Moose Creek Group Use Area
Moose Creek Group Use Area sits in forested mountain terrain 14.5 miles and about 20 minutes west of Helena, Montana. Moose Creek is on public land managed by the Helena Ranger District and is just below the Continental Divide National Scenic (CDNST) trail. There are spectacular views of surrounding country encompassing meadows, timbered slopes, and mountains. The site is available for rental from June 1 to October 15 each year.
More like this: reservable in Montana · pets allowed in Montana · group sites in Montana
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Group sites | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moose Creek Group Use Area | None | No / – | 25 / – | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Amenities & rules
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | There is a $50/night fee for the group site. |
Moose Creek Group Use Area is a flat, unadorned, undeveloped camping area with a single fire ring and picnic table. The site can accommodate approximately 20 people. There is limited parking, and trailers should not exceed 20 feet in length. Space is available for 1-6 four-person tents. There is one vault toilet on site. Large groups staying for a longer period often choose to have portable toilet(s) delivered at the start of their stay and pick up at before the end of their stay, at their own expense.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Helena, take U.S. Highway 12, and travel west for 7 miles to Rimini county road. From this intersection, take Rimini Road to the south approximately 4.5 miles to the Group Use area. It is located on the west side of the road just past the entrance to Moose Creek Cabin.
| Nearest town | Helena, Montana |
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 46.80° N, 111.82° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Good to know
- There are no camper hook ups, and water is not available.
- The area is not remote, and user can expect to encounter other people recreating.
Fire nearby
- PrescribedBear Gulch Rx
20 mi from the campground · 300 acres
- PrescribedWakina Sky Rx
21 mi from the campground · 300 acres
- PrescribedSure Thing Swamp Rx
34 mi from the campground · 180 acres
- PrescribedHogum Creek Road Piles Rx
35 mi from the campground · 5 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Explore
Natural features
At an elevation of 4,900 feet, the open area gives views of the forest and its lodgepole pine and Douglas fir trees. Group Site is an ideal setting for large families or groups seeking relaxation and recreation. Nearby rugged ridges, meadows, forests and grasslands provide wildlife diverse ecosystems.
Recreation
Hikers and backpackers can access the CDNST from the Switchback Ridge trail which takes off just north of the site. This is a non-motorized trail with spectacular views and a variety of terrain, open to mountain bikers, stock users, backpackers and day hikers. The trail transitions through thick forest to above tree line and offers spectacular views both east and west of the Continental Divide. Tenmile creek is a stream located just 11.4 miles from Helena. The creek supports a variety of fish, including redear sunfish, rainbow trout and brook trout. Whether spinning, fly fishing or baitcasting, chances of getting a bite here are good.
Nearby
Switchback trail (348) is located just a short walk-through Moose Creek Campground and behind the information Kiosks. It leads to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The city of Helena is about 14 miles away via US Highway12. Note, there is a near Day Use area and campground, and both are well used by the public all summer long. Motorized day trips include a drive to Park Lake located approximately 6 miles SE on FS Road 299, and Minnehaha (FS rd 527) south and west to the top of the CDNST. Both roads are accessed with a short drive south of Moose Creek Group Use Area.
Guidebooks for Montana
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Moose Creek Group Use Area?
Sites at Moose Creek Group Use Area are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Moose Creek Group Use Area?
There is a $50/night fee for the group site.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Moose Creek Group Use Area?
Check-in 02:00 PM, checkout 11:00 AM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Moose Creek Group Use Area have?
1 site, including 1 group site.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Moose Creek Group Use Area?
Yes, pets are allowed at Moose Creek Group Use Area. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Moose Creek Group Use Area?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 4 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
What is there to do at Moose Creek Group Use Area?
Hikers and backpackers can access the CDNST from the Switchback Ridge trail which takes off just north of the site. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Moose Creek Group Use Area?
Helena, Montana. Switchback trail (348) is located just a short walk-through Moose Creek Campground and behind the information Kiosks.
Source: Getting there