A namesake rock spire rises above the trees here, giving the campground both its identity and a visual anchor that campers notice on arrival. Spire Rock sits within Gallatin National Forest, a short drive from Big Sky, and runs along a creek with sites close enough to the water that wading is easy from camp. The campground is small, the road through it is one-way, and the layout means site quality varies considerably depending on what's available when you arrive.
Sites toward the back of the loop tend to be larger and more private, set further from the dirt road that winds through the grounds. Closer-in sites can feel cramped and exposed, particularly for tent campers. Quinn Z. put it plainly: "would definitely stay here if I could get one of the nicer, more private sites." Bear boxes are present at each site, and camp hosts consistently brief arriving campers on food storage. Grizzlies do move through the area. That's not a footnote.
Vault toilets are numerous and reviewers consistently describe them as well-maintained. The campground has water and sewer hookups, making it functional for RVs, though the one-way road limits maneuverability for large trailers. Several trailheads are accessible along the road past the campground, including access to Garnet Mountain. The Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout is roughly a mile south, and the Storm Castle Creek Dispersed area lies close to the west for campers who want a less structured setup.
The road into the campground can develop significant potholes, especially early in the season, so build in extra travel time after wet weather. Cell signal is essentially absent along this stretch of US-191. Reservations are available and worth booking in advance for summer weekends, when popular sites fill quickly. The season runs early June through late August. Jonathan A. noted that "for the price the lack of water is not great but overall was worth it," a fair summary of the tradeoffs at play. The Gallatin National Forest Spire Rock Group Campground sits less than a mile away for parties needing a group site configuration.
Description
Overview
Spire Rock Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. It is 26 miles south of Bozeman. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
Recreation
Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available around the campground. Anglers cast for rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout, whitefish and Arctic grayling on the Gallatin River. Rafting and kayaking are popular activities as well. The popular Storm Castle Trail begins nearby. This steep, 3-mile one-way trail climbs to Storm Castle Rock, with excellent views of the canyon below. Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail also begins near the campground. The 3.5-mile trail climbs 2,800 feet in elevation, to the lookout.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites and an overnight, GROUP AREA (SITE 12), that can be used for overnight camping or day-use picnicking. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets. No drinking water is available in the campground. Campers must bring their own water. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel.
Natural Features
The campground sits next to Storm Castle Creek, a tributary of the Gallatin River, at an elevation of 5,600 feet. Most campsites are located along the creek and are surrounded by spruce and fir trees. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area. Visitors can often glimpse bald eagles, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, deer and coyotes. Black bears and grizzly bears also live in the canyon.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
Fee Info
The first two vehicles are included in the reservation fee and a $8.00/night fee for each additional vehicle will be collected at the campground.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSpire Rock Campground is located in Montana near Gallatin Gateway
Directions
From Bozeman, travel south on Highway 191 for 23 miles to the Storm Castle turnoff. Turn left and go 3 miles to the campground. The last 3 miles are on a gravel road. From West Yellowstone, go 66 miles north on Highway 191 to the Storm Castle turnoff. Turn right at the intersection after the bridge and continue 3 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
45.4413889 N
111.2063889 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
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 31 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 44 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 34 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 59 min from Idaho Falls, ID



































