USDA Forest Service · Montana

Deer Creek Cabin (Mt)

USDA Forest Service · Montana, United States

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Official page Directions
Sites
1
Hookups
1 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Drinking water
No
Restrooms
No
Elevation
5,246 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Nearest town
LIVINGSTON
Address
5242 HWY 89 SOUTH, LIVINGSTON, MT, 59047
Phone
406-222-1892
Activities
Camping, Cross Country Skiing, Hiking

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

The Todd Family began building Deer Creek Cabin in 1953 and finished it in 1960. They used it as a retreat while they grazed cattle on federal lands in the summer and hunted in the fall. The cabin has survived two forest fires. Gallatin National Forest assumed ownership of the cabin in 1993.

The cabin is open year-round, but access is challenging. There are three routes to the cabin that can be used by equestrians, hikers and ATVs in the summer. During the winter, by snowshoes, skis and snowmobiles. Snowmobilers will need to park their trailers down low on the Iron Mountain Road, keeping the road passable for others. These trails will be marked as to uses. These 4- to 5-mile routes may ford creeks, with creek depths varying from 6 inches to several feet, in the spring.

Some basic conveniences are provided, but guests will need to bring most of their own amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Recreation

There are numerous trails around the cabin that provide opportunities for exploration. Experienced cross-country skiers and snowshoers will find a challenging winter landscape.

Anglers can fish for trout in the nearby creek. The area offers good big game and bird hunting opportunities in the fall.

Facilities

The single-room cabin has a wood cook stove and a wood heating stove. It can sleep up to four people on a provided double bed and set of bunk beds. There are no mattresses. Please bring your own sleeping pads. Other amenities include basic cooking supplies, a table with chairs, some cleaning gear, propane-fueled lantern,propane-fueled cookstove, axe, maul, bucket and shovel. Bring propane canisters for the lantern and stove.
A campfire ring and outhouse with pit toilet are located outside the cabin. Livestock may be kept at the available adjacent corral and in partially fenced pasture.

No water or electricity is provided. Guests must bring their own drinking water or treat water taken from the creek.

Items such as battery-powered flashlights or lanterns, bedding, matches, extra toilet paper and dish soap are not provided.

Natural Features

This remote location provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including bear, moose, antelope, elk and deer. Many species of birds also inhabit the area.

Blackened trees from a 2006 forest fire still line the nearby hillsides.

Fees

Request for refunds or cancellations must be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service, in accordance with their policy. Changes to online reservations can only be made via the NRRS Contact Center: 1-877-444-6777.

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.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January33°17°-25°45°11 of 11
February30°13°-24°48°11 of 11
March40°22°1°62°11 of 11
April45°27°-8°67°11 of 11
May57°36°26°73°5 of 11
June68°45°35°91°0 of 11
July79°53°44°94°0 of 11
August79°53°45°91°0 of 11
September70°45°22°85°2 of 11
October56°33°19°75°9 of 10
November42°25°-8°62°9 of 10
December32°19°-9°47°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Montana · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.