Glamping close to Big Sky, Montana ranges from rustic forest cabins to amenity-rich resort sites, all providing strategic access to regional attractions. Located in the Gallatin River valley at elevations between 6,500-7,500 feet, this area experiences dramatic temperature drops at night even in summer months. Spring conditions often include snow into June, while fall camping typically ends by early October when overnight temperatures consistently fall below freezing.
What to do
Cave exploration: 5 minutes from Red Cliff Campground. The campground provides access to interesting geological features within walking distance. "Not a bad places to get away for a quick trip. Some good fishing on the Gallatin river and even a cool cave to check out on the right side of the camp ground," notes Shawn S.
Rock climbing: Suitable for various skill levels. Red Cliff Campground offers developed climbing routes ranging from beginner to advanced. "The Cliffs themselves are developed for rock climbing with bolted sport routes from 5.6 up to 5.11 and 5.12," explains TMB.
Winter skiing access: 4 mile trek required. For winter adventurers willing to ski in, Spanish Creek Cabin provides winter access with some effort. "4 mile ski in from the gate with some gentle up and down grades, traveling on an unplowed road. Easy to find," shares Amy H.
Mountain hiking: Multiple trailhead options. The area features numerous hiking paths with varied difficulty levels. "Lots of trailheads near the campgrounds. I'd recommend Garnet Mtn; great views at the top!" says Albert V. about camping near Spire Rock.
What campers like
Creek sounds: Natural white noise. Many visitors appreciate the natural soundscape provided by running water. "Creek was running in winter, can hear it at night with the window open a crack," one visitor noted about Spanish Creek Cabin.
Proximity to Yellowstone: 30-minute drive. Beaver Creek Campground offers a strategic location for park visitors without the crowds. "From West Yellowstone, the campground is about a half hour drive along the beautiful Hebgen Lake," says Gia R.
Electrical sites near water: Best of both worlds. Some campgrounds offer powered sites with natural beauty. "This time, we camped in the section right along the river with electric hookups—such a great spot. Water is available at nearby spigots, and our site had plenty of space plus a small trail that led down to the river," reports Stefanie I. about Red Cliff.
Bear safety infrastructure: Secure storage provided. Campgrounds in this region take wildlife safety seriously. "Our site (C22) was surprisingly quiet and secluded despite being in the middle of the loop. While we didn't have our own bear locker, there was one nearby which appeared to be communal," notes Gia R. about Beaver Creek Campground.
What you should know
Bear country precautions: Required by law. All food must be properly stored in hard-sided vehicles or provided bear boxes. "BEAR SAFE FOOD STORAGE IS REQUIRED BY LAW. Bear boxes are provided at many sites, or lock up your stuff in a hard-sided vehicle. You may see elk, deer and bear," warns TMB about camping at Red Cliff.
Road conditions: Seasonal challenges. Access roads to some sites can be difficult depending on weather and vehicle type. "The dirt road was so pockmarked we had to turn w... The area is stunning, but we could not get to the campground. Our campervan felt like it was going to tip over because of the ruts," reports p M. about Spire Rock Campground.
Site spacing: Varies by location. Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "Red Cliff was very clean. The camp hosts were nice, but it is a very tight campground. There is a lower and an upper level. We had a great experience here, but expect to see your neighbors a bit," explains Ashley S.
Limited cell coverage: Prepare accordingly. Many glamping sites have poor or nonexistent mobile service. "No cellular service, at least no T-Mobile connection," notes Marc M. about Red Cliff Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Group sites: Available for larger gatherings. Spire Rock Campground offers spaces specifically for family groups. "We had a great experience! We took our whole family, multiple tents, and dogs. We were in one of the group sites (#2) with creek access in our site it was perfect," shares Jeni W.
Kid-friendly water play: Safe creek access. Shallow creeks provide safe natural entertainment for children. "This campground is very nice, next to Langohr Creek. Kids play in creek and build rock dams. Nice walk around campground," explains Davis A.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning best. Families can observe local animals from safe distances. "We had site 20 which is right on the water! Beautiful lake. Well maintained sites and roads," notes James D. about Hood Creek Campground.
Winter family options: Cabin comfort. Spanish Creek Cabin provides a family-friendly winter option with bunk beds and loft accommodations. "Cute, clean cabin. Sleeps four, a bunk bed and two more beds in a loft," shares Amy H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Placement matters. For RVs, the location within a campground can significantly impact experience. "Depending on the loop, this is a nice site. Our reservation was for B2,3 which were down in a heavily treed section with no sun. Camp hosts were very accommodating and moved us to B12, with sun and a view too," advises Sarah N. about Beaver Creek Campground.
Water fill considerations: Plan ahead. Some RV sites have limited water access. "Fresh water is available but note that there is no grey water dump in Big Sky, so you'll need to drive on to West Yellowstone or north," warns Kait J.
Electric hookup availability: Limited but present. Electricity-dependent RVers should know where powered sites exist. "Sights 1-26 have electric, and all sights feel private," notes Soren B. about Red Cliff Campground.
Road narrowness alerts: Proceed with caution. Some access roads pose challenges for larger rigs. "A word of caution about the road driving in. The road is paved but narrow, so drive slow and watch out for cars," explains Dexter I.
