Big Creek Cabin

Big Creek Cabin is a backcountry rental cabin in the Yellowstone Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, set in the Big Creek drainage at about 5,800 feet. It sleeps up to 11 people, with enough beds for a mix of sleeping arrangements (most as bunk beds), and it’s equipped with propane lantern and wood cook stove/wood heat stove.

Plan on bringing your own supplies: guests provide their own bedding, cookware/dishes/utensils, matches, toilet paper, and a first-aid kit, plus a propane canister for the lantern/cook stove (propane isn’t provided). There’s no potable water available at the cabin, no water/electricity, and the firewood rule is strict—firewood isn’t available June 1 to September 30, and you should not burn provided firewood for outdoor fires. A campfire ring is outside, and there’s a vault toilet/outhouse on-site.

Access is by vehicle when there’s no snow, but high-clearance four-wheel drive is strongly recommended; in winter, you’ll ski or snowshoe the last half-mile from the plowed area. The road gate past Mountain Sky Guest Ranch closes annually from Dec. 2 to May 16, and guests must check their confirmation letter for the cabin combination (the cabin remains locked). Recreation near the cabin includes hiking and horseback riding trails (one heads toward the Gallatin Range) and trout fishing in Big Creek.

Overnight stays are reservable up to six months in advance, with reservations handled exclusively through Recreation.gov by the USDA Forest Service (and the reservation system charges a recreation fee). Maximum stay is 5 nights, the maximum group size for using the facility and adjacent area is 15 people, and cell phone coverage is limited or not available. If you’re bringing horses, there’s a stock corral for up to 6 stock animals; out-of-state horses need current Coggins testing, and hay/feed must be weed-free certified.