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Camping near Gallatin National Forest

651 Reviews

Gallatin National Forest in Montana provides camping opportunities across both established campgrounds and dispersed sites, with options for tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. The area includes Battle Ridge Campground, Fairy Lake Campground, and Missouri Headwaters State Park, offering varying levels of amenities. Several campgrounds near Bozeman, such as Bozeman Hot Springs Campground and RV, provide full hookups for RVs, while more rustic options like Battle Ridge and Fairy Lake campgrounds offer a more primitive experience with basic facilities such as vault toilets.

Road conditions can significantly impact accessibility to camping areas, particularly at higher elevations. The 6-mile unmaintained road to Fairy Lake Campground requires careful navigation. "The drive up is very rough, most vehicles I saw were Toyotas and Subarus. 4 Wheel drive is recommended," notes one camper who visited the area. Seasonal availability varies, with many campgrounds like Battle Ridge and Fairy Lake operating only from May or July through mid-September. Winter weather closes most high-elevation sites, while valley locations such as Missouri Headwaters State Park and Bozeman Hot Springs Campground remain open year-round. Travelers should check current road status before departure, especially for remote forest locations.

Dispersed camping options provide alternatives for those seeking more solitude and fewer facilities. Free camping is available at sites like Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping and South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site, where campers can find established fire rings but minimal other amenities. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, with a camper reporting, "For sure there is 1 grizzly that's pretty big. He checked out our truck tent. Mountain Goats will come in your camp and they will do what goats do and want to check you out." Most developed campgrounds feature picnic tables and fire rings, with some offering drinking water during the operational season. Cell service is limited or non-existent in more remote camping areas, particularly at higher elevations within the national forest. Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends, especially those with water access or proximity to popular hiking trails.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gallatin National Forest (129)

    1. Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 285-3610

    $14 / 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."

    2. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV

    33 Reviews
    Gallatin Gateway, MT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-3030

    $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."

    3. Serenity Sheep Farm Stay

    7 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 580-7176

    $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)."

    4. Fairy Lake Campground

    9 Reviews
    Gallatin National Forest, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    "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."

    5. Battle Ridge Campground

    12 Reviews
    Wilsall, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    "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."

    6. Three Forks KOA Journey

    19 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 285-3611

    $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."

    7. Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Belgrade, MT
    12 miles

    "It’s also walking distance to the Fairy Lake trailhead and to the lake itself, which is very popular on the weekends. Would absolutely stay here again."

    "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."

    8. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    6 Reviews
    Bozeman, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 587-6701

    "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."

    9. Copper City BLM

    4 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 533-7600

    "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."

    10. Battle Ridge Cabin

    2 Reviews
    Wilsall, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 522-2520

    $65 / night

    "You can drive right up to the cabin. There are two wood stoves, one in the sleeping area with two bunks."

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Recent Camping Photos near Gallatin National Forest

119 Photos of 129 Gallatin National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gallatin National Forest

651 Reviews of 129 Gallatin National Forest Campgrounds

  • VanRumschpringa V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Quiet with a relatively easy approach

    The road has some potholes but nothing too problematic. There are a lot of small pull-ups and some large spaces as well. You’ll be buried deep in the woods near Bridger bowl. I camped at the trailhead for Lower South Brackett trail. I did not explore what lay beyond my site. It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke.

  • Caroline T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Hyalite Canyon Dispersed

    TENT CAMP ONLY - no drive in

    Came here looking to camp in our rooftop tent. These 3-4 camp spots are tent only because the spots are about a 5 minute walk into the woods and you cannot drive up. We unfortunately had to find camp elsewhere

  • Caroline T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

    Not what other reviews make it seem

    We came here looking for a dispersed site to camp in a rooftop tent. There was only about 3 spots all super unlevel, and seem somewhat sketchy. I didn’t feel safe camping here and we ended up going somewhere else. Not sure what these other reviews are talking about.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Hood Creek Campground

