Dispersed camping near Custer Gallatin National Forest provides access to over 3.1 million acres of wilderness across southern Montana. The forest's elevation ranges from 4,600 to 12,800 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations even during summer months. Primitive camping options include both designated campgrounds and numerous dispersed sites along forest roads where campers can experience Montana's diverse ecosystems.
What to do
Creek activities: Eagle Creek Campground offers excellent water access for cooling off during hot summer days. "Great creek on one side. Small creek runs along the campground," notes one visitor who appreciated the water feature. Many campers enjoy watching their children play in the creek, with one reviewer mentioning, "Kids play in creek and build rock dams."
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple trailheads connect directly to camping areas for day hikes through alpine meadows. At Langohr Campground, "There are several short stroller or handicap accessible hikes or awesome single track hikes or mountains biking." Another camper adds, "You can take a walk along the Hyalite Creek or drive 3.5 miles south down to Hyalite Reservoir."
Stargazing opportunities: With limited light pollution, the area provides exceptional night sky viewing. According to a camper at Langohr Campground, "The night sky was pretty spectacular especially with the trees around on a clear day." Another camper at Eagle Creek noted the "great view of the night sky" from their site.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation from other campers. At Eagle Creek Campground Custer Gallatin National Forest, one camper mentioned, "This is a gov run site that has bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site for $15 per night (half off if you have an America the beautiful pass)!" The campground "isn't quite as remote as some of the other sites in the area and feels very safe as a single female camper!"
Wildlife viewing: The forest provides habitat for diverse wildlife. One camper at WF1 Backcountry Campsite reported, "Yellowstone National Parks back country campsite WF1 sits on the edge of a large meadow of wildflowers with amazing views of the mountains to the west." The reviewer added it's "about a 2.2 mile hike to the campsite from the trail head."
Equestrian amenities: Multiple sites support equestrian camping near Custer Gallatin National Forest. A camper at Wapiti Cabin stated, "I stayed on several of the free sites, its my favorite place to camp." Another visitor to the area commented on the "large turn around area for trucks with trailers" that accommodates horse rigs.
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Mountain weather patterns create significant temperature swings, even in summer. At Yellowstone Park-Mountainside KOA, a camper reported, "The morning after our stay on June 6, it snowed!" Pack accordingly with layers and cold-weather gear even for summer trips.
Limited connectivity: Most forest sites have minimal or no cellular coverage. One camper noted, "No at&t like in the Yellowstone," while others mentioned the lack of signal creates "a truly disconnected wilderness experience."
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds can be challenging. A reviewer mentioned, "The road up to the campground can be washboard, depending on the time of year." Another noted, "Getting to the campground requires a steep 2 mile drive which the road recommends 4 wheel drive for to help with the incline and to prevent washboard."
Bear safety requirements: This is active bear country requiring proper food storage. A visitor explained, "This is bear territory so all food must be locked in a car or the provided bear proof lockers provided." Multiple campgrounds offer bear boxes at individual sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select campgrounds with amenities. One parent at Langohr Campground shared, "We camped here for one night in May. The road is easily accessible." Another mentioned their "daughters and I are tenters. We love the KOA campsites for their amenities and generally above primitive camping features."
Plan for temperature extremes: Even summer camping requires cold-weather preparation for children. A camper noted the importance of "appropriate preparation" as temperatures occasionally dropped "into the 30s even in August."
Look for water features: Streams provide natural entertainment for children. At Eagle Creek, "Small creek runs along the campground" where "kids play in creek and build rock dams," creating hours of entertainment without electronic devices.
Tips from RVers
Bring leveling equipment: Many sites have uneven parking surfaces. A reviewer noted, "Our site for our pop up was basically a little dirt pull through along the main road." Another mentioned needing to park "in the middle of the slot so we barely have enough room for the pick up."
Secure reservations early: Popular RV-friendly campgrounds fill quickly, especially those near Yellowstone. "Must reserve like 6 months ahead," advised one camper at Langohr Campground.
Check site sizes before booking: RV site dimensions vary significantly throughout the forest. "Lots of tent spaces" exist at most campgrounds, but RV sites can be limited. One camper mentioned some sites are "pull-in and others are pull-through" with varying lengths.
