Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Custer Gallatin National Forest
Travertine Road Dispersed Camping offers free pet-friendly camping near the Yellowstone National Park entrance. Several sites suitable for tents accommodate dogs on leashes, with no specified pet limits found in campground policies. Canyon Campground, located 16 miles from Gardiner, provides additional pet-friendly options with designated sites nestled between large boulders that many dogs enjoy exploring. The campground charges $10 per night ($5 with America the Beautiful pass) and includes bear boxes at each site, important for pet owners carrying dog food. Carbella Rec Site features riverfront camping where pets can cool off in the Yellowstone River during hot summer months. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes at each location, with most spots spaced adequately to prevent pets from neighboring campsites bothering each other.
Yellowstone River access at Carbella Recreation Area provides excellent opportunities for dogs that enjoy water, though owners should be cautious of the current which moves at a swift pace during certain seasons. The nearby hiking trails in Custer-Gallatin National Forest accommodate leashed pets, offering alternatives to Yellowstone National Park's strict pet restrictions. Mammoth Campground, though located within Yellowstone, allows pets but significantly restricts where they can go within the park boundaries. Pet owners should prepare for wildlife encounters by keeping dogs securely leashed and storing pet food in provided bear boxes. Extreme temperature fluctuations in the region require preparation—vehicles can quickly become dangerous for pets during summer visits, while winter camping necessitates appropriate gear for dogs accompanying overnight trips. The boulders at Canyon Campground provide interesting terrain for dogs to explore while remaining within the designated camping areas.
