Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site

## Overview

Little Bear Cabin was built in 1938 and still looks much the same as it did back then. It is available year-round for recreationists, as well as for those who seek a quiet mountain retreat. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle during the summer and fall (June 16th - December 31st) weather and snow conditions permitting, but winter access requires snowmobiling or skiing 10 miles from the paved road. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

Several multi-use trails and roads crisscross the area, ideal for motorcycle and off-road vehicle riding, mountain biking and hiking. Winter activities include snowshoeing,snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The area surrounding the cabin is popular with hunters in the fall.

## Facilities

The cabin has a bunk bed downstairs and two beds in the loft, each with mattresses, to sleep up to four people. There is a wood cook stove which provides some heat, but it may not be sufficient in extremely cold temperatures. A table with chairs, broom,dustpan and snow shovel are provided. A campfire ring and outhouse with vault toilet are located outside the cabin.Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring their own drinking water, as well as fire starters (matches and newspaper), bedding, dish soap, flashlights or lanterns and extra toilet paper, among other necessities. The cabin must be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving.

## Natural Features

The cabin sits atop a grassy knoll on a small ridge near the north end of the Gallatin Range, offering views of Gallatin Valley and the Bridger Range. Stands of mixed conifer surround the cabin. Wildlife in the surrounding area includes grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and Canada lynx. Birders may see a wide variety of bird species.

Little Bear Cabin

## Overview

Mystic Lake Cabin was built in 1930 and is currently open year-round. It provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting and exploration of numerous trails. The cabin is located in a non-motorized area. Guests must be prepared to hike, horseback ride or mountain bike to get there in the summer, and winter access is by cross-country skis or snowshoes. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

New World Gulch Trail and Bozeman Creek Trail are just a couple of the multi-use trails in the area for hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, skiers and snowshoers. The Mystic Lake Loop is popular with mountain bikers. Anglers can fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout in Mystic Lake. Hunting opportunities are good in the fall.

## Facilities

The cabin has bunk beds with mattresses to sleep up to four people. A wood-burning cook stove also heats the cabin. Other amenities include a table with chairs, basic cookware, dishes and tableware. Firewood is supplied for the stove. Outside is a campfire ring and a corral for up to two horses. An outhouse is equipped with a vault toilet. No electricity or water is available at the cabin. Guests need to bring their own supply of drinking water, as well as items such as fire starters (matches and newspaper), flashlights or lanterns, bedding, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies and dish soap, which are also not provided The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving.

## Natural Features

The cabin is tucked into a stand of pines near the southeastern shore of Mystic Lake, at an elevation of about 6,400 feet. The landscape surrounding Mystic Lake includes meadows that fill with wildflowers in the summer, as well as evergreen forest and the peaks of the Gallatin Range. Visitors may spot one of the resident black or grizzly bears, moose, elk or mule deer. Several bird species also inhabit the area.

Mystic Lake Cabin

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What's the most underrated Montana camping? Hiking in! Whether you stay in a tent or sleep outside in a sleeping bag, hiking-in camping is an adventure that everyone should try at some point. Check out some of the best hike-in campgrounds in Montana.

Montana

The Best Hike-In Camping in Montana

Looking for a new type of Gallatin National Forest camping experience? Try hike-in camping! Plan your hike-in camping trip, pack light, and use Leave No Trace principles to build fire rings at your next campsite. Find the best information on walk-in camping in Montana, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience.

Gallatin National Forest

The Best Hike-In Camping Near Gallatin National Forest, Montana

## Overview

Maxey Cabin offers a quaint mountain retreat that is ideally located in one of Gallatin National Forest's most popular recreation areas. Guests can expect a few creature comforts at the cabin, but they will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear. The cabin is accessible by car in the summer. During the spring (from March 31st through May 15th) the road to the cabin is closed to motorized vehicle traffic every year. Guest should be prepared to hike or bike 12 miles to the cabin during this period. During winter months the access road is infrequently plowed, so guests should be prepared with a four wheel drive, high clearance vehicle or to ski up to 12 miles to the cabin. The final mile on the Maxey Cabin Road are not plowed during the winter and guests should come prepared to ski or snowshoe the final distance to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. 

