Eagle Creek Campground

Within Gallatin National Forest, Eagle Creek Campground operates as a US Forest Service facility with 16 sites positioned along a small creek. The campground sits roughly three miles above Gardiner via a steep, two-mile access road that reviewers consistently describe as challenging. Dexter I. notes the road "recommends 4 wheel drive for to help with the incline and to prevent washboard."

Sites occupy an open grassy area bordered by willows and small trees, with Eagle Creek running alongside several camping spots. The layout accommodates RVs up to 40 feet, though site sizes vary considerably—some fit multiple tents while others barely accommodate one. Most sites include bear-proof food lockers, metal fire rings, and picnic tables. Site #1 stands apart from the main camping area and features two picnic tables. A horse corral sits adjacent to the campground for equestrian visitors.

The campground provides vault toilets but no potable water or trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Cell service is unavailable. Black flies can be problematic during midday hours, and the creek proximity brings mosquitoes to some sites. Several campers report elk sightings in the area.

For those wanting additional camping options, Cutler-Gallitan National Forest sits just north of Eagle Creek for a different forest camping experience.

Fee Info

$15.00 single, $30 double $5.00 each additional vehicle Open All Year Campground road not suitable for vehicles longer than 48ft.

Reservation Info

Reservations are accepted from mid May through early October and can be made at https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10134047

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Map & DirectionsEagle Creek Campground is located in Montana near Gardiner

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

Directions: 2 mi NE of Gardiner on Jardine Rd NOTE: Dispersed camping is prohibited along the Jardine Rd downhill of Eagle Creek Campground, Jardine Rd for 1 ½ miles past Eagle Creek Campground, and the first 3 miles of Eagle Creek Rd.

Coordinates

45.06122045 N
110.67856082 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 12/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 12/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Eagle Creek Campground

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the quiet atmosphere and clean facilities as highlights, with excellent value for Yellowstone access. Some maintenance concerns noted, but most found it suitable.

Reviewed Mar. 12, 2026

Steep Washboard Gravel = Crazy Views

Wow! The views are crazy! Says it’s accessible for 2 wheel drive. My manual Honda Fit made it but barely. The road was steep gravel with 2-3 inch washboard. Black flies were terrible during the middle of the day. But we saw some Elk and the views were gorgeous. 5 mins out of Gardnier and only about 15 minutes from Mammoth at Yellowstone. No trash and shared bear boxes. Prices are at least $26 a night at this point. There’s a couple equestrian sites too.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Tiffany V., March 12, 2026
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2023

Great location but be prepared for no privacy!r

This campground did the job. We wanted to stay close to Yellowstone and it was pretty cheap… it was packed though. I’m sure everything is in the area during august though. Our site was also supposed to have a bear box and it didn’t. It would have been helpful but it wasn’t a huge deal. The campground host was really awesome though and was so helpful. The bathrooms were super clean!

Site14,A
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Sara V., September 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Sara V., September 16, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2023

A close-to-Yellowstone oasis for tenters and pickup campers

Stayed here for two nights in late June, to facilitate visits to Yellowstone.  Chose site 7, which is on a cul-de-sac so is the most private and secluded of the sites.  Most sites are out in the open and close to other sites.  Creek ran within a few feet of our site, and we were screened by aspen trees.  Great views!  Very quiet, no problem with misbehaving campers.  Decent outhouse.  No water, and you must pack out your trash.  Bear lockers are provided for you to secure your food and other "smellies" away from bears (this is grizzly country).  Access road is steep and rough.  Unfortunately, generators are allowed but luckily no one near us was using a generator when we were there.  The vibe was relaxed and low-key.  We reserved this site online (recreation.gov) six months in advance.  They sent us reminders several times.  Apparently, some bozos reserve a site and then don't show up.

