254 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Big Sky, Montana spans developed campgrounds and free dispersed sites along the Gallatin River corridor, covering everything from tent camping to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Red Cliff Campground, located approximately 10 miles south of Big Sky on Highway 191, offers 63 campsites with a mix of standard and electric hookups. The area supports various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabin options like the Yellow Mule Cabin and Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout. Taylor Fork Road provides free dispersed camping alternatives for those seeking more primitive experiences away from established facilities.
Many campgrounds in the Gallatin Canyon operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-September due to mountain weather conditions and snowpack. Road access to higher elevation sites can be challenging outside peak summer months. "This is a beautiful campground right on the Gallatin River near Big Sky. Spaces are well spaced out, electric & non-electric available," noted one visitor about Red Cliff Campground. Bear safety measures are mandatory throughout the region, with most established campgrounds providing bear-proof food storage lockers. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most camping areas, including Red Cliff and surrounding forest service sites, requiring advance planning for communication needs.
The Gallatin River features prominently in camping experiences around Big Sky, with waterfront sites being particularly popular. Several campgrounds, including Red Cliff, Swan Creek, and Moose Creek Flat, offer river access for fishing and recreation. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Each site is equipped with a large picnic table and metal fire ring. Bear lockers for food storage are located throughout the campground." Highway noise can be a concern at some riverside locations where campgrounds sit between the water and Highway 191. Hiking trails connect directly to several campgrounds, including the Elkhorn trailhead at Red Cliff, providing immediate access to backcountry experiences. For those seeking more solitude, the higher elevation dispersed camping areas offer greater privacy but fewer amenities compared to the developed campgrounds along the main canyon corridor.
"Easy access to big sky Montana and a hour ish drive to west Yellowstone. Sites are easy to access with smaller rv. But have bigger sites for larger rigs. No t mobile or att service."
"The area is beautiful, campground is right by the river (but also by a busy highway). Overall nice toilets, lots of spots and close to the town of Big Sky. Some spots offer good shade."
from $26 - $35 / night
Check Availability"I showed up here late one night on my way to Big Sky and was lucky enough to get a spot. There are plenty of amenities such as toilets, fire pits, and tables."
"This is a really nice spot next to the river. It makes a great base to explore Big Sky & Bozeman. The dispersed camping area is just passed the official campground."
from $26 - $50 / night
Check Availability"You cannot hear traffic from the highway which is about 1/3 miles away. There are wooden horse fences and corrals which are for public use."
"My wife and I ended up staying at the very end of the campsites near the outhouse. It was a bit closer to other campers than I would have preferred."
"Right next to Gallatin River next to highway. Great spot for flyfishing and dog walking on leash."
"Right off the highway which is convenient but can be quiet loud."
from $26 - $60 / night
Check Availability"This is one of the nicest campgrounds around Big Sky I was told, but they fill up fast! I drove through hoping I could get just one night when I really needed it and I lucked out."
"We chose Swan Creek from the few USFS campgrounds between Big Sky and Bozeman based on how far it was off of Rt. 191. The others are located right along the road, yet next to the Gallatin River."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Despite the lack of some amenities (e.g., no showers and no firewood for sale when we were there), we greatly enjoyed our stay at this National Forest campground located right on the Gallatin River."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"Once arriving at the top; you’ll find a stunning array of crystal lakes, snow melts, and glistening cliffs. We camped on top of a large cliff system across the first lake."
"To get there you drive into the Spanish Creek Picnic area. Then you follow the trails on the map to Spanish Lakes. The trails are pretty well marked. It’s about 9.5 miles in and up."
"Small fishing access campground near Ennis MT. Sites are fairly large. Montana residents get a nice rate but even for out of state only $18/night. Quiet, mainly fly fishing campers here."
"We were looking for someplace for the night close to Ennis and were glad to find this spot. There are only 10 sites but all on the river and most decently spaced."
from $12 - $18 / night
Check Availability"Our “go to” camping spot near Yellowstone NP. It is convenient to hwy but away from noise of traffic, near Yellowstone River. Winds consistent overnight but temps only down to 40°s."
"Camp site was 20 feet away from the Beautiful Yellowstone River. The river was moving at a very good clip, as was the wind! Clean vault toilet, didn't see any water hook ups or pumps."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"In summer you can drive a Jeep right up to the tower so it’s like a backcountry experience without all the work and with some creature comforts. Cozy wood fireplace and bunk beds."
from $65 / night
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TravelerClose proximity to west Yellowstone, pretty much no highway noise and I was in one of the closer campsites. Most likely no noise if you go farther down. Road was pretty bumpy, it was dry so don’t know how it’d be after rain. No issues with my truck even without 4wd. Heard some elk bugling which was cool. Only saw one or two other campers.
