Gallatin National Forest's Pine Creek Campground sits at the end of a narrow, paved access road roughly three miles off the main highway, tucked into forested foothills where the Absaroka range rises in the background. The campground runs through early June to mid-September, and campers who time their visits to weekdays or late in the season tend to find the sites less crowded. One reviewer noted arriving near the end of September on the final night of the season and finding the campground dark and uncrowded, a contrast to the weekend traffic the trailhead draws. For those planning a broader trip, camping destinations around Gallatin National Forest can help with routing and logistics.
Sites vary noticeably depending on location within the loop. Sites 1 through 13 are grassy and tend to work better for tent setups, while sites in the 20s back directly up to Pine Creek itself, with the water roughly 30 yards away. Each site has a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. Bears are active in the area. Camp hosts are present and well-regarded by multiple reviewers.
"Quiet, spacious and situated up in the Absaroka wilderness with some nice peaks all around," notes Brad H., who stayed in mid-August and found no trouble securing a site after time in Yellowstone. The Pine Creek trailhead is walkable from camp, giving access to Pine Creek Falls and, further up, Pine Creek Lake. Fishing is also available. Nearby alternatives worth considering include Hicks Park to the east and Fourmile Cabin to the northeast.
The access road is the most consistent concern among reviewers. It is paved but single-lane and winding, and the trailhead draws high day-use traffic, especially on weekends, with hikers moving quickly on the road. Campers towing trailers should be aware the maximum RV length is 20 feet. Water and sewer hookups are available, though at least one reviewer noted the absence of a dump station, so conditions may have changed. Reservations are accepted. This campground suits hikers, anglers, and tent campers who want direct creek access and a forested setting without driving deep into backcountry.
Description
Overview
Pine Creek Campground is located approximately 13 miles south of Livingston, and a few miles east of the Yellowstone River and Highway 89, in Montana. Visitors enjoy the area for its hiking and fishing opportunities in a beautiful natural setting.
Recreation
Pine Creek offers anglers the opportunity to fish for whitefish, rainbow and brown trout. An accessible fishing dock is located within the campground. Creekside Trail is an accessible nature trail that meanders along Pine Creek for a half-mile in the campground. The Pine Creek Trailhead offers hiking and horseback riding. Pine Creek Trail climbs five miles up to Pine Creek Lake, a beautiful 32-acre alpine lake. A mile up the trail from the campground, hikers are awarded beautiful views of Pine Creek Falls.
Facilities
The campground offers several single-family campsites, as well as an OVERNIGHT GROUP CAMPING AREA (SITE 26) and GROUP PICNIC AREA (SITE 28) is available for DAY-USE ONLY. Tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection.
Natural Features
Pine Creek is situated in the foothills of the Absaroka Mountains in the heart of beautiful Paradise Valley. A forest of mature Douglas fir and spruce trees covers the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Fee Info
The first two vehicles are included in the reservation fee and a $8.00/night fee for each additional vehicle will be collected at the campground.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Road construction near our facility may cause slowdowns or traffic delays. Please consider these conditions when planning your travel.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPine Creek Campground is located in Montana near Pray
Directions
From Livingston, head south on Highway 89 for 9 miles. Turn left onto East Side Road and continue 6 miles. Go a quarter-mile past the town of Pine Creek and turn onto Forest Road 202. Continue 3 miles south to the campground. From Gardiner, travel north on Highway 89 to the Pray turnoff on Mill Creek Road. Turn right onto Mill Creek Road and go a half-mile to the stop sign at the junction with East Side Road. Turn left on East Side Road and go about 10 miles to Forest Road 202. Turn right onto 202 and go 3 miles south to the campground.
Coordinates
45.295327 N
110.312689 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 43 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 7 min from Billings, MT
- 4 hrs 7 min from Helena, MT
- 5 hrs 57 min from Idaho Falls, ID

























