Soda Butte Campground, near Cooke City, Montana, is a prime location for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while keeping an eye out for wildlife. This campground is all about the basics, featuring primitive sites with potable water and a few amenities like pit toilets and bear boxes to keep your food safe from curious critters.

Visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere, with some sites offering stunning mountain views and a mix of shaded and sunny spots. As one camper noted, “Campsites are all primitive although there is potable water available.” Just remember, this is bear country, so hard-sided campers are a must, and it’s wise to be cautious—grizzlies have been spotted roaming the area.

If you’re up for some adventure, the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest is perfect for hiking and exploring. Plus, you’re just a stone's throw from Cooke City, where you can find cozy restaurants and a great little coffee shop that serves up delicious baked goods. Whether you’re stopping by for a night or planning a longer stay, Soda Butte Campground offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Montana’s wilderness.

THIS CAMPGROUND IS HARD SIDED CAMPING ONLYOpen late June\_\_- Labor Day, weather dependent.A campground in Beartooth Country\_\_on the Gardiner District. Maps: [Soda Butte Campground Map][1]Camp sites: 27Accessible Facilities:Fire GratesFood BoxesTablesTent PadsToiletsTrash CansWaterTrash 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:Gardiner OfficeP.O. Box 5; 805 Scott St.Gardiner, MT 59030(406) 848-7375 

[1]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5200433.pdf

Soda Butte 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

Amazing little campground with a great host. Hard sided campers only. Nestled in the woods with an amazing view. We had a moose walk through our camp. Did not see any bears but they have been known to frequent the campground. Bear boxes provided for keeping food and supplies safe at each site. We stayed in July and September.

Hidden Gem

Near the town of Cooke City. Great campground with plenty of space. Bear an off-road trail. Grizzly bear country.  Cooke City was great little restaurants. Our fave is a little coffee shop in the East side of town. Great hot chocolate and coffee. The baked goods were so good!

Great remote site

After a bad experience of trying to get in at one of the more primitive sites in northeast Yellowstone, we were extremely lucky to find out that this campground opened early this year. They usually arent open until July. Our experience here was wonderful. Very quiet, peaceful, and the host is a great guy. This is definitely bear country here so hard sided units only. There was a brutal bear attack here around 10 years ago leaving one dead and two severely injured, so just a heads up! There is a day use only area that is for that reason. Mosquitoes are were pretty bad here when we stayed.

Bear Country

We found this campsite on the way to Yellowstone.  We slept in the car and put our coolers and bins in the Bear box next to the site.  The campground was full of campers and wasn't too bad with the generators.  We were close to the bathroom and water.overall it was a good experience.  
Close to town and the main gate.


Sleep in the car!

Dates:  open late June (weather permitting) - Sep 30

Fees:  $20.00 Additional vehicle $5.00

Reservations:  FCFS

Sites:  27  Accessibility:  yes

Amenities:  pit toilet, fire ring/grill, picnic table, bear box, trash, water

Alerts:  No tents, hard side only due to bears  Bear boxes food storage NOT FOR TRASH

I love the security lights on the pit toilets.  The forest is beautiful with all the pine trees.  There are a lot of open areas which is great for solar.  Large rigs will do great in this campground.  Road is gravel and so are pads.  It can be very dusty so drive slow and keep the dust down.  Some sites are very private and some not so much.  The back drop of the trees and mountains make this a great place to spend some time.

LNT

BTWYFI

Travel safe

Campsites are all primitive although there is potable water available. Nice variety of sites from shaded and secluded to open and sunny. Some sites have a great view of the mountain. Beware, grizzlies have been roaming the grounds. Hard sided campers are highly recommended. 

Photos of Soda Butte Campground

Real photos from real campers