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Campgrounds near Big Timber, Montana range from established sites with amenities to primitive fishing access areas along the Yellowstone River. Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations about 5 miles from town on Boulder Road. Several fishing access sites including Otter Creek, Grey Bear, and Big Rock offer more rustic camping experiences with basic amenities such as fire rings and vault toilets. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with a few locations like the Big Timber-Greycliff KOA also offering glamping options.
Road conditions vary significantly depending on the campground location, with some requiring travel on rough gravel roads. Most fishing access sites are easily accessible from highways, while forest campgrounds like Halfmoon require navigation of bumpy roads. As one visitor noted, "The road in is gravel and rough at times. There are a lot of cabins or homes along the road and we encountered a lot of traffic." Camping season generally runs from April through October, though some sites are open year-round. Summer temperatures can be quite warm, making waterfront locations particularly desirable. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with typical stay limits of 14-16 days. Cell service varies by location but is generally available at sites closer to town.
The Yellowstone River provides the backdrop for several popular camping areas, with sites often situated directly along the shoreline. Multiple reviewers mentioned the peaceful sound of flowing water as a highlight of their stay. A camper at Grey Bear noted, "Very nice campground about 6 miles out of Big Timber Montana. Shady campground...very loud trains at night...overall a nice place to stay...fishing can be decent." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, though bears are present in some areas and proper food storage is essential. Campgrounds at higher elevations in the surrounding mountains offer cooler temperatures and scenic views but require more planning to access. Fishing is a primary activity for many visitors, with trout being the main catch in area rivers and stocked ponds.
"Campground is situated on Boulder River. Office staff was friendly. Laundry facility was clean but dated. (Harvest gold dryers from the 70’s dated). Great proximity to downtown big timber, MT."
"If you get a spot next to the river they the sound of the water is phenomenal! They also stock the ponds with trout so that for dinner you can eat fish. They also clean the fish for you."
"Beautiful location with several spots. All have fire pits but picnic tables are in bad shape. Going to sleep with sound of Rushing Water 20 ft away from me."
"This is a free Montana Fishing Access Site next to the Yellowstone River north of Big Timber. There was one clean single vault toilet for about 5 sites."
"It's better to exit off the interstate just east of the campground."
"Usually we stay at KOAs for stopover convenience, but being tired of driving we decided to stick around for an extra night. For a KOA, this was a really decent spot."
"Very nice campground about 6 miles out of Big Timber Montana."
"There are trains close by but that didn't bother too much. If you stay with kids there are spots where the river current is quite strong close to shore."
"Great spot not too far in from Big timber. Lots of river running through the campground and low enough to enjoy a swim, fish, or get your feet wet. Restroom is located here."
"The location is hard to beat. Being right by the stream adds such a peaceful touch, and the sunsets and sunrises here are truly beautiful. Waking up to that kind of view is something special."
"Only four or five spots right next to the river but plenty of open spots in the field next to where people Park their boats."
"Several areas for campers and travel trailers and even big rigs and popular area for fishing so rather than normal BLM 14 days it's a 7-Day Max but it's beautiful just next to the river so you can hear"
"Don't miss Big Timber falls! Black bear and Moose are frequent visitors."
"I arrived around 1pm on a Friday and there were only two spots remaining. I grabbed spot #8, it certainly is not the most desirable but it was a spot nonetheless."
"Right next to the river and right off the interstate (kind of noisy from traffic) there were a couple trucks working the railroad but don’t bother us."
"There are train tracks nearby, which wasn't necessarily negative for us since we live next to train tracks at home ."
"Must have a montana conservation tag. Bring your own wood. Bring a water filter. Outhouse on site"
TravelerSmall narrow sites, but they have water, sewer, power, great internet. The shower and toilet facilities are great and clean. It's a good overnight stay , and I would do it again.
RangerWe stayed here for a week in our Ford Explorer towing a 5x8 trailer. It is an incredibly beautiful, rugged spot, but it definitely requires some preparation if you plan to stay the night.
The Setup & Vibe: You are camped right on the banks of the roaring Boulder River beneath a heavy canopy of towering pines. The sound of the rushing water is incredible.
