181 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Gallatin Gateway, Montana provides a range of camping options located between Bozeman and the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Several established campgrounds including Spire Rock Campground, Swan Creek Campground, and Bozeman Hot Springs Campground cater to tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin accommodations. The region includes both developed facilities with amenities and more rustic options, with many campgrounds positioned along scenic waterways and mountain access points.
Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through September, though some facilities like Bozeman Hot Springs Campground remain open year-round. "Weather was nothing but nice," noted one visitor about summer conditions, though travelers should prepare for significant temperature variations, especially at higher elevations. Tent sites at many locations include fire rings and picnic tables, while RV accommodations range from basic parking to full-hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. Road access to most established campgrounds is suitable for passenger vehicles, though some dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance transportation.
Campgrounds with additional amenities tend to receive higher ratings from visitors. The Bozeman Hot Springs Campground, connected to a hot springs facility, offers unique access to multiple pools of varying temperatures. A camper described the experience as "worth the price" due to the included hot springs access. Several campgrounds feature drinking water, toilets, and trash disposal, while others provide more limited facilities. Proximity to recreational opportunities appears in multiple reviews, with visitors appreciating locations that balance natural settings with reasonable access to area attractions. Sites near water features and those with shade trees are particularly popular during warmer months. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer season when demand is highest.
"We were very close to the path to go to the hot springs which wound up being a nice feature for us, even though it meant a bit of cut-through from other campers."
"We were in a back in site that had a huge yard area and super convenient walking path to the hot springs just feet away. We went in the evening and the hot springs vibe at night is so cool."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability"If you are looking to do some night photography there are some great spots just along the river, which the campground borders, that provide some breathtaking views."
"There is also a hillside right next to the road that is perfect for exploring, making fairy houses, and spotting little troll houses."
from $26 - $50 / night
Check Availability"I talked to a long term camper that shared his favorite spot on a dirt road just past the lake. Great van parking spots. Some road side pulloffs are good for truck and trailer also."
"We stayed here for a few days off one of the main trail head. There are not many sites off the main trail head and we’re all full when we arrived."
"We love this area, and this site was fine for us...however, it is a bit of a steep walk down some steps from the parking spot to the picnic area. And again from the picnic area down to the water."
"The adjacent Hyalite Reservoir is spectacularly scenic. Bring your favorite watercraft or floaty, because you'll want to go out onto the water to explore, taking in the fantastic scenery."
from $26 - $185 / night
Check Availability"Some are drive-in or back into sites, and a few are literally next to Hyalite Creek which is an added bonus."
"We were looking for a campground near Bozeman and a friend recommended Hyalite Canyon. We lucked out finding Langohr! Wonderful and secluded camping spots, and we found one right by a river."
from $26 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Fun little hike behind the campground to see the hills and valley. Pool is great, does get busy in the middle of the day."
"This park was in a great location and overlooked the whole valley. W/E only for us but there were some full hookups. Very clean facilities and friendly staff, right down the street from Bozeman."
from $49 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms and showers are centrally located, warm, secure and clean."
"Plus Bozeman is just a short drive away. We loved spending the day browsing and dining in downtown Bozeman."
"There is also a train that passes very near the campground and can be heard at all hours of the day and night. It never woke me up but I can certainly see it being a problem."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"It’s a quiet location away from major roads. Even in summer the weather is mild so we opted for the cheaper option without electrical hookups. We then had two days I."
"The fairgrounds are pretty close to the road, but traffic sounds are not that (less than the train sounds thru the night)."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Two small loops about 1/2 mile off the highway. You feel like you’re much farther because the surroundings are gorgeous and Swan Creek blocks any noise out."
