Glamping options near Cooke City, Montana tend to cluster along the Beartooth Highway corridor at elevations between 8,000-10,000 feet. High-elevation camping in this region requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below freezing even in summer months. The glamping season runs shorter than standard camping options due to mountain weather patterns, with many sites closing by mid-September.
What to do
Hiking from campgrounds: At Beartooth Lake Campground, trails connect directly to accommodations. "We took a hike to the backside of the lake which had numerous shallow creek crossings and great vistas across the lake," notes Kathryn N. The campground provides access to multiple alpine lakes with hiking options for various skill levels.
Fly fishing opportunities: Castle Rock offers riverside access with dedicated fishing platforms. "This quaint little campground is easy to get to right off the gravel road. It sits right next to the stillwater river. There's a really cool, elevated cement lookout area next to the river to set up your chairs and fish," explains Kathi F.
Paddleboarding on alpine lakes: Island Lake Campground provides water access for paddlers. "We paddled our dogs to the islands and had the best time," shares Bettina S. The crystal-clear water allows for excellent visibility, with several islands accessible by watercraft.
What campers like
High-elevation camping experience: The mountain setting creates distinctive camping conditions. "Phenomenal camping in the Beartooth Wilderness. Up over 9000 feet, prepare for cold nights and large mosquitoes in the summer. Don't let this turn you away though, as the mountain views and air are worth it," advises Nicholas G. from Beartooth Lake.
Creekside sites: Several campgrounds feature sites adjacent to flowing water. At Emerald Lake Campground, "We had a great time. Situated between emerald lake and west rosebud lake with a creek going next to half the camp spots," explains Steven K. Creek access provides both ambient sound and practical water filtration opportunities.
Wildlife viewing: Glamping accommodations near Cooke City place visitors in prime wildlife habitat. "The campground is very clean, with access to water and vault toilets that are well maintained. It was nearly full when my friend and I went and it still felt like we had privacy," reports Alyssa S. about her Beartooth Lake experience.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: The Beartooth region has active bear populations requiring specific precautions. "A well named campground as the grizzly bear activities in the campground precluded us actually spending the night in the campground in July of 2015. The ranger actually closed the campground down as we were pulling up, saying poor camper habits with food storage had attracted a sow and cub to the campground," warns Annie C. about Beartooth Lake.
Weather variability: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. "We came to Beartooth Lake via Red Lodge on the Beartooth Highway. It's a remarkable drive with views for days," shares Kathryn N., while others note that summer nights can drop below freezing.
No cell service: Most glamping sites lack connectivity. "No service with Verizon," reports Angela G. about Beartooth Lake, while Jacee R. mentions that at Castle Rock there's "no cell service for MILES in any direction." Preparation for offline experiences is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Swim spots for children: Castle Rock offers natural swimming areas. "Across the river is a rock ledge swimmers use to dive off of into a deep pool," mentions Kathi F. These natural features provide recreational opportunities beyond standard glamping amenities.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some locations provide specific facilities for children. At Perry's RV and Campgrounds, "we had the only kids onsite but quickly found out from other campers this is a site that has repeat visitors and most were older travelers or bikers. Kids are welcome!" reports Kim B.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas. Danae P. advises, "bring bug repellent, lots of bugs" when visiting Island Lake, while Kim B. warns about Perry's: "The mosquitoes in the area can carry you away so prepare your campsite for that."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to glamping sites vary considerably. "The road can be a bit rough," notes Angela G. about Beartooth Lake, while Ben R. shares a caution about Island Lake: "When looking for out in-laws campsite we went on loop an and almost tipped out camper with how bad the dips in the road were. Scary way to start our trip."
Site size considerations: Most glamping-friendly campgrounds accommodate moderate-sized RVs. At Perry's RV and Campgrounds, "the facility is awesome and the sites at the bottom of the hill by the creek are amazing. Makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere," according to Nick M.
Generator restrictions: Power management requires planning. At Beartooth Lake, generators may be restricted, with most sites lacking hookups. RVers should prepare for self-contained operation with properly charged batteries.