ScoutWe got here after dark and were very confused by the no trespassing signs and small pull offs. We didn’t go very high up on the road but camped right where the pin was set up. Gorgeous in the morning and very quiet peaceful place to stay for the night. Not necessarily “camping” with room to move around or set up but easy for one night.
LegendWell, maintained campground with flat spots. Everything you need from electric to toilets and reasonably priced. I caught it a few days before it closed. And the campground hosts are very engaged in taking care of it and on top of everything that is happening. Super nice.
GuideCame from Colter Bay and that was urban camping. Packed in like sardines, this place is awsome for us. There is highway noise but I will take it over people noise. We have a fire pit and lucky enough to score electricity. It is the first of October alot of campgrounds are closed. This switched to first come first serve. So happy we found it. We also have a site close to the exceptionally clean pit toilets. The sites are also pretty far apart. Love it.
TravelerThe area is gorgeous but the ride in was rough. Quite a few miles of rough, gravel road and very narrow. We made it in our. Class C but I wouldnt recommend trying in anything larger
ScoutBeautiful sites near a river. , clean pit toilets, potable water, 3 miles from west glacier, public showers, grocery stores, restaurants
RangerI live in Bozeman and this is the first time staying at Taylor Fork. Incredible. I settled at spot 11 and the peace is tremendous. Of course I won’t give it 5 stars if there’s not a picnic table or bathrooms or other amenities but that’s fine, this is a definite treasure trove. Today we drove a couple miles up the road and got on a trailhead to a basin that might’ve been the best hike of my life. Beautiful. Solo. Perfect amount of difficulty. Views. This will certainly be one of my top 3 go-to spots for the future since I live in Bozeman and it’s so easy to get away.
RangerThe views are truly unbeatable! 6 miles of washboard gravel road leading to the lake made the journey difficult, but still worth it. Also, the winds were incredibly strong, making it impossible to cook outside or have a fire. But the views ...
GuideThe Campground is close to Big Sky and there is no other option to go dispersed in this area. Bearlocker, Outhouses, Firering, Tent place, sometimes grill, Water and Dumpstation. Hyw is close and very busy.
Camping near Big Sky, Montana, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Big Sky, Montana, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season for camping in Big Sky, Montana?
The prime camping season in Big Sky runs from late May through September when weather conditions are most favorable. Summer (June-August) offers warm days perfect for outdoor activities, though this is also peak tourist season with higher campground occupancy. Spire Rock Campground is especially popular in summer as a base for exploring both Big Sky and Bozeman. Late May and September provide a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, and beautiful seasonal changes. Greek Creek Campground offers convenient camping between Bozeman and Big Sky during these shoulder seasons. Winter camping is possible for experienced campers but requires specialized gear due to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures that can reach well below freezing.
Where are the best campgrounds near Big Sky, Montana?
The Big Sky area offers several excellent campgrounds. Red Cliff Campground stands out for its riverside location, clean facilities, and proximity to town. It features electric and non-electric sites, raised fire pits with cooking grates, and is just 10 minutes from Big Sky's amenities. For a more secluded experience, Swan Creek Campground provides private, tree-surrounded sites near a creek, though it fills up quickly. Adventurous campers might consider Beehive Basin for backcountry tent camping - it's a 3-mile hike from Big Sky with no reservations required, but proper bear safety practices are essential. Most campgrounds in the area offer beautiful natural settings with river access, making them perfect basecamps for exploring the region.
What RV parks and facilities are available in Big Sky, Montana?
Big Sky and its surrounding area offer several RV-friendly options. Gallatin Canyon, Hwy 191 & Big Sky provides access to various camping areas along the highway with river proximity. For those seeking more amenities, Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV is within driving distance and offers full hookups plus access to hot springs. Red Cliff Campground accommodates both smaller and larger RVs with electric hookups available at select sites. Most developed campgrounds in the area include basic facilities like vault toilets and fire rings, while dispersed camping options exist for self-contained RVs. For additional RV camping, Taylor Fork Road offers dispersed sites that can accommodate larger rigs. Cell service varies by location, with many campgrounds having limited or no connectivity.
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