Camping near Greycliff, Montana centers around the Yellowstone River basin at approximately 3,900 feet elevation. Summer temperatures typically range between 50-85°F, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August. Most campgrounds in this area close seasonally from late September through mid-May due to snowfall and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Fishing access sites: Both Grey Bear Fishing Access Area and Big Rock Fishing Access Site offer direct river access for anglers. "Very nice campground about 6 miles out of Big Timber Montana. Shady campground...fishing can be decent," notes a Grey Bear visitor. At Big Rock, a camper shares: "Stayed during a cross country trip. Awesome location, 10 minutes from the expressway and on the river."
Swimming spots: Riverside glamping in Greycliff, Montana provides natural swimming opportunities. "The river current is quite strong close to shore," warns one Grey Bear visitor with children. At Big Rock, a reviewer mentioned: "Saw several deer and heard a few others mention seeing a grizzly every once in a while so keep items secured!"
Rock hounding: Castle Rock Fishing Access Site offers interesting geological features. "Nice spot for rock hounding too," mentions one visitor who stayed during Labor Day weekend. The rocky shorelines along many riverside camping areas contain agates and other interesting specimens.
What campers like
Creek access: Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday offers water features beyond the Yellowstone River. "Right on the Yellowstone river, nice playground and covered pool, dog friendly, nice little store, a nice pavilion," shares one camper. Another notes the "indoor pool" as a highlight.
Shaded sites: Trees provide natural cooling at many glamping locations. "Shady campground...very loud trains at night...overall a nice place to stay," warns a Grey Bear visitor. At Big Rock, a reviewer mentioned: "Lovely little spot! Showed up around 5pm Friday and there was only 1 other camper."
Wildlife viewing: Glamping cabins around Greycliff offer opportunities to spot local fauna. At Emerald Lake Campground, visitors report: "We got to see turkeys, an elk, and a moose on our drive in!" The campground provides access to "lakes around the campground are amazing for fishing and any other light water sports."
What you should know
Highway and train noise: Several campgrounds mention noise disruptions. "The sites are backed right up to the Highway. Would serve the park to build a wall or even just a tall wooden fence to help cover some of the road noise," notes one visitor to Big Timber-Greycliff KOA. At Livingston KOA, a camper shares: "The road coming into the park is HORRIBLE!!"
Limited availability: Many glamping spots fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Emerald Lake Campground, a visitor reported: "I got there on Saturday at 3 pm and there were only 2 spots open. With the final gone within 30 minutes."
Private land restrictions: Some water access is limited. At East Rosebud Campground, a visitor cautions: "Keep in mind that you are uphill and you don't have access to the lake. Only 3 spots have 'view'. It's forbidden to swim, fish or do anything, but boat launching."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: When glamping with children near Greycliff's waterways, monitor conditions closely. At Castle Rock, a reviewer notes that across from the campground "is a rock ledge swimmers use to dive off of into a deep pool." However, parents should know that most river swimming areas lack lifeguards.
Playground access: Perry's RV and Campgrounds provides family-friendly options. "At first glance you might not think it is that great but tent sites give you a primitive feel and are right on the heavy flowing Rock Creek making sleeping nice," shares one family. Another adds, "The tent sites didn't have electricity but that was fine for us. The price was good & the owner was nice."
Insect preparation: Pack appropriate repellent for summer glamping trips. "The mosquitoes in the area can carry you away so prepare your campsite for that," warns a Perry's visitor. At Big Rock, one camper mentioned finding their site "absolutely filthy with trash & covered in dog feces" - highlighting the importance of checking sites upon arrival.
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Big Timber-Greycliff KOA sites have specific limitations. "Sites are close together as usual at a KOA. Pads are gravel and super narrow," reports one RVer. Another mentions, "Nice long pull through. Big grassy areas between stalls."
Seasonal operation: Most luxury glamping facilities operate seasonally. Perry's RV offers camping "from May 15-Oct 1" according to their listing. Another visitor mentioned Perry's has "great tent, cabin, and RV spots. The bathroom and shower facility is perfect and everything on the site is always well maintained."
Dump station availability: Check ahead for sanitation services if glamping with an RV near Greycliff. Livingston KOA provides full hookups including "electric hookups, drinking water, and water hookups" along with "sanitary-dump" facilities, while many fishing access sites provide only vault toilets.
