Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gallatin National Forest, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gallatin National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Gallatin National Forest and user-submitted reviews.
$18 - $30 / night
"This campsite is located in a beautiful remote area of Montana, only a short hike away from the beginning of the Missouri River. Large site. The only problem was there were many mosquitoes."
"We stayed at Site 16, which is at the far end of the campground and felt nicely tucked away."
$45 - $100 / night
"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."
$30 / night
"After driving 12k miles this place was a perfect place for our first night in Montana—open skies, mountain views, and the calming presence of farm animals all around. It truly lives up to its name!"
"We had plenty of space to set up our tent and we felt comfortable leaving it set up to eat at one of the local spots in the nearby town (~15 min away)."
"Fairy Lake Campground is hands down my favorite campground I’ve ever visited."
"Sites were readily available the night we stayed, about 12 in the main campground and several more sites with fire rings outside by the trail entrance."
"Not all the cars in our group made it up, so for some of us it was a walk, but doable. Great sites for tents, as well as hammocks. It was clean, everyone was very respectful around us."
"Close to nice trails and fishing, clean bathrooms and fire pits. No water or power."
$58 - $70 / night
"Park for children
Great walking paths
Fire pit accessible
Trash and dumpsters."
"New KOA owner here very friendly and all around awesome. Though spot close quarters tight turns."
"There is a Meadow about 4 miles in front of the highway that has at least 3 dispersed sites. I went to the one furthest from the dirt road and had nice shade and privacy here."
"This is an amazing camp spot that is almost almost to the top of the trail to fairy Lake campground. There’s an established firing, and there’s room for multiple vehicles."
"Gorgeous campsite only 20ish min from the outskirts of Bozeman. Stopped in for 1 night passing through on a bigger road trip and couldn’t be luckier with this location. Fire rings at all campsites."
"I went for a little walk in the woods and saw a black bear (keep your food and trash stored safe!) No amenities of course but most sites have a fire ring already there."
"Lots of open space and locations to pull out--beautiful views as well! To access this place we went towards Copper City Trail Head, and drove by the entrance onto BLM lands."
$65 / night
"You can drive right up to the cabin. There are two wood stoves, one in the sleeping area with two bunks."
GuideThis was a relatively normal campground, with a decent, but small, level back-in site, full hook ups, and relatively clean bathroom. BUT, access to the Hot Springs facility next door was next level (and why this campground was substantially more expensive, at least in our experience). Additionally, there was live music on the night we were there, which was an added bonus. The facility had swimming pools, hot and cold tubs, a steam room, and my favorite, a properly hot sauna. The facility caters to local members, so it is very clean and nicely managed. The cost may prevent a multiple night stay, but for an evening after a few nights of boondocking...why not?
ScoutThe campground is right off the interstate and noisy. The worst part is their filthy bathrooms! We wouldn’t step foot in them they were so bad. Few trees, bits of shade.
TravelerThere is so much for families at this park. It’s clean, friendly and nice.
TravelerThe road is very rutted but even sedans are able to make the drive in. When you get to the sites, you must park at the top of the hill and lug all your gear down to the creek which is a pain if you are needing to make multiple trips. There are 3 main sites, 2 of which are pretty close together. All was well until a huge group of loud and disrespectful college kids came and partied till 3am. Loud music, yelling and their dogs were off lead so constantly in our site. One of their dogs came and peed on one of our backpacks. It was awful and if we go back, we will be setting up tents and staying in each site if possible, just to avoid that nonsense again. I wouldn't recommend.
RangerVery busy road with lots of mountain bikers and campers. Gorgeous canyon to camp in though!
GuidePerfect spot for the night trains every half hour is why I have it 4/5 stars
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 .
GuideI found it easy enough to find a level spot where I could leave my little camper connected to the TV. Plenty of space. It is close to the train track and you can see the trucks in the freeway.
Editing to add: the road is a bit rough, not well maintained but I’m sure you could drive a big rig in here just take it slow.
I’m here in a Tuesday evening towards the end of August and it’s essentially bug free. The only noise I hear is vehicles on the freeway. I think there are two other vehicles staying overnight.
The actual location of the boat landing is (45.7088104, -110.3492486)
RangerI was torn between 3 or 4 stars since there are no bathrooms, but it is right in Bozeman and there are not many places to stay. There is electric if needed. The fairgrounds are pretty close to the road, but traffic sounds are not that (less than the train sounds thru the night).
Camping near Gallatin National Forest, Montana, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Gallatin National Forest, Montana, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to prepare for the unique quirks of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots in Gallatin National Forest?
Gallatin National Forest offers several exceptional camping spots with unique features. Fairy Lake Campground is a standout choice with stunning mountain views, dense forest surroundings, and crystal-clear waters - though the access road requires 4WD vehicles, especially in wet conditions. For easier access, Langohr Campground is about 20 minutes south of Bozeman on Hyalite Canyon Road, featuring 19 spacious sites along Hyalite Creek in a serene open meadow setting. Both offer beautiful natural surroundings with proximity to water features. For those seeking riverside camping options, several campgrounds throughout the forest provide access to premier fishing and water activities.
What activities can I do while camping in Gallatin National Forest?
Gallatin National Forest offers abundant recreational opportunities for campers. Fishing is extremely popular, with Spire Rock Campground providing excellent river access for anglers. Hiking trails abound throughout the forest, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, particularly near Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground, where you can also explore the historic beginning of the Missouri River. Photography enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in the diverse landscapes. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV trails are available in designated areas. For relaxation after outdoor adventures, visit the nearby hot springs. Winter brings opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on designated routes. Always check seasonal trail conditions and access before planning activities.
What permits do I need for camping in Gallatin National Forest?
Most developed campgrounds in Gallatin National Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis with standard fees, though some may require reservations during peak season. Greek Creek Campground, a small 15-site campground split across both sides of Highway 191, requires the standard amenity fee for overnight stays. For dispersed camping in the forest, a free permit is not typically required, but campers should follow the 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Goose Bay Marina and Campground offers nearby primitive camping options that are free to use. Special permits may be required for large group gatherings or commercial activities. Always check with the local ranger district office for the most current information before your trip.
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