Managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Grey Bear sits along the Yellowstone River roughly 6 miles southwest of Big Timber, with around 10 sites tucked under a canopy of large cottonwoods that provide shade through most of the day. Rigs up to 40 feet can fit, and the layout accommodates drive-in, walk-in, and boat-in access, making it a practical stop for floaters using it as a takeout. Amenities include two vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits, but there is no potable water and no trash service, so campers need to pack everything out.
Fishing and river access are the main draws here. Only a few sites sit directly riverside, and when water levels run high, the current near shore can be strong enough to warrant caution around children. Mosquitoes are a consistent presence, particularly in summer, and a beaver pond near site 10 has been noted as a contributing factor. The cottonwood shade and Yellowstone River access attract anglers and rafters, and reviewers note the campground works well as a one- or two-night layover.
Noise is the most polarizing factor at Grey Bear. A BNSF rail line runs close enough that freight train horns carry through at roughly 30-minute intervals, day and night. As Shannon W. puts it: "Camp here at your own risk to your ears and your sanity." Campers who can tune out rail traffic, or who are just passing through for a night, tend to rate the site more favorably. Those planning a longer stay should weigh the noise before committing.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGrey Bear is located in Montana near Big Timber
Public CampgroundCoordinates
45.78700074 N
110.06700027 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/10/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/28/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/10/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/28/26
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
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 44 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 17 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 7 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 49 min from Great Falls, MT
