Best Campgrounds near Cooke City, MT

A different kind of Yellowstone CG. Used to be little visited, not anymore. Don't plan on getting there before sunrise to get a site, it's all reservation!! Rumor has it the hosts are selling sites that go unoccupied to Europeans who "don't know they need a reservation." 

Have stayed here a number of times in the early 90s so we found things have changed a bit in 2024. We stayed 11 nights last year because we really loved our times here in the past. 

The floods trashed the creek from the campground to the Lamar confluence. They also wiped out the water system and as of 2024 there was no water.

The floods trashed the creek from the campground to the Lamar confluence. They also wiped out the water system and as of 2024 there was no water. 

This is more like a tent CG with a few spots that'll accommodate small rvs, vans, trailers. Bigger rigs will not be able to turn around. We had some Verizon cell service at our site.

 It was very smoky when we were there which diminished the experience. The other sad note, other than the flood destroying the virtually all the fishing below the CG was the number of people coming to see the wolves from the entrance road. A large number of small tour operators bring tourists to see the wolves. So many of them that the road becomes impassable at times. Very sad to see what it's become. I'm sure we'll never be going back.

Excellent tent and RV park just passed the north entrance to YSNP. Very helpful staff and very clean restrooms/showers.

We stayed in Bridge Bay in the middle of June at site #282. This site butts up to an open field which for some could be a draw back because there's little privacy but for us we got views of the Lake which were wonderful; we were able to sit outside and enjoy the sunrise over the Lake. 

The Facilities are nice with potable water and sinks to clean dishes. There's also a few trails to hike and explore. We had an Elk walk right into the field towards sunset and graze. I'm only rating 4 stars because It's a little far from things like Old Faithful and Canyon Village, but we would stay here again.

Yellowstone is always worth the visit if presented with the opportunity and this is a really nice campground.

No crowds at all! There was a car or two that drive past. Absolutely beautiful views!

I hiked with my dag, and that made it even more fun!

Perfect location for whole park.

When cloudy and wet it's a little dark, but that's the weather's fault!

Great showers included in price and close to village for preprandial drunks

Office staff and owners are great! Areas are clean and neat.

This is a nice place to boondock. There are a few level spots up here, but the road is pretty rough and pretty steep. The view into Yellowstone is gorgeous.

Beautiful view of Yellowstone Lake right across the street! Clean and inviting surroundings, wildlife sightings, close to all the geysers. Nice marina and store. Would stay again for sure!

We got what may be the best spot in the campground or world so it’s hit and miss… you don’t get to choose.

Restrooms are clean. No running water. Must hick the water fall. It's so much fun.

We were only able to book 1 night online. However when we checked in we asked if they had an extra night & we got lucky to get one as the person in front of us canceled his reservation! So don’t give up if u can only get one night!

Loved this campsite. We were in loop J and our side was semi-private. Fires were allowed. Each campsite has a large bear box. Bathrooms were good and each location had a dishwashing station with drinking water near it. Generators not allowed from 8:00 PM-8:00Am A handful of shops around and a gas station near by. Showers were awesome & clean & they have TONS of washers & Dryers for Laundry!! By far one of the best NP campgrounds!

Based on the dispersed camping guide provided by the Forest Service office in Gardiner, you’re not supposed to camp in the spot listed on this site. Take a left off Traveltine road, go past the rock quarry to find good sites

Quiet, secluded dispersed sites about 15 minutes outside of Gardiner. No trees so it gets pretty hot without shade. There are random animal bones scattered around the sites from what I assume previous hunting trips, which is a bit eerie. 

I’d certainly stay here again for a couple nights!

Nice roads and huge beautiful sites. Being a small female solo tent camping I felt safe. There are lots of elk and rabbits.

We had site 1. The sites are close and not too big. Really the site is small. There is one bear locker, fire ring, and picnic table per site. The pit toilets were super clean and had a motion light inside them for night time. I loved hearing the rushing water all night long. The campground is very quiet. We walked the river a bit in the morning before leaving. We had no mosquitoes but when we arrived it was 46 degrees and when we left it was raining. Would stay here again. AT&T had one bar and our Verizon had no service.

The best part of the park to see wildlife is without a doubt the north end. We saw everything from elk to bears and with such close proximity to mammoth there is so much to do.

Gardiner is so close if you need a dump station or a laundry solution.

Stayed 8-1-24

Good: KOA like expected, but great view. 

Bad: Mile long dirt road to get to entrance.

Would I stay again: ?, I might try West entrance next time.

There's about three good spots up on the hill, the two out on the edge have reliable service. But as soon as you go back up a bit, it vanishes.

Stunning views of Yellowstone and the mountains. Be aware, there are NO trees, so it will get stiflingly hot with no clouds. But, close to town, and the road isn't the worst. For sure go slow, but even low clearance should be able to pick out a path.

This was the perfect place to stay for our Yellowstone trip. You are super close to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and the campground itself has incredible amenities- laundry, free showers, clean bathrooms, and stores nearby. No complaints about this campground!