Spanish Creek Cabin
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Spanish Creek Cabin was constructed in 1934 and retains much of its rustic character from that time. The cabin is available year-round and offers an excellent base camp for a variety of summer and winter recreation opportunities. It is adjacent to a popular trailhead and a campground. Guests may drive to the cabin during summer months. During the winter (December 2nd through May 15th) the access road is gated 3.5 miles from the cabin and guest should be prepared to hike, bike, ski or snowshoe to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The two-story cabin has bunk beds and beds with mattresses to sleep up to four people. A wood cook stove is provided. In a kitchen area cleaning equipment is available. A campfire ring is located in front of the cabin. An outhouse is equipped with a vault toilet. Electricity and water are not provided. Guests need to bring their own drinking water, bedding, food, lanterns or flashlights, extra toilet paper, dish soap, garbage bags and first aid supplies, among other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed before leaving.
Need to Know
- The cabin remains locked; a combination lock code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter/email
- Water is not available in the cabin; water obtained from nearby natural water sources should be treated prior to use
- Guests must carefully follow the food storage order for Custer Gallatin National Forest; Click here for more information.
- No garbage service; please bring garbage bags and pack out all trash and personal belongings
- Please conserve the provided firewood and restrain from burning the provided firewood outside, especially during winter months. Providing firewood can be difficult and impossible during winter months.
- Candles are not permitted inside the cabin
- Federal regulations prohibit firing a gun or use of any other weapon in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, across or on a road or body of water, or in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged; violators will be prosecuted
- Horses not allowed within 100 yards of cabin
- Pets are not recommended; solid pet wastes must be removed within 100 yards of cabin
- Campfires must be contained within the fire ring adjacent to the facility; no other campfires are authorized
- The burning of wood pallets is not authorized
- The area adjacent to Spanish Creek Cabin (behind the locked cabin gate) is occasionally used by an outfitter and guide authorized by the Forest Service; this may include temporary parking of vehicles and horse trailers and the unloading and loading of pack animals
- Click here for more information about Custer Gallatin National Forest.
- 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
The cabin sits at the base of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, in a large meadow, at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Wildflowers add bursts of color around the cabin each summer. South Fork Spanish Creek flows nearby. The densely-forested peaks of the Madison Range surround the cabin. This area is home to grizzly bears, moose, elk, deer and bighorn sheep, as well as a variety of bird species.
Recreation
A nearby trailhead provides access to a network of trails that head south into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and west into non-wilderness areas.The trails can be used by hikers, equestrians, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Trails also lead to Little Hell Roaring Creek, the north end of the Madison Range and the South Fork of Spanish Creek. This area also offers opportunities for fishing and hunting.
Contact Information
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MT
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 406-522-2520
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Bozeman, MT: Drive west towards Four Corners, then south towards Big Sky/West Yellowstone on US Highway 191 for about 19.5 miles. Turn right onto Spanish Creek Road and drive 9 miles to the National Forest boundary. Continue on towards the Spanish Creek Trailhead. To the left (east) side of the road look for a jack leg fence and the access gate for the Spanish Creek Cabin. Use the cabin combination to unlock the gate. Please close the gate behind you.
Winter Route, December 2 through May 15: Cabin renters must park 5 miles from US Highway 191 at the Forest Service gate. The Spanish Creek Road FS 982 is closed to wheeled motor vehicles. Do not block any gates. The private landowner must have access beyond the gates year around. Visitors may ski, snowshoe, hike, or bike (depending upon snow conditions) 3.5 miles to cabin.
ROAD CLOSURE INFORMATION: (Please refer to the Motor Vehicle Use Map )
December 2 through May 15 Spanish Creek Road FS 982 is closed to wheeled motor vehicles.