Wildlife (Bear Country): This is heavy bear country. Because of that, we opted for our "small camp" setup and slept securely inside our SUV rather than pitching our canvas tent. The campground does provide heavy-duty metal bear boxes for your food and gear.
Weather Warning: Even in May, the overnight mountain temperatures were dropping into the teens and twenties. Between the cold and the bears, having a hard-sided camper or sleeping in your vehicle is a very smart move here.
It is a fantastic, remote spot for a rugged off-grid stay as long as you come prepared for the mountain weather and the local wildlife!
GuideGreat spots (5) along the river…only downside are the gravel trucks driving past and kicking up dirt!
GuideWe are right on the Yellowstone River, and snow covered peaks beyond , approximately 12 miles south of Livingston, MT and 20 miles north of the north entrance to Yellowstone NP.
TravelerSame as before
GuideI had such a wonderful stay at Big Rock Campground! Note: no phone service and you need to have a conservation license.
It was incredibly easy to find, which made arriving stress-free. The campground sites themselves are absolutely incredible, spacious, tidy, and thoughtfully laid out with easy access in and out.
The location is hard to beat. Being right by the stream adds such a peaceful touch, and the sunsets and sunrises here are truly beautiful. Waking up to that kind of view is something special. There are also some nice walking paths/trails nearby, perfect for stretching your legs and taking in the scenery.
The vaulted toilet is as expected, nothing amazing but accessible. Overall, it was a genuinely positive experience from start to finish. I would absolutely stay here again!
GuideWe loved this spot. Right next to the river and right off the interstate (kind of noisy from traffic) there were a couple trucks working the railroad but don’t bother us. We built this tiny fire-pit in which we made sure it was legal this time of year. There are plenty of rocks near the river to built another fire pit!
GuideThe basin is a beautiful spot out of the way, the road gets narrow in spots but was fine under dry conditions, cars and smaller rigs should be fine. The sites are bare bones but well enough maintained, overall it was a nice spot to stay for an affordable price.
RangerDefinitely Yogi theme. Weekly ice cream socials. Friendly staff. Stayed in 42’ 5th wheel
The Boulder River offers an alternative to the more crowded Yellowstone River locations for camping spots near Big Timber, Montana. Most campsites in this area sit at elevations between 4,500-5,000 feet, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 80-90°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 45-55°F. Cell service varies significantly by location, with stronger coverage at fishing access sites closer to Interstate 90 and spotty or non-existent service in higher elevation campgrounds.
Fishing for trout: The Boulder River provides excellent fishing opportunities at Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch, where they stock ponds with trout and even clean fish for campers. "They also stock the ponds with trout so that for dinner you can eat fish. They also clean the fish for you," notes one visitor.
Swim in the river: During hot summer days, the cool river waters provide relief at sites like Big Rock. A camper mentioned, "Lots of river running through the campground and low enough to enjoy a swim, fish, or get your feet wet."
Hiking to alpine lakes: For those seeking higher elevations, trails from Halfmoon Campground lead to scenic mountain lakes. The challenging hike to Granite Lake is "4mi and it was hard but worth the effort for sure," according to one hiker.
Wildlife viewing: Prairie Dog Town State Park is within walking distance of Big Timber-Greycliff KOA. A visitor notes it's "a cute place to watch prairie dogs and check out the local flora."
Riverside camping sites: Many fishing access areas provide direct river access with the soothing sounds of flowing water. At Grey Bear, campers enjoy "camping and fishing on the Yellowstone river. Fun for the kids and only a few miles from town to get supplies."
Family-friendly facilities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. Spring Creek Campground receives praise from parents: "I have 5 kids of all ages. They love it here. Fishing ponds and river too. The husband and wife have worked so hard to make this place fun for everyone."
Affordable options: Free camping is available at several fishing access sites with basic amenities. At Otter Creek, "This is a free Montana Fishing Access Site next to the Yellowstone River north of Big Timber. There was one clean single vault toilet for about 5 sites. No water or garbage available but each site has a picnic table and fire ring."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites that provide privacy. Halfmoon Campground features "well separated, timbered sites with miles of hiking available."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires travel on rough roads. Halfmoon Campground requires "about 45-60 minutes outside of Big Timber to get here" and "the last 4 [miles] having vehicle crawl. If you go more than 10 miles an hour in this section you will probably pop a tire."
