about the homestead
the location
The Homestead is located in Clancy, Montana on a six hundred acre portion of Marks Ranch, Jamie’s family ranch that she grew up on. It is nestled in the foothills of the Elkhorn Mountain Range and sits right above the Strawberry Creek trail. You will be surrounded by stunning views of Sheep Mountain to the west, Casey Peak to the east, and the Helena Valley and Gates of the Mountains Wilderness to the north. The camp is a short drive 15-20 minute drive to Montana City or Helena for many dining options.
Staying at The Homestead is the perfect setting to enjoy beautiful views and sunsets, being immersed in nature and exploring outside. Feel free to roam the property (or adjacent Forest Service land) and you may just see a herd of elk, deer or other wildlife. The camp is located just a short walk from Strawberry Creek trail where there is terrific hiking, trail running or biking along the creek bottom. For the hardcore, all day adventurers, you can access McClellan creek road at the top of the trail and continue on to Willard Creek trail head which leads to the summit of Casey Peak.
The location has two custom style wall tents that have wood framing and decking, as well as two dry camp sites and a shared, rustic outhouse accessible to all campers.
the owner
Jamie grew up right here on the ranch and spent much of her childhood outdoors; riding horses, moving cows, going on pack trips, working on the ranch and sawmill and playing with her younger brother. She later participated in 4H, rodeo and basketball which all led to her love of competition. After high school, she discovered running as a way to continue with personal goals and competition. After becoming a mom, she found her way back to the mountains with trail running, backpacking and camping. Jamie is passionate about being outdoors and believes that your best self is found outside in the solitude and beauty of nature. Jamie wanted to create an outdoor experience for others to escape, explore and relax away from the business of daily life.
GETTING HERE
The road to the camp is just a short drive from the Clancy interstate exit. It is a primitive, dirt road that needs to be driven slowly and AWD or 4WD is highly recommended. Smaller cars should proceed slowly with caution.
the history
The Homestead is on a section of property that was acquired from the first patent ever issued in Montana for agricultural land on April 15, 1875. Records show that it was deeded to Henry Tanner by the US Government under The Homestead Act and signed by President Grant’s secretary. It was then purchased by Jamie’s great great Grandfather, Ernest Marks, in 1895 when he began acquiring “open lands” in the Clancy area as good grazing opportunities for his livestock, primarily draft horses that he bred and trained for mining. The land has since been used by the family to grow hay and graze cattle and horses, and now, we are excited to share our unique location with you!
more information
- The entire property is also available to rent for small, private group gatherings or retreats(25 people or less). Please email Jamie directly at jamie.r.stearns@gmail.com for more information or inquiries.
- Campfires are not allowed due to the high fire danger in Montana in the summer. A propane fireplace will be included with the tent rental.
- Dogs are allowed with additional deposit that is non refundable if waste is not cleaned up.
- This is a camping adventure! There is no running water available aside from the 5 gallons provided in each tent.
- Property is steps away from premier 380 tag bull elk hunting. Fall rates for exclusive hunting may be subject to change.
Suggested packing
Packing list coming soon!