## Recreation

Hikers and equestrians have access to the Hyalite Peak trailhead that leads into an area of the Gallatin Range known for its waterfalls. Two accessible trails in Hyalite Canyon lead to the waterfalls. Bicyclists can use Hyalite Canyon Road. Hyalite Canyon is a popular destination for backcountry skiers and ice climbers. Hyalite Reservoir is a mile away, offering opportunities for non-motorized boating and trout fishing. Elk hunting is excellent in Hyalite Canyon in the fall. 

## Facilities

The main cabin has bunk beds with mattresses to sleep up to four people. There is also a wood stove for heat, a table and chairs, a propane lantern, broom and dust pan. A smaller cabin is unheated and is only available in the summer. It provides bunk beds with mattresses to sleep up to two people. The two cabins together can accommodate up to 15 people. A vault toilet and campfire ring are located outside. The cabin does not have water or electricity. Guests need to supply their own drinking water, as well as cooking gear, lanterns or flashlights, bedding, matches, toilet paper, dish soap, towels and other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed prior to leaving.

## Natural Features

The cabin is nestled in Hyalite Canyon, an area with beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer and thick blankets of pristine snow in winter. Evergreen forest and the steep ridges of the Gallatin Mountains surround the cabin. Hyalite Reservoir is nearby. This area is important habitat for grizzly bears, elk, mule deer, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, wolves and mountain goats.

Maxey Cabin

## Overview

Spanish Creek Cabin was constructed in 1934 and retains much of its rustic character from that time. The cabin is available year-round and offers an excellent base camp for a variety of summer and winter recreation opportunities. It is adjacent to a popular trailhead and a campground. Guests may drive to the cabin during summer months. During the winter (December 2nd through May 15th) the access road is gated 3.5 miles from the cabin and guest should be prepared to hike, bike, ski or snowshoe to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

A nearby trailhead provides access to a network of trails that head south into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness and west into non-wilderness areas.The trails can be used by hikers, equestrians, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Trails also lead to Little Hell Roaring Creek, the north end of the Madison Range and the South Fork of Spanish Creek. This area also offers opportunities for fishing and hunting.

## Facilities

The two-story cabin has bunk beds and beds with mattresses to sleep up to four people. A wood cook stove is provided. In a kitchen area cleaning equipment is available. A campfire ring is located in front of the cabin. An outhouse is equipped with a vault toilet. Electricity and water are not provided. Guests need to bring their own drinking water, bedding, food, lanterns or flashlights, extra toilet paper, dish soap, garbage bags and first aid supplies, among other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned and all trash removed before leaving.

## Natural Features

The cabin sits at the base of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, in a large meadow, at an elevation of 6,200 feet. Wildflowers add bursts of color around the cabin each summer. South Fork Spanish Creek flows nearby. The densely-forested peaks of the Madison Range surround the cabin. This area is home to grizzly bears, moose, elk, deer and bighorn sheep, as well as a variety of bird species.

Spanish Creek Cabin

## Overview

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain, at an elevation of 8,245 feet. The lookout provides a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Highlights include the Spanish Peaks to the west, the Gallatin Range to the south, the Hyalite Ridge to the east and the Gallatin River Valley to the north.  
  
The structure can be accessed by hiking, horseback or mountain bike on the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail in the summer. The 4.5-mile trail gains 2,800 feet along its path. Motorcycles and ATVs can access the lookout via the Rat Lake Trail from June 16 through December 1. During winter months, guests must plan on skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing up to 10 miles.  
  
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

## Recreation

Hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle riders can access the same trail used to get to the lookout. Snowy conditions offer abundant opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Big game hunting for bear, elk or moose is a popular autumn pastime around Garnet Mountain.