Train noise: Several riverside camping areas are near train tracks. At Pig Farm Fishing Access Camp, "Train whistles woke us up four times" during the night, according to one camper.
Limited amenities at fishing access sites: Most fishing access sites have only vault toilets and fire rings. One visitor to Big Rock noted, "This is primitive. Not water or hook ups or trash but there is a pit toilet."
Weather variability: Mountain campsites can experience extreme weather changes. At Halfmoon Campground, campers "woke up to the craziest wind storm around 1am!!! Our tent took quite a beating, we are estimating that winds were above 50mph!!!"
Kid-friendly fishing: Big Timber-Greycliff KOA offers various activities for children. "Lots of kids having a blast at the pool, riding their bikes and playing in the creek that borders the campground," notes one visitor.
Entertainment options: Spring Creek Campground provides multiple ways to keep kids engaged. A camper shared, "Kids got to feed fish in the pond just stop in and ask for the food. They are kind to kids and pets as well."
Swimming access: Look for camping spots with gentle river access. One camper at Big Rock mentioned, "Lovely little spot! Beautiful scenery and river running through."
Local treats: Combine camping with trips to town for special treats. One Spring Creek visitor suggested, "Right down the road to Big Timber is a small drug store with the best shakes that brings a perfect end to the day."
Spacious sites: Otter Creek Fishing Access Site offers generous parking areas for RVs. "Only four or five spots right next to the river but plenty of open spots in the field next to where people Park their boats," notes one RVer.
Level site considerations: For those with larger rigs, Spring Creek Campground has "level [sites] with gravel, framed out, and have nice grass."
RV size limitations: Some fishing access sites have restrictions on rig size. At Boulder Forks, camping is "dispersed-like so find a campfire ring and set up" but it's not suited for larger RVs.
Hookup availability: Spring Creek Campground offers various hookup options. "We didn't have sewer hookup, but they had a honey wagon," noted one RVer who stayed nearly two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Big Timber, MT?
The best campgrounds near Big Timber offer a mix of scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. Halfmoon Campground stands out with well-separated, timbered sites and miles of hiking trails. Don't miss Big Timber Falls while staying here, and keep an eye out for wildlife like black bears and moose. The campground features immaculately clean bathrooms, though it fills quickly on weekends. Big Rock is another excellent option not far from town, with the river running through the campground at a level suitable for swimming and fishing. It includes restroom facilities and provides easy access to town for supplies or dining. For more remote experiences, consider East Boulder Campground, offering creek-side sites with picnic tables and fire rings.
What are the camping options in and around Big Timber?
Big Timber offers several camping options along the Yellowstone River. Otter Creek Fishing Access Site provides free camping with fire pits and picnic tables just 3 miles from town. The sites offer river views and boat launch access, though there are no hookups or water available. Grey Bear is another option about 6 miles from Big Timber, offering a shady campground with vault toilets but no water or trash service. Additional options include Pelican Fishing Access Site (limited shade but easy access), Big Rock (good for swimming and fishing with restroom facilities), and East Boulder Campground for smaller rigs and tent camping. Most fishing access sites are free but offer minimal amenities, while paid options with more facilities are available slightly further from town.
What RV parks are available in Big Timber, Montana?
Spring Creek Campground & Trout Ranch is the premier RV option near Big Timber, offering 50-amp full hookup sites with spacious, level gravel pads and grassy areas on the patio side. Located on the Boulder River, the park features stocked fishing ponds, laundry facilities, and friendly staff. Not all sites have full hookups, so reservations are recommended for specific amenities. For more basic RV camping, Pelican Fishing Access Site provides an easily accessible option very near Big Timber, though it lacks shade and hookups. Otter Creek Fishing Access Site has approximately three RV spots alongside tent camping areas, offering river views but no hookups, water, or power. Most public fishing access sites accommodate smaller RVs but have limited amenities.
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