoor recreation, and direct access to some of the most breathtaking natural beauty the state has to offer, Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area stands out as a quintessential local gem, offering a truly rewarding escape into the Big Sky Country.

Bear Creek Campground and Picnic area

Cameron, MT 59720, USA