Big Creek Cabin
Custer Gallatin National Forest
The original Big Creek Cabin was built in 1907 and it still stands on this site. The current cabin, a former guard station, was completed in 1925 and sits right next to the
original.
Big Creek Cabin is the largest cabin in the Yellowstone District, a 28-by-40 log structure with five rooms and two porches. It offers rustic accommodations with limited
amenities. Guests will need to bring much of their own gear and supplies.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle when there's no snow, however, four-wheel drive is strongly recommended. In the winter, skis or snowshoes are required to cover the
half-mile to the cabin from the plowed road. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
The cabin is furnished with tables, chairs and enough beds with mattresses to accommodate 11 people (most are bunk beds). A propane lantern, propane two-burner cookstove, wood cook stove and wood
heat stove are also provided. FIREWOOD IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM JUNE 1ST TO SEPTEMBER 30TH. PLEASE BRING FIREWOOD OR GATHER FROM FOREST DURING SUMMER.
DO NOT BURN PROVIDED FIREWOOD FOR OUTDOOR FIRES, EVER, AS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO REPLACE. Firewood is available during winter months as long as supplies last. An axe and a splitting maul should be available. A mop and bucket are provided for cleaning the cabin.
A corral is located across from the cabin, with room for six stock animals. A campfire ring and outhouse with vault toilet are just outside.
Water and electricity are not available. Guests will need to bring their own water supply. Propane fuel for the lantern and cookstove is not provided, so it may be necessary to
bring extra propane or battery-operated lanterns or flashlights. Garbage bags are needed to pack out trash.
For a comfortable stay, guests should bring a propane canister for the lantern and stove, flashlight, bedding, cookware, dishes, utensils, newspaper, garbage bags, matches, toilet paper and first aid kit. Guests are expected to pack out all trash and clean the
cabin and the stock corral (if used) before leaving.
Need to Know
- 5 night maximum stay limit
- The cabin remains locked; guests must CHECK their confirmation letter for the cabin combination.
- ARRIVAL ON 1st DAY OF RESERVATION 2:00 p.m. DEPARTURE ON THE LAST DAY OF YOUR RESERVATION 12:00 p.m.
- Water is not available in the cabin; water obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated or boiled before consumption to prevent Giardia
- A high clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to access the cabin
Please bring your own propane canister for the lantern and cookstove
- Cell phone coverage is either limited or not available in this area
- Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Gallatin National Forest; Click here for more information
- The primary occupant is responsible to ensure all members of their party abide by U.S. Forest Service regulations
- Maximum group size for using the facility and adjacent area is 15 people
- No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and personal belongings
Stock Corral provided for 6 stock animals; if used, please clean corral before leaving. Hay and feed brought to the site for stock must be certified weed-free. Out-of-state horses must have current Coggins testing.
Within the Yellowstone Ranger District, refunds for weather or accessibility issues on the day of arrival or later will not be considered. Refunds will not be considered for conditions resulting from poor housekeeping by previous visitors.
Please collect your own firewood for campfires
- No liquid fueled (white gas) stoves or lanterns allowed in the cabin or on the porch
- Firing a gun or use of any other weapon in or within 150 yards of the cabin is NOT allowed
- Guests should be aware that there is a risk of exposure to Hantavirus when visiting remote cabins; click here for more information
- Click here for more information about Gallatin National Forest
- Please call the Livingston office of the Yellowstone Ranger District at (406) 222-1892, during business hours: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST, Monday through Friday, for current weather conditions/alerts, information and questions about the cabin.
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
Big Creek Cabin is located in an area known as Paradise Valley, where the peaks of the Gallatin Range fracture the western sky and the Absarokas rise to the east.
The cabin sits in a flat clearing surrounded by spruce and fir trees at an elevation of 5,800 feet. Big Creek flows about 50 feet from the back porch. Bears, elk, deer
and moose are frequently seen in the vicinity.
Recreation
A trailhead is located near the cabin that leads to three different trails for hikers and equestrians. One of these trails heads into the Gallatin Range.
Good trout fishing is available in Big Creek. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter pastimes.
Contact Information
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5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH LIVINGSTON MT 59047
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-222-1892
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Livingston, drive south on Highway 89 for approximately 34 miles to Big Creek Road and a sign for Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. Turn right at the sign and follow
Big Creek Road for about 5 miles to the cabin. High-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
In winter, the road is plowed to Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. Park in the small parking lot just west of Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. Cross-country skis or snowshoes are
required the last half-mile to the cabin from the end of the plowed road. The road gate just past Mountain Sky Guest Ranch closes from Dec. 2 to May 15, annually, for
protection of the road.
