Bar Gulch Cabin, Townsend, MT

Bar Gulch Cabin is located in the Townsend Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest (45 min east of Helena, MT) with an elevation of 4,699 feet. The site is open all year. There is a fee of $50.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.

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Campsite Reviews (24)

4.5 out of 5

5 star		71%
4 star		13%
3 star		4%
2 star		4%
1 star		4%

@Christoph646F5 · Camped on Jun 18, 2024 at Campsite #1

My son and I very much enjoyed our time at this cabin!

@DamonS06EA91C2 · Camped on Mar 2, 2024 at Campsite #1

Great cabin. Winter weather but was very cozy. Very clean and well kept. lots of firewood.

@AaronOBCD7BC7A · Camped on Sep 22, 2023 at Campsite #1

This is our 6th year in a row staying at Bar Gulch and it never disappoints.

@KaylaW3178694 · Camped on Sep 4, 2023 at Campsite #1

We were disappointed that the pump handle for potable water still hadn't been replaced, as it was noted to be problematic mid summer, but otherwise the cabin was as described. We had no visitors overnight, that we could tell. Good location to Canyon Ferry and the road was very well maintained

@KimC2311597 · Camped on Jul 21, 2023 at Campsite #1

We have stayed at this cabin a few times and always enjoy it. The only downfall was that the water pump's handle is missing. We knew this so we were well equipped with our own water. With the summer heat, the flies are bad, so come prepared with bug spray etc.

@RobertP6375002 · Camped on May 6, 2023 at Campsite #1

The cabin is in poor shape, especially the double bed, which is ratty and ready for the dump. Also, the water pump didn't have a handle. The cabin was dirty, and the lack of water didn't help.

@AlbertR3683927 · Camped on Feb 4, 2023 at Campsite #1

Great cabin, we skied at the lake and had a nice time at the cabin. The stove kept the cabin plenty warm through the night when we stayed, at the beginning of February.

@CeCeB2377339 · Camped on Dec 23, 2022 at Campsite #1

In colder weather be wary of ice near the back door-sand works great but it does get tracked into the cabin. the wood cook stove is an awesome feature if you like cooking and it helps to warm up the cabin :) I would recommend bringing plenty of water as we read that the pump was not working and extra propane cannisters for the lamp! (we bring our own portable cook stove but there is one available at the cabin)

@StacyE3199233 · Camped on Sep 30, 2022 at Campsite #1

Our first visit!! We will be back!!! Althought it rained the whole time, we had a great visit!! Cabin heated up fast and stayed warm all night with 1 log. Inside of cabin was nice and clean, but screened porch had quite a bit of garbage left behind, we took it with us! Loved the porch, didn't have a outdoor fire the pit is a little to close to fence!

@JenM6195265 · Camped on May 30, 2022 at Campsite #1

Cute cabin with screened-in back porch and skylight.

@KatelynH758676 · Camped on Feb 27, 2022 at Campsite #1

Cute cozy cabin! Perfect for a quiet getaway.

@LogunN7355242 · Camped on Feb 25, 2022 at Campsite #1

Wood stoves worked great and plenty of cookware.

@RobC7712010 · Camped on Jan 28, 2022 at Campsite #1

Very nice cabin and area! We’ll be back.

@RobC712 · Camped on Jan 28, 2022 at Campsite #1

Very nice cabin and area! We’ll be back.

@SverreV995 · Camped on Aug 11, 2021 at Campsite #1

Although the remnants of a forest fire are tragic, there's a beautiful and eerie peacefulness about this location and cabin. Our Scottie dog loved it too, naturally. Taking the hike heading west behind the cabin is recommended, and if you feel up for a challenge, climbing the steep slope to the top just across Bar Gulch Rd from the cabin is very much worth it. We discovered too late the Never Sweat Hunter Gulch trailhead about a half mile further up Magpie Creek Rd - that'll have to wait for a future trip. Remember, this cabin is nice and rustic, so bring water, lights, any kind of stove to heat water and food, and bedding - sleeping bags will do. Also, there's no sign for Bar Gulch Rd, so just be on the lookout for the turn left about 3.5 miles up Magpie Creek Rd from the highway.

@SverreV4501982 · Camped on Aug 11, 2021 at Campsite #1

@JessicaF558442 · Camped on Jun 10, 2021 at Campsite #1

We had a great time. The cabin was clean, firewood on-site and even a wood burning stove in the cabin!

@JessicaF283 · Camped on Jun 10, 2021 at Campsite #1

We had a great time. The cabin was clean, firewood on-site and even a wood burning stove in the cabin!

@AnnaG831 · Camped on Jan 1, 2021 at Campsite #1

Great cabin in a perfect location

@ChrisP410 · Camped on Dec 19, 2020 at Campsite #1

Cabin layout is expansive and contains all of what you would need on an outing for cooking if you choose to not bring much gear. The central location of the woodstove in the cabin efficiently heats the room, and the wood burns hot! Location of the cabin is in an old burn -- trails lead directly from the cabin door into the gulch that beckon for exploring...try to make time to do this. Easy location to get to for a quick outing with friends, family, or solo.

@AaronO412 · Camped on Sep 25, 2020 at Campsite #1

We have stayed at Bar Gulch 3 out of the last 4 years and it just keeps getting better !

@SydneyM864 · Camped on Jul 10, 2020 at Campsite #1

it was bare nothing close to .. over run with flies and mouse poop

@PaulN868 · Camped on Aug 29, 2019 at Campsite #1

First time staying in one of the forest service cabins. We really liked the fact that these are out there for the public to take advantage of and the way others have made the effort to keep it cleaned up and ready for the next guest.

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