"This is one of the nicest campgrounds around Big Sky I was told, but they fill up fast! I drove through hoping I could get just one night when I really needed it and I lucked out."
from $26 / night
Check Availability
TravelerIn late out early short stay, train noise with long whistles several times during the night. Road noise too. Site was level easy to back into. No utilities late in the season
GuideA little bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip. I had a friendly neighbor who was scoping out elk for hunting season starting soon. It appeared there were only two spots by the river, both pretty large and far enough apart I felt like I had privacy. Bonus - hot springs literally less than a quarter mile up the road. I googled it and it may or may not be on private land and someone died in it… but I still dipped my toes in. The road was totally fine going into the site area until I drove into the second private site on the left. It was just a bit bumpy and I wouldn’t drive a trailer through it. There seemed to be additional pull off spots to camp on the road above, but they definitely lacked any privacy or space to spread out at all. Otters, birds and apparently crawfish. Very little shoreline, so no real rock combing. Amazing sunset. Bees were present. I slept in my car but could have put out a tent easily and would have been comfortable minus the cold.
TravelerSide by side camping for $120per night (senior rate) but all that’s open end of season. Upside I guess it’s it’s close to park, convenient to town and easy in and out.
LegendLarge open area. Each site has a picnic table, bear storage, and fire pit. No privacy from camp site to campsite. Each area is pretty flat and level though! pit toilet was pretty gross (not the worst) but there was pee, and poop on the seat.
TravelerWe camped one night in a tent in site #12. Luckily it was a cool evening because the scent of the vault toilet wafted over our site off and on. Can't imagine being here on a hot humid day in the summer. I'm sure this campground is fine for overnight if you are self contained in an RV. Good if you don't want to be too far off the Interstate but also don't want the traffic noise.
LegendYou are surrounded by very pretty mountains at this camp. Had some snow, but its starting to melt. No issues with bugs.
Had a hard time getting my van flat. Had a few other people at the camp while we were there.
It had a few bear bins sprinkled throughout along with some pit toilets.
Had great sky clearing for the starlink.
GuideThe road up is steep and very bumpy and the spots are limited but if you can find a spot, the view is spectacular. There are several spots for RVs but most seem to be for tent camping.
GuideWe are here in October and we are getting snow I love it. Only 3 other campers here. .the dogs just run. Getting about 6 inches of snow. Going to hike some trails tomorrow. We have AT&T and there is cell service but we also have Starlink. No water this time of year and there is only 1 pit toilet...across the campground. It would not be a place I would stay in summer....no trees I'm not a fan of seeing all the campers. Looks like pretty decent gravel sites. We do have electric. The rangers are very nice.
ScoutWe got here after dark and were very confused by the no trespassing signs and small pull offs. We didn’t go very high up on the road but camped right where the pin was set up. Gorgeous in the morning and very quiet peaceful place to stay for the night. Not necessarily “camping” with room to move around or set up but easy for one night.
Camping spots near Gallatin Gateway, Montana offer varied terrain across the foothills of the Gallatin Range with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet. Most dispersed camping areas follow Forest Service roads like FS 1046, while established sites typically stay open from mid-May through mid-September depending on snowmelt conditions. Water availability changes drastically throughout the season, with creeks often running high during June and early July.
Fishing access points: Swan Creek Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities with sites positioned directly along the water. One camper noted, "The river is stunning and makes for great fishing!" Many spots include direct water access from individual campsites.
Hiking nearby trailheads: Spire Rock Campground serves as a convenient base for hiking, located near multiple trailheads. A visitor shared, "There's several trailheads on that road (I'd recommend Garnet Mtn; great views at the top!), so that was great." Most trails are accessible from May through October, with peak wildflower season in July.
Hot springs relaxation: Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park offers access to multiple soaking pools. A camper explained, "The hot springs vibe at night is so cool. Propane flames and soft music are all around. It's amazing." Access to the hot springs facility comes with your campsite reservation.
Creek-side camping: Swan Creek's sites offer direct creek access and natural sound barriers. One visitor remarked, "Every site has easy access to the freezing cold but crystal clear creek." The flowing water helps mask any distant highway noise for better sleep.
