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Timber Camp Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Wildlife viewing and stargazing pull campers to Timber Camp Campground, a free Forest Service site set within a heavily forested stretch of Gallatin National Forest. A creek runs through the area, fir trees crowd the sites, and open sightlines toward the mountains make the site closest to the vault toilet a reliable spot for watching the night sky. The campground has three to four established sites, each with a picnic table and metal fire ring, plus a single vault toilet serving the whole group.

Getting here requires attention. The access road is rocky and narrow in sections, with cliff-side stretches that reviewers consistently flag as risky for low-clearance or two-wheel-drive vehicles. AWD or 4WD is strongly recommended. The road tends to be in better shape later in the season, with September conditions drawing fewer complaints than spring or early summer visits. Cell service is limited, so plan accordingly before leaving Gardiner for camping options in this area.

The campground sits in grizzly country. It tends to stay vacant even during peak season, partly because of the road and partly because the remote setting is not for everyone. Sites are spaced far enough apart to feel private. As Aubrey B. puts it, the site is "quiet and bare bones." Pack in everything you need, including water, since no potable source is confirmed on site.

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Map & DirectionsTimber Camp Campground is located in Montana near Gardiner

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

5 mi NE of Gardiner on Jardine Rd, 4 mi NE on Forest Rd 493

Coordinates

45.09422049 N
110.60560075 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Timber Camp Campground

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3.5

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5 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the beautiful, private campsites with basic amenities like vault toilet and fire rings. Several noted the rough access road requiring AWD/4WD vehicles, though most found the remote backcountry setting near Yellowstone worth the challenging drive.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2021

Fantastic Rural Camping

Deciding to camp here was a gamble but worth it. The road leading up was rocky and sketchy, but as long as you pay attention not a problem. The campsite itself was quiet and bare bones. Was not expecting an outhouse, so was splendidly surprised to be accommodated with that luxury. Overall beautiful woodlands with small streams running through the open fields and mountains looming in the distance.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Timber Camp Campground by Aubrey B., October 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Timber Camp Campground by Aubrey B., October 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Timber Camp Campground by Aubrey B., October 12, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2020

Lovely campground near Yellowstone

This is a very nice Forest Service campground. It is not dispersed - it has 3 or 4 fixed campsites (picnic tables, metal fire ring) and one vault toilet. Beautiful spot. I imagine it normally fills up, and there’s not a lot of true dispersed camping in the area if you find it full. The roads were in good shape in September 2020.

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2019

A little too isolated

I'm all for getting away but there are benefits of having other campers nearby, especially in grizzly territory. This is definitely a back country campsite. It's free. Pack in, pack out & leave no trace. There is a single vault toilet for all campsites. I only found 3 camp sites. The road up was pretty rough when I went but my Subaru made it all right. Overall a gorgeous spot if it's what you're looking for.

  • Review photo of Timber Camp Campground by Annika W., August 29, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 11, 2019

Secluded, ominously so

This camp ground had about three established campsites I believe, and they were all pretty private from one another. A creek runs through camp and it's heavily forested. Even during the busiest seasons this free campground is vacant but there is good reason for this.

The drive up was rough, take your vehicle at your own risk. If it's not AWD or 4WD you likely will not make it and trust me, you don't want to get stuck on the narrow road on the edge of a cliff. There's also a couple grave yards about a mile from the camp site which is pretty ominous.

There was a grouse preforming it's drumbing mating performance in the camp at all hours of the day and off and on through the night that got pretty annoying, but I doubt you'll have the same experience.

It is about 7 miles from Gardiner and there was some distressed screaming coming from the woods that cause me to decide to pack up camp and leave, so be weary. I'm certain it wasn't an animal (I'm a wildlife ecology student and am very familiar with animal calls in the area) but I have no idea what had went on.

Other than that, this camp site was pretty and probably the only quiet option near Yellowstone.

Reviewed May. 9, 2018

Dispersed! Free!

There are 3 or 4 sites at this location. One vault toilet services all of them. The site closest to the vault had the best stargazing view in my opinion. There is a picnic table and fire pit accomodating each site. A large open field is on site for activities (frisbee, playing catch, etc) but be careful of the large rocks. Exciting location as your just a quick drive down the mountain from Yellowstone National Park. Great for the avid "backcountry" camper.

Month of VisitJune
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Timber Camp Campground?

Timber Camp Campground offers basic amenities typical of a remote Forest Service site. There are 3-4 established campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and metal fire ring. The campground features one vault toilet shared among all sites. A large open field is available for recreational activities like frisbee or playing catch. The sites are fairly private from one another, and a creek runs through the campground. This is a primitive camping experience with no water, electricity, or other modern conveniences.

Where is Timber Camp Campground located in Montana?

Timber Camp Campground is a remote, backcountry Forest Service campground located in Montana. It's situated in a heavily forested area with a creek running through the property. The campground is accessed via a rough, rocky road that requires careful driving. The location offers excellent stargazing opportunities and is situated in grizzly territory, indicating it's likely in western Montana within the greater Yellowstone ecosystem or similar wilderness areas.

How do I make reservations at Timber Camp Campground?

No reservations are needed for Timber Camp Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is free to use. Given its remote location and challenging access road, it tends to be less crowded than other campgrounds, even during peak seasons. However, since there are only 3-4 sites available, having a backup plan is recommended if you find it full. For current conditions or additional information, contact the local Forest Service district office before your trip.

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