Part of the Bureau of Land Management's Butte Field Office network, Carbella Rec Site Camping sits directly on the Yellowstone River about 18 miles north of Yellowstone National Park's entrance at Gardiner. This established campground recently underwent upgrades that transformed it from dispersed camping into a full-fledged facility with numbered sites, gravel roads, and standardized amenities.
The campground runs along the river with 17 individual sites arranged in a row, each equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. A designated tent-only area provides additional options for backpackers. Ron notes it's a "BLM campground right on the Yellowstone River" that has transitioned from free camping to a $15 per night fee system. The boat launch draws anglers and river enthusiasts, while vault toilets serve the facility—though campers should pack out all trash as no collection service exists.
Wind characterizes the overnight experience here, with consistent breezes coming off the water. Several reviewers mention the constant air movement, which helps with mosquitoes but can challenge tent campers. The gravel access road handles most vehicles well, and sites accommodate larger RVs despite the listed zero-foot maximum length restriction. Cell service works adequately for Verizon and AT&T users, though data speeds remain limited.
Bears frequent the area, making the provided bear boxes essential for food storage. The campground operates under a 14-day limit and fills quickly during peak summer months, particularly on weekends. Laura M. arrived "late in the day on a weekday in July and got the last spot," highlighting the need for early arrival during busy periods.
This riverside location works well for campers prioritizing water access and proximity to Yellowstone National Park over amenities like showers or hookups.
Description
Facilities:
Boat Ramp, Restrooms, Parking Area, Picnic Tables, Grills.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from December 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from December 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCarbella Rec Site Camping is located in Montana
Directions
From US Highway 89, approximately 34 miles south of Livingston, turn right on Tom Miner Road. After 100 yards, turn right into the site.
Address
Butte Field Office106 North Parkmont
Butte, MT 59701
Coordinates
45.20506400079846 N
110.90042540465284 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/28/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 4/28/26
AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/28/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/28/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 4/28/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 19 usersLast on 4/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 55 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 13 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 18 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 19 min from Idaho Falls, ID
