Are you in need of a campground near Fishtail, MT? Fishtail is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Fishtail, MT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Custer National Forest Rattin Campground
47 min away
Limber Pine
54 min away
"Sign said tent camping only but I stayed one night in my Sprinter van with no problem. Did not use vault toilet so cannot speak to its condition."
"Lovely spot near a river. Lots of space. Road was a bit rough in the back."
"We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect."
"National forest so it was open and free to whoever. Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana boarder."
"Only four or five spots right next to the river but plenty of open spots in the field next to where people Park their boats."
"Several areas for campers and travel trailers and even big rigs and popular area for fishing so rather than normal BLM 14 days it's a 7-Day Max but it's beautiful just next to the river so you can hear"
"There are no facilities whatsoever, make sure to pack everything out and stock up on gas and supplies before heading out there!"
"Very easy to get to with several camping and RV areas although little shade."
"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."
"Warning: google maps will take you down a small road with houses. Skip that one. Continue straight on the main road and it will have a turn off for the camp. "
"You park, and then depending on your site, you’re either directly at your campsite or you walk about 100 yards to your site."
GuideWe were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect. A nice pull off with several options to park a van, tent, or small trailer or RV. We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley. Wish we could have seen the surrounding area in the daylight but we got in late and were out early. From what we saw we highly recommend it!! It is dispersed Forest Service camping so you will need to have all of your own supplies and be sure to leave no trace (including your poop)
LegendCamp among wide meadows, lush forests, towering peaks and wildlife
Yellowstone National Park's back-country site 2S1 is definitely the most amazing back-country site our Venturing Crew has backpacked to this summer, and we have been to quiet a few. Back-country site 2S1 is located along Slough Creek in a beautiful valley where Sandhill Cranes calls fill the valley in the evening and early morning. It is a 4.3 mile hike along the Slough Creek Trail to the spur trail for site 2S1, then a.6 mile hike to the campsite. Being.6 miles from the trail would usually mean solitude, but this site appears to be a popular fishing location as well as their was always someone fishing in the area. But don't worry, the campsite is fairly hidden from the creek and those fishing were very considerate. The campsite has numerous flat locations to pitch a tent. Their is a pole suspended between two trees for handing your food, but you don't need to use it as a bear proof locker has been placed at the site. A rock fire ring is available for fires and has large logs on two sides to sit on. Plenty of firewood is available in the form of large trees that are scattered on the ground through out the area, just find one of the older ones that are rotting and pull them apart and in a few minutes you have a nice pile of wood that will start easy. You don't need much wood at any one time on the fire to have a nice hot fire as this dry rotted wood really burns hot. If you are planning on having a fire be sure to bring a container to bring water from the creek to put it out with, as you are at least 50 yards from the creek. The view is amazing from camp, a wondering creek going though a wide valley with steep mountains on each side. In the evening we were treated to the alpine glow on the mountain tops for a good 15 minutes. Do you want to see wildlife, well we say plenty on this backpack trip. Hundreds of bison on the drive to the trail head, watched a black bear munching on various vegetation 100 feet from the trail, a young fox walked right by us on the trail, squirrels, chipmunks, a badger, sandhill cranes and other song birds as well. To get to back-country site 2S1 start at Slough Creek Trail head(2K5) and hike the 4.3 miles to the spur trail to the campsite. You will have one hard climb right of the bat, the first.7 miles is a steep climb, after that it is a easy hike. A warning, don't be shocked when you see lots of tourist heading out on the trail completely unprepared. We are talking about hiking in flip flops, no water, no bear spray, and this on a steep trail to start where we spotted the bear along the trail edge.8 miles in.
