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Established Camping

Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground

Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground, near Livingston, Montana, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This campground offers a rustic experience with sites that are spacious and private, perfect for tents, RVs, and even cabins.

You’ll find a beautiful creek running alongside the campground, providing a soothing backdrop for your stay. Many visitors have raved about the crystal-clear waters and the small waterfall created by a fallen tree, making it a great place to relax and unwind. As one camper noted, “The sounds of the creek are great,” adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

Amenities include clean vault toilets and bear-proof storage boxes, which are essential in this wildlife-rich area. There are also picnic tables and fire rings at each site, perfect for evening gatherings. Just keep in mind that this is a pack-in, pack-out location, so be prepared to take your trash with you.

For those eager to explore, there’s a trailhead just outside the entrance, and you’re only a short drive from Chico Hot Springs Resort, where you can enjoy food and soaking. The stars at night are something to behold, with many campers mentioning how amazing they look in this remote setting. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with a touch of adventure, this campground is worth checking out.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Overview

Snowbank Campground continues to be closed due to the bridge to campground washed out in 2022 flood and has yet to be repaired. Snowbank Campground is located on the banks of Mill Creek, approximately 29 miles south of Livingston, in southwestern Montana. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic natural beauty, and fishing and trail opportunities. This campground is not recommended for RV's over 30' in length.

Recreation

Mill Creek offers anglers the opportunity to fish for whitefish, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. A number of hiking trailheads near the campground offer wilderness access, climbing into the Absaroka Range. The 6.3-mile Wicked Ridge Trail begins just outside the campground entrance. Off-road vehicle and bike trails also crisscross the area around Snowbank.

Facilities

Mill Creek offers anglers the opportunity to fish for whitefish, rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. A number of hiking trailheads near the campground offer wilderness access, climbing into the Absaroka Range. The 6.3-mile Wicked Ridge Trail begins just outside the campground entrance. Off-road vehicle and bike trails also crisscross the area around Snowbank.

Natural Features

The campground is situated along Mill Creek near the western edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, where a scenic forest of mature spruce and fir trees covers the area. Thimbleberry and raspberry bushes dot the forest floor.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (623) 910-0170.

Fee Info

Please remember, The first two vehicles are included in the reservation fee. Any additional vehicles will be assessed a $8.00/night extra vehicle fee upon arrival at your site. This fee will be collected by the campground host.

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Location

Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Livingston, travel south on Highway 89 for 16 miles to the Mill Creek Road/Forest Road 486 (Pray turnoff). Turn left (east) onto Mill Creek Road, cross the East River Road (Highway 540) and continue east for 11 miles to the campground. From Gardiner, take Highway 89 north for 36 miles to the Mill Creek Road/Forest Road 486 (Pray turnoff). Turn right (west) onto Mill Creek Road, cross the East River Road (Highway 540) and continue east for 11 miles to the campground.

Address

5242 HIGHWAY 89 SOUTH
Livingston, MT 59047

Coordinates

45.171756 N
110.322817 W

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Features

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  • Picnic Table
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Reviews

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4.5

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2021

Lovely and private

Crowds chased us out of Yellowstone. Stopped at Chico Springs (which is great), and we found spot 10 as first come, first served. Creek was the perfect backdrop to a quite night.

Site10
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2020

Dry Camping in a Wilderness Setting

Snowbank is an excellent off-the-grid semi-developed and hosted FS campground.  Spacious and private sites better for small RVs, trailers, and all tents.  Clean vault toilets, bear-proof storage boxes, and plenty of community water spigots.  Decent picnic tables and fire rings at each site.  No hookups to my knowledge.  The campground is on recreation.gov and sites are reservable.  Access to a great trail and FS road from campground, other hiking nearby.  Also, a 20 minute drive to Chico Hot Springs Resort and Day Spa (food, bar, soaking).  Expect to see wildlife, and this is grizzly country so proper food storage and best practices are required by law.  No cell service.  Excellent spot before or after visiting Yellowstone.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground by TMB , October 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground by TMB , October 13, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Beautiful Creek Side Campgrounds

We loved it here. Not too far away from Yellowstone Park. This campground has a rocky creek running along side of it which is crystal clear and has a small waterfall created by a down tree. The sounds of the creek are great. We stayed in site #8 which had room for two vehicles a large area AND another very private area surrounded by trees with a path to get to the creek. The creek has a “beach” area made of rocks and was cold and relaxing. The road getting in here was mostly paved with about 3-4 miles of a well kept dirt road. RVs will make it here easily. Bathrooms, running water, trash/recycling, and bear bins. I highly recommend this place.

  • Review photo of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground by Jeff K., September 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground by Jeff K., September 14, 2020
  • Review photo of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground by Jeff K., September 14, 2020
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2019

Creekside camping in active bear country

Drive towards Yellowstone and the head east. The road is nice and meanders through ranches and homes, even after turning to dirt. We saw deer as well as an eagle taking flight next to us. Way at the end of the road is Snowbank. The road through camp is narrow and two-way so exercise caution. We were lucky to find a site unreserved for one night. 

Sites have different feels to them. Ours stretches- car then teardrop then picnic table then fire pit and finally extra space for tents. We’re right by the creek and it’s loud enough so we don’t hear that generator down the way. Water is available and there are a number of vault toilets throughout. We got set up just before the thunderstorms. It rained hard and then the hail started. 

A trailhead is just outside the entrance. Tall grass was everywhere and we never saw anyone parked there. We’re assuming that it doesn’t get used as much. 

This is active bear territory and there are ample warnings. This is a beautiful, remote campground that we are enjoying.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground by Art S., July 13, 2019
  • Review photo of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground by Art S., July 13, 2019
  • Review photo of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground by Art S., July 13, 2019
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

Great Rustic

nice road getting to, once there the road at campground in a tad uneven and skinny but doable , wouldn’t take a big motorhome, but good for under 30 ft. has 1 vault potty. no showers, elec. water or sewer, it’s a pack in, pack out! very beautiful, right on a creek!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground?

    Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground is located at 5714 feet.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground?

    Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground?

    There are 11 campsites at Gallatin National Forest Snowbank Group Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts