Reaching Halfmoon Campground requires committing to roughly 15-16 miles of gravel road from the highway, with the final four miles demanding high clearance and 4x4 capability. Plan on 45 to 60 minutes from Big Timber. Snow can make the road slick well into the season, and at least one reviewer needed chains on a van during a November visit. The campground sits at the base of the Crazy Mountains in Gallatin National Forest, set within a canyon where weather can shift fast, including wind events that have rattled tents past midnight.
The dozen sites are spread along a loop through tall pine forest, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Sites on the south edge of the loop draw the most interest. The campground runs alongside a creek, though most sites are close enough to hear the water rather than see it. Cell service is minimal. No pets are allowed.
Hikers have direct access to the Twin Lakes trailhead across from the campground, and a nearby parking area serves backpackers heading deeper into the Crazies. The four-mile route to Granite Lake is demanding but frequently recommended, and a longer six-mile trail reaches two mountain lakes. Connie H. notes that "black bear and moose are frequent visitors" to the area. Vault toilets are on-site, and water pumps provide drinking water, though conditions have varied across visits.
Arriving early on summer Fridays matters. One camper found only two spots open at 1pm, with the campground filling completely by evening. The site has no-fee camping noted in at least one review, though signage on overnight charges has caused some confusion. Rachel S. describes "a long, beautiful dirt road in to the campsite" leading to a rural but well-equipped setup. Nearby alternatives in the region include Ibex Cabin and Shields River Campground for those wanting places to camp near Gallatin National Forest with different road access. If the drive and the conditions suit your rig, Halfmoon rewards the effort.
Description
A campground in the east crazy mountains on the__Yellowstone District.__Camp sites: 12Maps: Halfmoon Campground Map (527 KB)Accessible Facilities:Toilet6 SitesTrash Pickup: NoFirewood: NoNo 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 Office5242 Hwy 89.Livingston, MT 59047(406) 222-1892
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHalfmoon Campground is located in Montana near Melville
Public CampgroundDirections
11 mi N of Big Timber on US 191, 12 mi W on Big Timber Canyon Rd
Coordinates
46.04105 N
110.23813 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.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 57 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 20 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 19 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 24 min from Great Falls, MT