Sitesite 7
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2021

Remote camping feel just outside Gardiner and Yellowstone NP

Eagle Creek campground is a nice small 16 site campground a few miles above Gardiner Montana and only a few minutes from the Yellowstone entrance.  Getting to the campground requires a steep 2 mile drive which the road recommends 4 wheel drive for to help with the incline and to prevent washboard.  Sites sit in a grassy open area with willows and other small trees and bushes around the edge.  Small creek runs along the campground.  Site #1 would the site to get it you can, out of view from the rest of camp and has two picnic tables.  The site has a vault toilet.  All sites have a metal fire ring and picnic table. Bear proof food lockers for food storage at most sites.  No water or trash service.  I filtered water from the creek.  Their is a horse Corral adjacent to campground.  Campground was nice and quiet at night with great view of the night sky.  No cell service.

Site3
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Dexter I., July 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Dexter I., July 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Dexter I., July 25, 2021
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Close to Yellowstone! Great view!

Great, inexpensive campground minutes from the north entrance of Yellowstone.

First come first serve. We got in about 4 on a summer Tuesday and took the last spot. When we left at 8 on Thursday there were 3 or 4 vacant spots already.

Nice creek on one side. Huge variety of site sizes, some fit 3 or 4 tents, some barely 1.

Site6
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Alexis C., July 17, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2021

Great base camp for Yellowstone

The campground is usually well maintained. I’ve camped here quite a few times, but this past week I was a little disappointed. The grass at the site was very long. The picnic table hadn’t been mowed under. The bathrooms were mostly clean. The sites here can accommodate larger trailers, but the road up to the campground can be washboard, depending on the time of year. The road within the campground was a little hard to navigate with my Mazda 6 - there was an area with a hole and also a larger bump. Some sites are pretty small, while others are quite large. There is very little shade during the day. You may get lucky with some early in the day or later, depending on your site location. Eagle Creek runs along some of the sites, which can make mosquitos an issue. There is a corral for horses and a large turn around area for trucks with trailers.

Water can be acquired at Arch Park in Gardiner.

Site2
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Jess , June 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Jess , June 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Eagle Creek Campground by Jess , June 29, 2021
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Eagle Creek Campground located in relation to Yellowstone National Park?

Eagle Creek Campground is located just minutes from the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Situated a few miles above Gardiner, Montana, this small campground offers convenient access to the park, making it an excellent base for Yellowstone adventures. The proximity allows campers to easily visit the park's attractions while staying in a less crowded setting outside the park boundaries.

What amenities are available at Eagle Creek Campground in the Custer Gallatin National Forest?

Eagle Creek Campground offers basic amenities across its 16 sites. Facilities include bathrooms, picnic tables, and some sites have bear boxes (though availability may vary). The campground features a nice creek running alongside some sites, providing a pleasant natural feature. Sites vary significantly in size, with some able to accommodate larger trailers. The grounds are generally well-maintained, though maintenance levels can fluctuate. This is a no-frills forest service campground with emphasis on natural surroundings rather than modern conveniences.

How do I get to Eagle Creek Campground from Gardiner, Montana?

From Gardiner, Montana, Eagle Creek Campground is a short drive up a steep 2-mile road. The road is somewhat challenging and has a recommendation for 4-wheel drive vehicles to help with the incline and prevent washboard issues. The campground is located a few miles above Gardiner in an elevated position. Despite the steep access, the short distance makes it a quick trip from town.

Is there free camping available at Eagle Creek Campground near Gardiner, MT?

Eagle Creek Campground is not free but is an inexpensive camping option near Yellowstone. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. The affordable fee makes it a budget-friendly alternative to staying inside Yellowstone National Park. For truly free camping options, you might need to look for dispersed camping areas elsewhere in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, but Eagle Creek offers an economical option with more amenities than dispersed sites.

What activities can I do near Eagle Creek Campground in Montana?

The primary attraction near Eagle Creek Campground is exploring Yellowstone National Park, just minutes away through the North Entrance. The campground's creek offers opportunities for creek-side relaxation and possibly fishing. The surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest provides hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities. Gardiner, Montana is close by for supplies, dining, and tourist activities. The elevated location of the campground offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a great base for photography and nature appreciation.