Colter Campground, near Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana, is a solid choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while being close to Yellowstone National Park. This spot offers a mix of clean facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite among campers.

The campground features well-kept pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, perfect for cooking up a meal or enjoying a cozy evening by the fire. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the bathrooms, with one camper mentioning, “The vault toilet was the most well kept I have ever seen.” Plus, the area is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

With its proximity to Yellowstone, you can easily access the park for a day of exploration. The scenic Beartooth Highway is also nearby, offering breathtaking views and a chance to experience some of Montana's finest landscapes. Campers have enjoyed the tranquility of Colter Campground, often remarking on the beautiful surroundings and the wildlife that wanders through.

While the campground is first-come, first-served, many appreciate the organized setup and helpful camp hosts. Just remember, this is grizzly country, so hard-sided camping is a must. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Colter Campground provides a great base for your outdoor adventures.

Colter Campground is hard-sided camping only. No Tents.

Colter Campground

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Cooke City, MT has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Cooke City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Cooke City

The Best Camping Near Cooke City, Montana

Sometimes you just want to see the mountains.

This campground is set mostly in younger pines, which doesn't provide the most shade, but does provide amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Luckily, it's high elevation Montana, so you don't often need a lot of shade :)

Trees with a view

Dispersed camping in great country!  Pit toilets, water available, garbage &amp; food lockers.  Hard side units only as this is Grizzly country!  The northeast entrance to Yellowstone is only some 10 miles away, and the Beartooth highway is one of the most scenic drives you'll find!  We enjoyed the campground immensely for it's quiet serenity after the crowds of Yellowstone.  Climb the cliffs surrounding your site, enjoy the wildlife wandering through, and relax.

Inexpensive tranquility close to Yellowstone & Beartooth Highway

The host was wonderful! She clearly cared about the campground and her guests. The vault toilet was the most well kept I have ever seen. Fun decorations painted on the walls, air fresheners, and a small light. The sites are level and have good privacy. A little pricey at $20 but very close to Cooke City and Lamar Valley in Yellowstone. No cell service with Verizon.

Great host but expensive 

Fees:  $20.00 with extra vehicle $5.00

Reservation:  FCFS

Cell:  No

Sites:  18

Accessibility:  Yes

Amenities:  Bear locker, picnic table, trash, pit toilet with security lights, potable water, fire ring/grill

Alert:  Hard sided camping only due to grizzly bears

This is such a beautiful campground.  There are great rocky outcroppings covered with mature trees.  Large flat sites and a great deal of open spaces which is great for solar.  Campground is very close to Yellowstone National Park so this is a great space to stay while visiting the park.  We were able to get through the gate in five minute.  The road in the park is not suitable for vehicles longer than 48 feet.  The Mountain Pine beetle is devastating the forest and it is so sad.  Forest management is trying to bring down and remove all the dead trees.  They are a danger to anyone hiking or camping.  It will take a lifetime for the forest to be repaired. 

LNT

BTWYFI

Travel safe

Grizzly Drizzly

Colter is the best USFS campground near Cooke City. The bathrooms are clean and very well kept with hand sanitizer and welcome mats. First come is a plus for local folks. The camp hosts are very helpful and keep area well organized.

Colter is the best USFS campground near Cooke City.

I really wanted to camp here but after scouting we would not have fit our fifth wheel. The trees were about 7.5-8’ wide and height clearance was probably close to 12’. If you go to the end and turn around there’s some sites you could possibly tuck a big rig into but the turn around is very tight and you may get hung up on rocks. Though the sites were nice we did not find it big rig accessible in its current state. 

Low branches big potholes- big rig be cautious

Stayed two weeks. Very well run and maintained, very clean pit toilets. Hosts are great. My site, 7, had really good starlink service and great midday and later solar.  I think a few other sites would probably work just as well for remote work.

Photos of Colter Campground

Real photos from real campers