Glamping sites near Custer Gallatin National Forest offer sophisticated outdoor accommodations ranging from 4,500 to 7,000 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically remain between 65-80°F during the day and drop to 40-50°F at night. The region receives 15-20 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests and meadows perfect for upscale outdoor stays. Many luxury glamping options sit within a 30-mile radius of forest access points, making them convenient basecamps for exploration.
What to do
**Wildlife watching tours: Arrange guided wildlife excursions from your glamping location to spot elk, moose, and bears. At Mammoth Campground, visitors experience remarkable wildlife sightings: "We heard wolves and moose during the night. No light or noise pollution," reports Kimberly Y.
**Fishing access: Cast a line in the region's premier trout waters near luxury accommodations. A visitor to Spire Rock Campground shared, "Our site (#2) with creek access in our site was perfect. The views were stunning, the hosts were friendly, and the toilets were the cleanest we've ever seen."
**Morning yoga sessions: Start your day with sunrise stretching on your private deck or in designated wellness areas. At Yellowstone Dreamin Camp, "The deck off the front was ideal for sitting or practicing yoga," notes one camper who appreciated the morning mountain views from their glamping tent.
**Stargazing: Take advantage of the area's minimal light pollution for spectacular night sky viewing. "The stars at night are worth the open space, the view is incredible," writes Nicole D. about the open-sky experience at Mammoth Campground.
What campers like
**Private accommodations: Glamping offers more seclusion than traditional campgrounds. Near Hood Creek Campground, "You get an entire point/peninsula to yourself with a perfect view of the mountains! Put your paddle board/kayak or whatever's in right there. A few great hammock trees," shares Laura C. about her favorite site.
**Riverside locations: Many luxury sites feature water access. At Red Cliff Campground, "We camped in the section right along the river with electric hookups—such a great spot. Water is available at nearby spigots, and our site had plenty of space plus a small trail that led down to the river," explains Stefanie I.
**Comfortable bedding: High-quality sleeping arrangements distinguish glamping from standard camping. A visitor to Yellowstone Dreamin Camp mentions the accommodations were "super comfortable" with "2 beds (super comfortable and well dressed), refrigerator, couch, writing table and electric fireplace."
**Community amenities: Shared spaces enhance the glamping experience. According to a visitor, "There is also a small building with a coffee/tea machine and another small refrigerator" at Yellowstone Dreamin Camp, providing convenient refreshment options without leaving the property.
What you should know
**Reservation timing: Book glamping accommodations 4-6 months in advance for peak summer seasons. At Indian Creek Campground, a camper notes, "This is one of the best campgrounds in Yellowstone. It is secluded, and recently renovated. It is close to Mammoth and everything on the North end, plus most people ignore its existence. Unfortunately (or fortunately) you cannot reserve here."
**Bear safety protocols: Proper food storage is mandatory at all sites in the region. "The camp host really stressed being bear aware, as this is grizzly country and he said they definitely do come through the camp on occasion. So have your bear spray ready and know how to handle your food to keep yourself safe," advises a camper at Spire Rock Campground.
**Road conditions: Access to some luxury sites requires navigating unpaved roads. At Madison Arm Resort, a visitor warns: "So don't use GPS to navigate to it will take you on a brutal 6 mile unkept dirt road. There is an easy route in ask for directions."
**Seasonal availability: Most glamping operations run May through September. According to signs posted at Hood Creek Campground, "gate is closing for the season at 12:00PM 9/28/25," showing the typical end-of-season timing for many facilities in the area.
Tips for camping with families
**Kid-friendly water activities: Select sites with safe swimming or wading areas. Near Beaver Creek Campground, "We had a great experience! We took our whole family, multiple tents, and dogs. We were in one of the group sites (#2) with creek access in our site it was perfect," reports Jeni W.
**Pack for temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights can drop below 50°F in this region. One visitor to Langohr Campground recalled, "A thunderstorm rolled through the canyon the night that we were there. Fortunately we stayed dry inside of our tent," highlighting the importance of weather-ready gear.
**Take advantage of ranger programs: Educational activities enhance family glamping trips. At Indian Creek Campground, a visitor mentioned, "We even had a fox visit our site, but it was a little too clean for him or her to find a reason to stay. The camp rangers and hosts were very nice."
**Check for family discount packages: Some glamping operations offer special rates for children or family groups. At Yellowstone Park West Gate KOA Holiday, they provide "lots of activities for the kids. Lots of trees, clean, relaxing. We have been there 3 times twice as tent campers and once as RV camper. They have everything you need to enjoy camping," according to Sandy M.
Tips from RVers
**Electric hookup availability: Several glamping operations accommodate RVs with partial services. At Red Cliff Campground, "Sights 1-26 have electric, and all sights feel private. The website says first come, first serve, although many sites had a reservation tag," notes Soren B.
**Water fill stations: Plan water usage carefully as full hookups are limited. At Madison Arm Resort, "Second time we stayed here, first time was in the back by the road and yes there were a few rigs and atvs but was more quiet than most campgrounds with regular traffic. Second time we had a spot on the lake, great access to the beach and a couple trails for walking the dogs," shares Don R.
**Maneuvering large rigs: Research campsite dimensions and access roads before booking. "Very good location, pretty level, fairly close to other campers but not terrible. We would stay here again," reports Terri S. about accommodating their RV at Mammoth Campground.
