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Tom Miner Campground

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Twelve miles off US 89 via a well-maintained dirt road, Tom Miner Campground sits within mature fir forest that provides ample shade across its 16 sites. Each site includes a picnic table, metal fire ring, and bear locker, with water available from a hand pump and vault toilets throughout the facility. A small creek runs along the campground's edge.

The campground serves as a gateway to the Gallatin Petrified Forest, featuring a nature trail that leads to cliffs embedded with petrified wood specimens. Campers can explore campsites near Gallatin National Forest for additional forest-based options. Located 17 miles from Gardiner and Yellowstone's entrance, the facility operates as a pack-in, pack-out site with no pets allowed, making it well-suited for visitors seeking forest camping near the park.

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Map & DirectionsTom Miner Campground is located in Montana near Big Sky

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

17 mi NW of Gardiner on US 89, 12 mi SW on Tom Miner Rd

Coordinates

45.12938 N
111.06253 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
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    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

  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Tom Miner Campground

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2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2020

Off the beaten path campground near Yellowstone

Tom Miner Campground is tucked away 12 mile west of U.S. 89 and only 17 miles from Gardiner and the entrance to Yellowstone NP.  This nice campground is set in a mature fir tree forest which provides plenty of shade.  The sites 16 campsite are nicely spread apart and each features a picnic table, metal fire ring and bear lockers.  Water is available from a hand pump and vault toilets are available.  This is a Trash-in/Trash-out camp gound.A small creek runs along the edge of the campground.  Tom Miner sits at the edge of the Gallatin Petrified Forest and has a nature trail that take you to some cliffs with petrified wood embedded in the rock.  Scavengers have taken most of the petrified wood along the trail but still some nice specimens can be seen.  A permit is required if you wish to search the forest for your own petrified wood.  The road to the campground is very well maintained most of the way, the last few miles are narrow and a little bumpier.  Right before the campground the road forks at a forest service information sign, turn right for the campground, turning left will take you to an area of disperse camping.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Tom Miner Campground by Dexter I., September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Tom Miner Campground by Dexter I., September 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Tom Miner Campground by Dexter I., September 29, 2020
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2016

Tom Miner Campground for a night

Tom Miner campground is tucked back about 12 miles off US 89 in paradise valley. Once you turn off 89 on Tom Miner rd it takes a good 20 minutes driving on a dirt road to reach the campsite. It's definitely an out of the way campground in the area but well worth it if you enjoy a more solitary campground and less of a crowd. We stayed there on a Sunday night in late July and was only accompanied by one other couple. There is a great and easy hiking trail near by called the petrified forest trail. Overall enjoyed our stay and love how close to Gardiner and Yellowstone this campground is without all the crowds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Tom Miner Campground?

Tom Miner Campground offers basic facilities in a peaceful forest setting. Each of the 16 campsites features a picnic table and fire ring. The campground provides vault toilets and drinking water is available on-site. There are no electrical hookups, shower facilities, or RV dump stations. The mature fir trees throughout the campground offer ample shade for most sites. While amenities are limited, the natural setting and spacious sites compensate for the lack of modern conveniences, making it ideal for campers seeking a more rustic experience.

What activities can visitors enjoy near Tom Miner Campground?

Visitors to Tom Miner Campground can enjoy numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding area. With Yellowstone National Park just 17 miles away, day trips to explore the park's famous features are convenient. The campground's location in Tom Miner Basin offers excellent hiking opportunities with trails through scenic forests and meadows. Wildlife viewing is exceptional in this area, particularly for those interested in spotting bears, elk, and other native species. Fishing is available in nearby streams, and the secluded setting is perfect for photography, stargazing, and bird watching. The proximity to Lamar Valley in Yellowstone makes it an ideal base for wildlife enthusiasts.

When is the best time to visit Tom Miner Campground and are reservations required?

The best time to visit Tom Miner Campground is during the summer and early fall months (June through September) when weather conditions are most favorable. This Forest Service campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. Due to its somewhat remote location, it typically doesn't fill up as quickly as campgrounds closer to Yellowstone's entrance, but arriving early during peak summer weekends is still recommended to secure a site. The campground may be inaccessible or closed during winter months due to snow conditions.

Where is Tom Miner Campground located and how do I get there?

Tom Miner Campground is located approximately 17 miles from Gardiner and the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. To reach the campground, turn west off US Highway 89 in Paradise Valley onto Tom Miner Road. The campground is situated about 12 miles down this road. Be prepared for a 20-minute drive on a dirt/gravel road to reach the campsite after turning off the highway. While accessible, the remote location provides a secluded camping experience away from the more crowded areas near Yellowstone.

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