The sound of the Boulder River runs through every site at Falls Creek, a dispersed campground in Gallatin National Forest where campers set up directly on the riverbank beneath a dense canopy of conifers. Access requires roughly 25 miles south of Big Timber on US 298, followed by a stretch of gravel road that reviewers describe as rough but manageable at slow speeds. Google Maps has a habit of routing drivers down a residential side road; the correct approach is to stay on the main road until the marked forest service turnoff appears.
Eight sites are spread through the trees, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and metal bear box. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system, and the campground stays open year-round. The sites are walk-in only, though most require no more than about 100 yards from the parking area. Larger rigs and trailers will find the spaces too tight. This is active bear country, and the metal food storage boxes at each site reflect that reality. One reviewer who spent a week here in May noted overnight temperatures dropping into the teens, so cold-weather gear is worth packing even in shoulder seasons.
Water comes from a hand pump, available roughly Memorial Day through Labor Day, though at least one camper recommends boiling it since it goes untested. Brett B. describes the campground as "heavy bear country," which shapes how visitors should approach food storage and sleeping arrangements. The nearby Natural Bridge historic site adds a worthwhile side trip, and Big Beaver Campground and Chippy Park are among the campsites near McLeod for those who want alternatives with more vehicle-friendly layouts. Bring all food, firewood, and trash bags; no services are provided on-site beyond the vault toilet.
Description
A campground in the main boulder area on the Yellowstone District.
Camp sites: 8
Accessible Facilities: Toilet Trash Pickup: No Firewood: No No Reservations: This campground does not use a reservation system, it is managed on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware the campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months and you should arrive in the early afternoon to ensure there is a space available for the night. Information: Livingston Office 5242 Hwy 89. Livingston, MT 59047 (406) 222-1892
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFalls Creek is located in Montana near Mcleod
Directions
25 mile South of Big Timber on US 298, 5 mile South on Cty Rd 212 (no turn)
Coordinates
45.49000073 N
110.21800028 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.
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Falls Creek needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 27 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 27 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 55 min from Great Falls, MT
