Best Campgrounds near Cooke City, MT

Camping near Cooke City, Montana, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

• Explore Yellowstone National Park: Just a short drive away, you can visit iconic spots like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. One camper mentioned, "This is probably the nicest national park campground we have been to so far," highlighting the convenience of staying close to the park.
• Hiking and Wildlife Watching: Trails abound in the area, with opportunities to see bison and other wildlife. A review noted, "The road down to Slough Creek Campground is about 2.5 miles of gravel... it is one of the more remote campgrounds in the park with stunning views."
• Fishing: Many campgrounds are near rivers and lakes, perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One camper shared, "It’s a great place to fish, rock hound, and there are some trails very close."

What campers like:

• Amenities: Campgrounds like Canyon Campground — Yellowstone National Park offer clean bathrooms and laundry facilities. A happy camper said, "Showers were awesome & clean & they have TONS of washers & Dryers for Laundry!!"
• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One review stated, "The sites are spacious and not too close together. The vault toilet was clean and well kept."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds provide a peaceful environment. A visitor at Pine Creek Campground remarked, "Nicely spaced sites, vault toilets, a little overgrown but not bad."

What you should know:

• First-Come, First-Served: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper advised, "Plan on showing up before the sun rises to get in line" at Slough Creek Campground.
• Limited Services: Many sites, like Tower Fall Campground, have basic amenities. One review noted, "The campground itself is just your basic one, vault toilets, picnic tables, level place to park."
• Wildlife Precautions: Bears are common in the area, so be cautious. A camper at Threemile Campground warned, "Due to grizzly bear activity, hard-sided camping only. NO TENTS."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like showers and laundry. One family enjoyed their stay at Basin Campground, saying, "The sites are big, close to a creek to lull you to sleep."
• Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear for family fun. A camper suggested, "The campground itself has incredible amenities—laundry, free showers, clean bathrooms, and stores nearby."
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A review mentioned, "The road leading up to the site is narrow but newly graded, so not as rutted as previous reviews stated."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough, so ensure your RV can handle them. A reviewer at Lily Lake noted, "The road to it was very rough—especially coming in the dark."
• Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like Red Lodge KOA are accommodating for larger RVs. One camper said, "The ample renovations are clearly visible."
• Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at East Boulder Campground mentioned, "Try to get there early or on a non-weekend."

Camping near Cooke City, Montana, is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot or a base for exploring Yellowstone, you'll find it here.