## Facilities

The lookout can sleep up to four people on provided bunk beds with mattresses. There is a wood stove for heat and propane stove for cooking. Other amenities include a table with chairs, basic cookware, dishes and utensils. A vault toilet is located outside the facility. Firewood is provided for the wood stove, and there is a campfire ring outside as well. Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring their own water supply, as well as garbage bags for packing out trash. Items such as bedding, flashlights or lanterns, dish soap, extra toilet paper and first aid supplies are also not provided. 

## Natural Features

A fire lookout has existed on Garnet Mountain since 1930. The current structure was built in 1962. The lookout is available for reservation year-round. It is an excellent vantage point for watching sunrises and sunsets, or for gazing at the stars on a clear night. Grizzly bears are extremely common in this area, and gray wolves, mountain lions, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep and the Canada lynx also make their home here. A wide variety of bird species can also be seen.

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

## Overview

Lower Hyalite Group Site is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is just nine miles south of Bozeman, MT.   
  
  
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and climbing.

## Recreation

Hyalite Creek provides great fishing for Yellowstone cutthroat, Arctic grayling and brook trout. Many hiking trails can be found in Hyalite Canyon.

## Facilities

The campground offers group site that can accommodate up to 100 people. It can be used for overnight camping or day-use picnicking. A large shelter is on-site, with picnic tables and a campfire ring. Vault toilet provided. Drinking water and trash collection are not available at the campground. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all garbage. Firewood available at Langohr campground for $6.00 per bundle.

**Gate will be unlocked but closed on day of arrival. If assistance is needed please see host at Langohr Campground or call (406)646-1012 option 2.**

## Natural Features

The group site sits next to Hyalite Creek, at an elevation of 5,000 feet. A forest of fir, pine and spruce trees covers the surrounding mountains. 

## Nearby Attractions

Hyalite Reservoir is just 6.5 miles from the campground. The scenic 206-acre lake offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, climbing and picnicking.   
  
The popular Hyalite Peak Trail begins near the reservoir. The 7.5-mile one-way trail gains 3,450 feet in elevation as is climbs past numerous waterfalls to beautiful Hyalite Lake and Hyalite Peak.

Lower Hyalite Group

Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed

## Overview

Swan Creek Campground is located in the scenic Gallatin Canyon, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. It is 31 miles south of Bozeman.   
  
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.

## Recreation

Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available in the area surrounding the campground. Anglers cast for rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout, whitefish and Arctic grayling on the Gallatin River. Rafting and kayaking are popular activities as well.  
  
Many trails can be found in Gallatin Canyon. The Swan Creek Trail begins within the campground. Golden Trout Lakes Trail begins up nearby Portal Creek Road, five miles south of the campground.

## Facilities

The campground offers single-family campsites. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Roads within the campground are paved, but parking spurs are gravel. Firewood is available at Greek Creek Campground for $6.00 per bundle.

## Natural Features

The campground sits next to scenic Swan Creek, a tributary of the Gallatin River. It is just off Highway 191, at an elevation of 5,800 feet. A beautiful, dense forest of spruce and fir trees covers the campground.  
  
A variety of wildlife makes its home in this scenic canyon. Visitors can often glimpse bald eagles, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, deer and coyotes. Black bears and grizzly bears also live in the canyon.

Swan Creek Campground

## Overview

Moose Creek Flat Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in Montana. It is 32 miles south of Bozeman.   
  
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.

## Recreation

The surrounding area provides great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing. Anglers cast for rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout, whitefish and Arctic grayling on the Gallatin River. An accessible fishing dock is located at the river's edge. Rafting and kayaking are popular activities as well.  
  
Many trails can be found in Gallatin Canyon. The Swan Creek Trail begins at nearby Swan Creek Campground. Golden Trout Lakes Trail begins about 15 minutes away up Portal Creek Road, three miles south of the campground.

## Facilities

This fully accessible campground offers several single-family campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. A **GROUP PICNIC AREA (SITE 14)** for **DAY USE ONLY** equipped with 3 standard size picnic tables is also available and can accommodate up to 50 people.   
  
Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Roads within the campground are paved, but the parking spurs are gravel.

