Anglers and creek enthusiasts will find Swan Creek Campground offers direct water access along its namesake waterway in Gallatin National Forest. This 13-site campground sits approximately half a mile off Highway 191, accessed via a narrow paved road that requires careful navigation. Allison W. notes that "every site has easy access to the freezing cold but crystal clear creek."
The campground features two loops separated by about a quarter mile, with the first loop containing six sites and the second offering seven ADA-accessible sites. All sites include picnic tables and metal fire rings, positioned within a mature spruce forest. Vault toilets serve each loop, and hand-pump water is available throughout the facility. Bear lockers are distributed across both areas, though some sites may lack individual bear boxes.
The distance from the main highway eliminates road noise, with Swan Creek providing natural sound cover. Reviews consistently mention the campground's quiet atmosphere compared to other campgrounds around Big Sky that sit directly along Highway 191. Sites fill quickly during peak season, particularly on weekends, making reservations essential for this popular location between Bozeman and Yellowstone.
The campground operates from May 15 through September 15 at $26 per night. Nearby alternatives include Greek Creek Campground and Moose Creek Flat Campground for additional options in the area.
Description
Overview
Swan Creek Campground is located in the scenic Gallatin Canyon, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. It is 31 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 in the area surrounding 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. Many trails can be found in Gallatin Canyon. The Swan Creek Trail begins within the campground. Golden Trout Lakes Trail begins up nearby Portal Creek Road, five miles south of the campground.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Roads within the campground are paved, but parking spurs are gravel. Firewood is available at Greek Creek Campground for $8.00 per bundle.
Natural Features
The campground sits next to scenic Swan Creek, a tributary of the Gallatin River. It is just off Highway 191, at an elevation of 5,800 feet. A beautiful, dense forest of spruce and fir trees covers the campground. A variety of wildlife makes its home in this scenic canyon. 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 fee for each additional vehicle will be collected at the campground.
Reservation Info
Availability is released from Fri, May 26th 2023 through Tue, September 5th 2023. This campground is open as first-come, first-served (FCFS) from Tue, May 16th 2023 through Fri, May 26th 2023. During this time it does not offer reservations in advance.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundSwan Creek Campground is located in Montana
Directions
From Bozeman, travel south on Highway 191 for 30 miles to the Swan Creek turnoff. Turn left and go a half-mile to the campground. From West Yellowstone, travel 58 miles north on Highway 191. Turn right at Swan Creek turnoff and go a half-mile to the campground.
Coordinates
45.3725 N
111.1680556 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 38 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 51 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 41 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 52 min from Idaho Falls, ID
