Established Camping
Wall Creek Cabin
Wall Creek Cabin is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, featuring forested terrain with nearby creeks and open meadows. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 10°F in winter. Visitors can explore the Madison River and the historic Virginia City, both accessible within an hour's reach.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Overview
Located at the east base of the Gravelly Range, Wall Creek Cabin is a small dwelling that gives guests access to prime elk and deer viewing, as access is through a state Wildlife Management Area. It is typically open to the public from mid-May through November, offering ample opportunity to explore southwestern Montana. Built in about 1930, the rental cabin was originally a crew quarters/warehouse/garage. The compound served as headquarters for the Wall Creek Ranger District, later the Madison District, until the 1940s. There are currently four log buildings at the site, including the small rental cabin, a barn and a main "Ranger" cabin and it's woodshed. The barn and corral and main cabin are used by grazing permit holders. Only the smaller cabin with a small holding corral is available for public use. Though usually quiet, there may be work activity associated with grazing management, with cowboys, horses and dogs living at the site and their days often start early. The site can easily be reached by vehicle though roads may be muddy or snow covered. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Big game hunting is by far the most popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the cabin. The area and surrounding wilderness is thick with wildlife. Hunters must have appropriate licensure to hunt in the state of Montana, and hunting is only allowed in designated areas. Wildlife viewing is popular, as animals often come near the cabin. Hunters often park and walk through the site to access a trail behind the cabin and barn. A variety of hiking and horseback riding trails are available in the area, as well as trails for off-road vehicles. Motorized trailhead access is about a mile north of the cabin on Bucks Nest and the non-motorized Hyde Creek trail is just north of the administrative site.
Natural Features
The cabin is located on the edge of the Madison River Valley and the Gravelly Mountains at an elevation of 6,150 feet. It sits in an open, grassy area backed by forested slopes. This is a popular destination for big game hunters and for wildlife lovers who want to view elk in the fall, due to its proximity to the Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area, which is also home to deer, moose, antelope and bears (learn more about bear safety).
Nearby Attractions
Yellowstone National Park is about 60 miles southeast. Wade and Cliff lakes are about 30 miles south. The Madison River is a couple miles away and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness is just across the valley in the Madison Range.
Fee Info
Fee to rent cabin is non-refundable within 14 days of arrival date. Any changes in reserved dates may be assessed an additional fee by the National Recreation Reservation Service.
Location
Wall Creek Cabin is located in Montana
Directions
From Ennis, take US Highway south for about 18 miles to Indian Creek and the McAtee Bridge fishing access site. Turn right and go nearly 1 mile to junction just beyond bridge. Turn left and travel toward Wall Creek Wildlife Management Area for 2.7 miles to T junction. Turn left and stay on main road for 2.5 miles, through many twists and curves, to another T junction. Staying on main road, turn left and travel for about 2 miles. Turn right, through gate, at Wall Creek Station sign, and travel a half mile to another gate. Go through gate, entering the administrative site, and cabin is just beyond. Route is signed once leaving highway. Maps (Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest-South) may be purchased by calling the Madison Ranger District.
Address
5 FOREST SERVICE RD.
Ennis, MT 59729
Coordinates
45.0111306 N
111.7071306 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups