Fairy Lake Campground, near Bozeman, Montana, is a scenic spot that offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. With its stunning views and access to the beautiful Fairy Lake, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the outdoors.

The campground features designated sites, and while it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, visitors appreciate the drinking water and the ability to have campfires. One camper noted, “Campsite 1 was probably not the best choice but we loved the view… so did our wildlife friends.” Keep an eye out for mountain goats and even the occasional grizzly bear wandering through!

For those who enjoy hiking, the area around Fairy Lake offers trails that lead to breathtaking vistas, including the nearby Sacagawea Peak. Just be prepared for a rough road to get there; a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. While the restrooms at the campground may be closed, there’s a working restroom down by the lake access.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with a touch of wilderness, Fairy Lake Campground is worth considering. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash bins on-site. Whether you’re tent camping or bringing an RV, this spot has a lot to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.

Fairy Lake Campground

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gallatin National Forest, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gallatin National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Gallatin National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Gallatin National Forest

The Best Camping Near Gallatin National Forest, Montana

I would love to review this site but any time I've gone it's been full..boo

Always full

Rough road getting up and can get pretty crowded when the gates open but, great access to sacagewea peak hike and cold water. 




Close to Bozeman

Actual campground was closed, so we camped right outside. There was a perfect little creek that my 5yo fully enjoyed for a few days. If it wasn't so far, would definitely go back.

Perfect

Was unable to get to this site as the road in was closed due to logging. Had a Tángeres parked at the turn off from the main road. 

Road Closed Due to Logging

Sites were readily available the night we stayed, about 12 in the main campground and several more sites with fire rings outside by the trail entrance. Overall pretty clean, and the lake has a small trail to walk around. The road to get to the trailhead and campground was slow going and really just a logging route- would recommend something with good clearance and ideally 4WD. There are restrooms but no trash bins. 

Great Scenery, nice sites 

Campsite 1 was probably not the best choice but we loved the view… so did our wild life friends

For sure there is 1 grizzly that’s pretty big. He checked out our truck tent. 

Mountain Goats will come in your camp and they will do what goats do and want to check you out. They are not scared

The restrooms are shutdown in the camp but the lake access restroom down the hill does work


1 bear box for the whole camp ground so be prepared to store food in car or tree


Beautiful Scenery | watch out for Wildlife

This campground is mentioned to only be free near the lake. We decided to take our chances on a slightly rainy night. I would highly not recommend unless you have 4 wheel drive and even then we saw a jeep wrangler sliding everywhere. We made it past the campsite and down a dirt road (it was extremely bumpy!), we saw a few other campers along the creek before climbing the slippery dirt road. We didn’t realize how bad it would be but we made it up the first stretch where there was a landing, after the landing there is another stretch of dirt road to climb and I’m not sure what was beyond that point. This campsite is located in the gallatin national forest and when we reached the landing there was a sign for no overnight camping within the forest. At this point the rain had picked back up so we decided to go back down the mountain and camp with everyone else along the creek. The mosquitos were heavy but didn’t bite. It was quiet and the spot was well kept with a rock fire pit!

Unmarked and slippery

Fairy Lake Campground is hands down my favorite campground I’ve ever visited. The views of the surrounding mountains and dense forest are absolutely magical—it truly feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The lake itself is stunning, with crystal clear water that looks almost unreal. It’s the perfect place to relax, hike, fish, or just sit back and take in the beauty of Montana.

Like other reviews mention, the 6-mile unmaintained road to get to the campground is definitely rough. The warnings are justified—it’s bumpy, rocky, and slow going. That said, I made it up just fine in my rear-wheel-drive Ranger, and we even saw some regular cars make it (though I’m sure they scraped a rock or two along the way). The drive might test your patience, but it’s 100% worth it once you arrive.

The campground itself is peaceful, not overly crowded, and surrounded by towering trees and mountain views in every direction. It felt remote and wild in the best way possible. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a true Montana mountain camping experience—just come prepared for the road in!

Photos of Fairy Lake Campground

Real photos from real campers