Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Cooke City, MT has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Cooke City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"The road is easy to miss, just a little dirt road off the left side of the road coming out of the NE entrance of Yellowstone 10 minutes passed Cooke city."
"Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana boarder. Most turnoffs have places for three or four different groups to camp. Some with bear boxes and some without."
$4 - $20 / night
"Colter is the best USFS campground near Cooke City. The bathrooms are clean and very well kept with hand sanitizer and welcome mats. First come is a plus for local folks."
"A little pricey at $20 but very close to Cooke City and Lamar Valley in Yellowstone. No cell service with Verizon."
"Near the town of Cooke City. Great campground with plenty of space. Bear an off-road trail. Grizzly bear country. Cooke City was great little restaurants."
"We slept in the car and put our coolers and bins in the Bear box next to the site. The campground was full of campers and wasn't too bad with the generators."
"We made the mistake of taking our TT down to the lake but missed the right turn going to the campground loop, wound up stuck at the boat launch area. DON'T make the same mistake we did."
"Take a gravel road to Lily Lake off the southern end of Beartooth Hwy."
"This site was quiet the night we stayed here and had good views of the surrounding mountains but there was a few excavating machines near the site."
"The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not to bad to get to."
"There is no dump station here, and the closest is quite a drive, so RV's need to be prepared to haul out black water."
"We entered Yellowstone through the Northeast from Silver Gate Montana to avoid traffic and locate a smaller campground. Pebble Creek was great for tent camping."
"Three have bear boxes and are right by a hiking trail. Add to this the beautiful mountains, ease of access to Yellowstone or Red Lodge, and a clean vault toilet and we would stay again."
$8 / night
"We had to get away from our reservations at big moose because of terrible conditions. We called at 6:00 at night and they brought us in. Showers were clean. Nice river on the side. Staff was great"
"Crazy Creek Campground is a nice wooded campground near the North East entrance to Yellowstone National Park. "
$20 / night
"During our visit we got to see Bison on our drive coming in, deer feeding at the edge of the campground and watched a black bear for 30 minutes just a mile down the hiking trail."
"Very nice little campground for peace and quiet away from the bustle of the main campgrounds in the park, but it is primitive. Vault toilets, no showers."
GuideSpent 3 nights at spot #12 over Labor Day weekend. Sites were tidy and bathrooms were very clean with no flies or stench. I walked around looking at the various sites and only thought 2 or 3 spots might be worthy of a 5 star. If I return I will try to snag #20 or #13. There is no camp host so nefarious folks stroll through at off hours of the night or others feel entitled to run a generator all night. This is a Forest Service campground so it is definitely a government run joint that very little funds get earmarked for upgrades and signage. It’s not directly on the lake but about 300yds away and no views from majority of the sites of the lake. The Majestic Lake trailhead is about a mile further south and that was a fun excursion for the day. I accidentally left a new hammock at the spot so if you score this enjoy!
RangerNice and quiet, friendly hosts, and lots of wildlife activity
RangerA great campground that is central to Yellowstone! Managed by the NPS, it’s a great site with great amenities! The campsite was so quiet and peaceful. Centrally located bathrooms with a wash sink and potable water. Located at the Registration building are showers and laundry (showers were included in my reservation). Not far away is the Visitor Center, stores, and restaurant. Each site has a bear box.
GuideThis site was quiet the night we stayed here and had good views of the surrounding mountains but there was a few excavating machines near the site. It was very cold at night even in August and we didn’t know this when we set up camp but there was a few Grizzly spotted on the trail around where we camped. Overall an easy close to Yellowstone campsite with good views.
TravelerCame in late on a Sunday. One spot, more or less in the parking lot was available. Not level. Spots are small and rough, I would not recommend for large rigs and trailers. Still, it’s free and the are pit toilets and it’s close to Red Lodge. Grateful to whoever manages (sort of) this place.
ScoutNice spot for a night and we saw a bear , moose and deer.
GuideYou park, and then depending on your site, you’re either directly at your campsite or you walk about 100 yards to your site. Each site is in the middle of trees and moss and directly next to the Boulder River. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site. There is enough space in the parking spaces to car camp but there is not enough space for larger rigs. There are mountains on both sides of you. Part of the road getting here is rough but doable if you drive slowly. The drive here itself is worth it. It’s quite extraordinary. The campsite is not far from the Natural Bridge. I believe there are 8 campsites. I was there on a weekend and there were sites still open. My last morning there I heard drums and so I followed the soft beats to discover a group of tribal members camping in a tipi. That was the icing on the cake for this gorgeous and simple campground. There are no trash cans so pack it in and pack it out. There is no electricity and the water spigot doesn’t work. The sites are first come and $10 a night. There is a vault toilet.
ScoutAbsolutely stunning... As we were leaving they said they were going to close the campground after next weekend (last weekend in August)
It is one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever been to.
We paddled our dogs to the islands and had the best time, saw 2 firepits on one... the hiking scenery is amazing....
RangerStaff is amazing and campground is very clean. We had a nice sized camp site. Plenty to do. Regular bathrooms and dishwashing / water areas
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to camp in Cooke City?
Summer (mid-June through early September) is prime camping season in Cooke City when temperatures are mild and access is easiest. The area sits at approximately 6,500 feet elevation, making it a refreshing escape from summer heat. Hunter Peak campground offers dramatic scenery during this perfect summer window. Late spring (late May to early June) can be beautiful but expect some facilities to be limited as they open seasonally. Crazy Creek campground provides excellent access to both Yellowstone and the Beartooths during summer months, with spectacular sunset views of Pilot Peak. Fall brings vibrant colors but increasingly cold nights, while winter camping is extremely challenging due to heavy snowfall and limited access.
Where are the best campgrounds near Cooke City, MT?
Cooke City offers excellent camping options in the Yellowstone region. Colter Campground stands out as the best USFS campground near town with clean facilities, helpful hosts, and level sites with good privacy. It's first-come, first-served and conveniently close to town. Soda Butte Campground is another great option with spacious sites near an off-road trail, though campers should note it's in grizzly bear country. For those seeking spectacular mountain views, several campgrounds along the Beartooth Highway offer scenic settings. If you prefer dispersed camping, options are available just minutes outside town off the Beartooth Scenic Byway.
Is the Colter Campground in Cooke City a good option for families?
Yes, Colter Campground is an excellent option for families visiting Cooke City. The campground features clean, well-maintained vault toilets with thoughtful touches like hand sanitizer and even decorative painted walls. The camp hosts are known for being exceptionally helpful and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Sites are level with good privacy between them, making it comfortable for family camping. While the $20 nightly fee might seem a bit high for a forest service campground, the quality of maintenance and proximity to town amenities make it worthwhile. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which can be convenient for families with flexible schedules looking to camp near Cooke City.
What RV camping options are available in Cooke City, Montana?
RV camping options near Cooke City are somewhat limited, especially for larger rigs. Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping offers dispersed camping opportunities along the highway with several turnoffs that can accommodate smaller RVs. These sites are free and first-come, first-served. For those seeking more amenities, Chief Joseph Campground can accommodate RVs and offers basic facilities including water and toilets. Be cautious when navigating to campgrounds in the area, as some roads are not suitable for larger rigs. Lily Lake area has a boat launch that can create difficulties for trailers if you miss the correct turn. Most campgrounds in this region are better suited for smaller RVs rather than big rigs.
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