    Outstanding

    I had such a fantastic September stay at Hood Creek with gorgeous weather and peaceful views. Of all the sites only a few were undesirable with the vast majority being awesome. Signs posted this weekend that gate is closing for the season at 12:00PM 9/28/25. Never saw a forest service staff member or any representative for the recreation area this weekend. A massive bummer that boils my blood is I had no less than 5 nearby spots all reserved for multiple nights where nobody showed during the entire weekend while others strolled thru looking for a place to camp. Total garbage. Something has to improve on this because affluent people don’t give an ounce of care by booking and not using. The reservoir was nearly 25ft below full this time of year. Bathrooms were very clean but definitely stenchy. I believe that there was a water spigot there but wasn’t paying much attention to that. Overall just a tremendous place to spend a solid few days enjoying.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    I towed my small camper up the mountain fairly easily, although this is by far the roughest road I’ve encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart! I saw a couple sprinter vans coming up but no other RV’s. There are a handful of spots to camp on the way up the mountain but I found one about 1/4 mile before the campground. There is sun, shade, a fire ring and 3 other neighboring sites. 2 of those sites aren’t very accessible by car but this site is big enough for multiple vehicles. It’s also walking distance to the Fairy Lake trailhead and to the lake itself, which is very popular on the weekends. Would absolutely stay here again. No bugs, no bear scat nearby, some traffic but still private.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Battle Ridge Campground

    Great for tents

    We found this spot to be lovely but don’t go up the mountain if you have an rv. We ended up at the dead end and we had to back down our 30 foot rv down the mountain. Lots of people living at this spot in the late fall so be aware of that. Cool spot but not big rig friendly passed the main turn in area.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Fairy Lake Campground

    Gorgeous Mountains and Crystal Clear Water

    The drive up is very rough, most vehicles I saw were Toyotas and Subarus. 4 Wheel drive is recommended, however I took my Ram Promaster 3500 Campervan up to the top where the campground is. The campground is a little higher up than the lake, but the Mountain View’s are worth not having a campsite directly on the water. There is a stream that runs through a few sites tho. Anyway it was beautiful and plenty of space between other sites, but there were people there all weekend long. The weekdays we were basically alone at the campground.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Hood Creek Campground

    Views, convenience and nice sites

    About 15 miles of paved roads from Bozeman. Separated sites, most with lake views. Clean vault toilets.

Guide to Gallatin National Forest

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.

What to do

  • Explore the Lewis & Clark Caverns: This is a must-see for anyone camping at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. One camper mentioned, "Be sure to unhook and get to the caverns early in the morning to get a reservation to tour." The caverns are fascinating and offer tours that cater to different needs.
  • Enjoy hot springs: If you're near Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV, take advantage of the hot springs. One visitor said, "Between the free coffee, breakfast, & hot spring access our stay was worth it." It’s a great way to relax after a day of hiking.
  • Fishing and hiking: At Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and hiking. A reviewer noted, "The state park, campgrounds, and trails are so beautiful." Just be cautious of the mosquitoes during certain seasons!

What campers like

  • Friendly hosts: Campers at Bear Canyon Campground appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. One guest said, "The check-in process and staff were lovely," making it a pleasant experience.
  • Clean facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Three Forks KOA Journey mentioned, "The bathrooms and shower house were very clean and private," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Scenic views: Campgrounds like Hood Creek Campground offer beautiful lake views. One camper said, "The sites and bathrooms were very clean," highlighting the overall experience.

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: If you're camping at Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground, be prepared for mosquitoes. One camper warned, "The mosquitos were so bad we immediately left and found another place to stay for the night."
  • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park advised, "They do have drop-in non-reservation sites, but recommend getting reservations."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Campgrounds like Spire Rock Campground may not have water hookups. A reviewer noted, "For the price, the lack of water is not great but overall was worth it."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose campgrounds with activities: Look for places like Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV that offer family-friendly amenities. One camper said, "The kids had fun," making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for quiet time: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Battle Ridge Campground mentioned, "We thought we were going to have a nice quiet camping trip," but found it noisy due to nearby campers.
  • Pack for outdoor fun: Bring along bikes or kayaks for activities at places like Hood Creek Campground. One camper said, "Perfect get away with so many different things to do."

Tips from RVers

  • Check road conditions: Some campgrounds, like Spire Rock Campground, have rough access roads. A camper noted, "The area is stunning, but we could not get to the campground."
  • Look for full hookups: If you need full hookups, make sure to choose campgrounds like Bear Canyon Campground that offer them. One visitor appreciated the "full hook up power."
  • Be mindful of space: Campgrounds can be tight, especially at places like Three Forks KOA Journey. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are very small and very crowded," so plan accordingly.

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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