## Natural Features

The campground sits next to the Gallatin River near Moose Creek, just off Highway 191, at an elevation of 5,700 feet. A forest of pine and fir trees covers the surrounding mountainsides, but the campground itself lies in an open meadow.  
  
A variety of wildlife makes its home in this scenic canyon. Visitors can often catch a glimpse of bald eagles, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, deer and coyotes. Black and grizzly bears also live in the canyon.

Moose Creek Flat Campground

Billings is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Billings is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Billings, reviewed by campers like you.

Billings

The Best Campgrounds in Billings, MT | MT Camping

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Missoula. Missoula is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Missoula, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Missoula

The Best Camping in Missoula, MT | MT Camping

Great Falls, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Great Falls is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Great Falls, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Great Falls

The Best Camping Near Great Falls, Montana

In beautiful Montana, Bozeman is less than 100 miles from Yellowstone but stands alone as a destination for all to visit. With plenty of national forests surrounding it, Bozeman is one of the best outdoor cities to visit.

The best camping near Bozeman is located just 30 minutes away near Livingston, MT in the Absaroka Beartooth wilderness area. This USFS land has ample free campsites and is in the backyard of Yellowstone National Park. Of course, Yellowstone itself is one of the best places for hiking and camping. However, if you plan to visit the park, you’ll likely want to stay in one of the park’s campgrounds, not Bozeman. Bozeman, on its own, has much to offer with an abundance of places to park an RV or set up a tent. Bozeman is a can't-miss stop if you’re going to or from Yellowstone.

Bozeman

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Bozeman, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Bozeman, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

The Best Camping in Bozeman, MT | Montana Campgrounds

Searching for the best camping near Butte-Silver Bow, MT? Butte-Silver Bow is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Butte-Silver Bow. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Butte-Silver Bow

The Best Camping Near Butte-Silver Bow, Montana

Are you in need of a campground near Helena, MT? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Helena. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Helena

The Best Camping in Helena, MT | Montana Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Kalispell, MT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Kalispell is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Kalispell, MT. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Kalispell

The Best Camping Near Kalispell, Montana

Anaconda is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Anaconda is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Anaconda. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Anaconda

The Best Camping Near Anaconda, Montana

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Havre. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Havre, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Havre

The Best Camping Near Havre, Montana

Join the fun near Miles City. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Miles City is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Miles City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Miles City

The Best Camping Near Miles City, Montana

Join the fun near Bitterroot National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Bitterroot National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bitterroot National Forest camping trip.

Bitterroot National Forest

The Best Camping Near Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains in Montana, Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of hiking trails and plenty of campsites for weary hikers to spend the night. Near the picturesque cities of Columbia Falls and Whitefish, MT, campers can enjoy a day of shopping or dine at one of the area’s restaurants in between taking in the park’s sights. Avalanche Creek and Granite Park are two popular campgrounds, and RV drivers will find plenty of places to pull up for a night or extended stay. While camping, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to see the area’s diverse wildlife that include grizzly bears, mountain goats, and more.

Glacier National Park

The Best Camping Near Glacier National Park, Montana

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Flathead National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Flathead National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Flathead National Forest

The Best Camping Near Flathead National Forest, Montana

Join the fun near Lewis and Clark National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

Lewis and Clark National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana

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 an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

The Best Camping Near Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Helena National Forest, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Helena National Forest is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Helena National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Helena National Forest

The Best Camping Near Helena National Forest, Montana

Kootenai National Forest, MT is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Kootenai National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Kootenai National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Kootenai National Forest

The Best Camping Near Kootenai National Forest, Montana

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, MT has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest camping trip.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

The Best Camping Near Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana

Searching for the best camping near Lolo National Forest, MT? Lolo National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Lolo National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Lolo National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lolo National Forest, Montana

Are you in need of a campground near Custer Gallatin National Forest, MT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Montana camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Montana camping adventure.

The Best Camping in Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Top Gallatin National Forest Campgrounds

Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site

Little Bear Cabin

Mystic Lake Cabin

Maxey Cabin

Spanish Creek Cabin

Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout

Lower Hyalite Group

Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed

Swan Creek Campground

Moose Creek Flat Campground

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