Ranger review of the Morsel Spork XL
We have been using the Morsel XL spork with out Scouts on several backpacking trips this summer and the unanimous opinion is a big thumbs up. We have used our Morsels with MRE's, and they truly out perform compared to the plastic spoon those meals provide. With backpacking dehydrated meals we are able to get out every little bit out of the corners of the bag without getting our hands messy. Bowls, cups, and plates, no problem getting to all the food, which makes clean-up after a meal easier. The variety of colors is helpful as well, as we can give each scout a different color so no one confuses their Morsel with anyone else, and we can quickly figure out who dropped theirs or left it laying around. The Morsel Spork XL is now our go to utensil for our backpacking adventures.
TravelerThis was hands-down one of the best campsite areas I ever found. National forest so it was open and free to whoever. 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. Most are only a rocks throw from water. Crazy creek is a waterfall area across from crazy Creek Campground. Very worth the short hike. Yellowstone is only 10 or 15 miles to the west and the town of Cook City is there if you need any basic supplies.
GuideWe had our itinerary set to stay at this site and then the weather turned terrible and it started snowing. We only had a tent with us and the wind was whipping so we had to pack up and head to Red Lodge. I was SOO disappointed because I had been so excited to spend the night here. Unfortunately I couldn’t convince nature to cooperate. We already have plans to buy a camper van and return to this site next year because the view is worth the trip!
GuideTurn left not right. 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. No service but the bistro in Cooke city will give you WiFi if you eat there and that helped us get our navigation. This is my favorite place by far. The photos will show you why.
TravelerNot really any established sites from what we found, but it was a great place to stop for the night and very private.
We stopped on a Thursday and had the area all to ourselves. There are no facilities whatsoever, make sure to pack everything out and stock up on gas and supplies before heading out there!
The view is gorgeous, the river is lovely and the boat "ramp" makes for great water access.
There are train tracks nearby, which wasn't necessarily negative for us since we live next to train tracks at home .
LegendVery easy to get to with several camping and RV areas although little shade. Great cell service out here but this is completely self-contained BLM land and since it's a fishing access spot stays are limited to 7 days. There are a couple of areas right next to the river if you go down some steep hills for the more intrepid campers. There's also a great ramp for launching boats or kayaks or fishing from. Yellowstone on one side and beautiful mountains on the other and it's free!
GuideRough camp. No amenities. Not large enough for motor home. But ok for pull camper. First come first serve. Looking for that free spot. Between the hotels and hassle.
GuideWe intended to stay on the other side of the road, (river side) but missed the turn. We stumbled on this trailhead/OHV site and ended up staying here for the night. There are multiple dispersed sites that back up to the Pilot Creek Trail. Plenty of spots in the grass for big rigs and trailers. We ended up near the horse coral/bathroom (vaulted toilet), not ideal but worked in a pinch. Lots of mosquitos. Some sites have bear boxes.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Fishtail, Montana, where nature's tranquility meets adventure. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Absarokee, Montana?
There are several excellent dispersed camping options near Absarokee. Falls Creek offers tent camping sites along the Boulder River with picnic tables, fire rings, and bear boxes. The campground has 8 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Another great option is Otter Creek Fishing Access, which provides several camping areas suitable for various setups from tents to big rigs. Located right next to the river, it offers beautiful views and tranquil surroundings, though it has a 7-day maximum stay limit rather than the typical 14-day BLM limit.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Fishtail?
Dispersed camping sites near Fishtail offer minimal amenities, staying true to their primitive nature. At Buffalo Jump Camp, you'll find basic facilities common to the area's dispersed sites. Some locations like Cliff Swallow may feature fire rings and cleared tent areas. Most dispersed sites in the region don't provide potable water, restrooms, or garbage service - you'll need to pack in water and pack out all trash. While some sites have established fire rings, always check current fire restrictions. Cell service is generally limited throughout the area, so plan accordingly for emergency communication.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Fishtail, Montana area?
Dispersed camping regulations in the Fishtail area generally follow standard public land protocols. At Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping, camping is free on national forest land with several spots available just off the highway. Most locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. Stay limits typically range from 7-14 days depending on the specific area. For backcountry sites in nearby Yellowstone National Park, permits are required. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, properly store food to prevent wildlife encounters, and fully extinguish campfires.
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