Privacy between sites: Spire Rock Campground features well-separated sites in a forested setting. A camper described, "All the sites are fairly private, nestled in the mountains among the trees and alongside a stream." This design creates natural boundaries between camping areas.
Clean facilities: Hood Creek Campground maintains well-kept vault toilets and organized sites. A reviewer stated, "Separated sites, most with lake views. Clean vault toilets." Many campgrounds in the area have regular host visits to maintain facilities.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires careful driving. A visitor to Spire Rock warned, "The dirt road was so pockmarked we had to turn w[around]. Our campervan felt like it was going to tip over because of the ruts." Higher clearance vehicles are recommended for certain forest service roads.
Bear safety requirements: Food storage regulations are strictly enforced. A Swan Creek visitor mentioned, "My only concern is my site seemed to be the only one without a bear box and there are a million warnings that they are mandatory." Most established campgrounds provide bear-proof containers.
Train noise: Bear Canyon Campground experiences railway disruptions. A camper reported, "I am writing this in the middle of the night because I am awake due to another train." Sites farther from town generally have less noise interference.
Swimming options: Hood Creek offers water recreation opportunities for children. A visitor shared, "The group camp site sits off to the side of most of the individual sites and it's right on the reservoir. We camped with nine other families and a plethora of kids between us." Swimming areas vary in temperature and depth.
Playground availability: Campgrounds closer to Bozeman typically offer more structured activities. One Bear Canyon camper noted, "Beautiful sunsets, clean bathrooms and laundry room. Pool is great, does get busy in the middle of the day." Some sites include both natural play areas and built facilities.
Creek exploration: Hyalite Canyon Dispersed camping offers creek access for nature discovery. A visitor mentioned, "Dispersed camping all along a pass through the canyon. Very remote and private." These sites provide natural environments for outdoor learning.
Site leveling challenges: Fairground camping offers the flattest surfaces. A visitor to Gallatin County Fairgrounds Campground noted, "The sites are flat," while warning that "Some sites are gravel, some are on asphalt." Bring leveling blocks for more rustic sites.
Campsite size limitations: Bear Canyon Campground has tight spacing for larger rigs. A reviewer cautioned, "The entrance is quite tricky and very steep. We missed the entrance and had to find a place to unhook and turn around. (We're in a 36' RV pulling a Jeep)." Check site dimensions before booking.
Hookup variations: Availability differs significantly between campgrounds. A Bozeman Hot Springs visitor explained, "Overall the place is cute and clean. It is well taken care of. They let us check in early and the laundromat on site was a plus." Most full-service sites require advance reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping spots in Gallatin Gateway, Montana?
Gallatin Gateway offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Red Cliff Campground is located just south of Big Sky, about 10 minutes from town supplies. For those seeking a magical mountain experience, Fairy Lake Campground provides stunning views of surrounding mountains and forests with access to a crystal-clear lake. Additional options include Hyalite Canyon for dispersed camping, Swan Creek Campground with reservable sites and water access, and Spire Rock Campground along the river which is great for those traveling through the area.
What amenities are available at Gallatin Gateway campgrounds?
Spire Rock Campground offers toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, with beautiful riverside spots perfect for night photography. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV provides full hookup sites and the added luxury of access to hot springs facilities. Many area campgrounds include basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings. Eagle Creek Campground has 16 sites with beautiful mountain views, while Missouri Headwaters State Park offers large campsites in a remote setting. Some campgrounds provide water access, though availability varies seasonally.
What camping is available near Gallatin Gateway, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gallatin Gateway, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 181 campgrounds and RV parks near Gallatin Gateway, MT and 32 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gallatin Gateway, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gallatin Gateway, MT is Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gallatin Gateway, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 32 free dispersed camping spots near Gallatin Gateway, MT.
What parks are near Gallatin Gateway, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Gallatin Gateway, MT that allow camping, notably Gallatin National Forest and Custer Gallatin National Forest.
Keep Exploring
