Campers visiting Gardiner, Montana can find options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service campgrounds within 30 miles of Yellowstone's northern entrance. Located in Paradise Valley at 5,300 feet elevation, this area experiences summer highs around 80°F with cool nights dropping to 40°F even in July. Fall camping near Gardiner often means frosty mornings and rapidly changing weather conditions requiring proper insulation and rain protection.
What to do
Explore Mammoth Hot Springs area: At Mammoth Campground, you'll find quick access to the geothermal features. "The sites are tight but we spent of our time off exploring and never found this to be an issue. Just a short ways up the mountain is the lodge and village, which provides about anything you could need," notes Brooke C.
Hiking to waterfalls: Many campgrounds provide access to waterfall hikes unique to this region. "We highly suggest hiking to Osrey Falls if you're up for an adventure that's a bit less crowded. The hot springs are very neat and well worth checking out," shares a Mammoth Campground visitor.
Earthquake Lake activities: Near Beaver Creek Campground, you can visit the earthquake information center. "If you go when they are open they have a short 20 minute film and interesting information on the August 17th 1959 quake that devastated the area. Take the guided hike to the refuge point, Ranger Joe is great!" recommends Gary N.
Fishing access points: The Madison River provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Beaver Creek is clear and cold water - excellent for fishing!" mentions Aspen K., while other campers note fishing options directly from campsites along the Gallatin River.
What campers like
Yurt camping options near Gardiner: The Gardiner area offers several yurt and canvas accommodation sites for those seeking more comfort. "We stayed in the Elk because we wanted a private bathroom. The room had 2 beds (super comfortable and well dressed), refrigerator, couch, writing table and electric fireplace," explains a visitor at Yellowstone Dreamin Camp.
River frontage: Many sites feature river access right from the campground. At Madison Arm Resort, visitors appreciate the waterfront options: "Second time we stayed here, first time was in the back by the road... Second time we had a spot on the lake, great access to the beach and a couple trails for walking the dogs."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area is known for wildlife sightings right in the campgrounds. "We felt so lucky to get a spot with a couple of days advance notice for Yellowstone National Park. The campground was serene, beautiful, and remote. We even had a fox visit our site," shares James W. about his camping experience.
Mountain scenery: Campers consistently mention the mountain views as a highlight. "Sites 1-26 have electric, and all sights feel private. Site 26 was open close to the trailhead, and we spent 3 nights. Dogs loved the location, and we enjoyed the quiet location," notes Soren B. about their stay at Red Cliff Campground.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Bear-proof storage is mandatory at most campgrounds. "Bear boxes are provided at many sites, or lock up your stuff in a hard-sided vehicle. You may see elk, deer and bear," warns a reviewer at Beaver Creek Campground.
Early booking essential: During peak season (May-September), campgrounds fill quickly. "We felt so lucky to get a spot with a couple of days advance notice for Yellowstone National Park," mentions James W., while another reviewer notes "Looking at their booking calendar, that may have been a bit of a fluke for mid-week July (yesterday it says they booked up at 7:30 am)."
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have poor or no cell coverage. "No cellular service, at least no T-Mobile connection," reports Marc M., though some visitors mention success with satellite internet: "We did not have a cell signal, but Starlink worked great in our campsite."
Tent site selection: When choosing tent sites, consider exposure. "Our reservation was for B2,3 which were down in a heavily treed section with no sun. We stayed here Memorial Day weekend so it was still sleeting and chilly," shares Sarah N. from Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific family facilities. "This KOA is very well kept. Having this campground nearby Yellowstone is a perfect location for a place with all the amenities (laundry, clean showers, and great star gazing). This is however a very bustling camp ground," notes Drew I.
Educational programs: Rangers often lead programs for children. "The camp hosts were awesome! And so was a wolf ranger talk we went to!" shares Lili H. who visited Mammoth Campground.
Water activities: Look for campgrounds with beach access for kids. "A huge sand beach with swimming area, docks with boat slip rentals. Campfire programs both during the day and night, plus the ranger station has fishing poles and nature backpacks to check out for kids for free," describes Chelsea K.
Avoid crowded loops: Some campground sections are quieter than others. "Depending on the loop, this is a nice site... It was quiet, spacious between campsites, especially B9-12. C loop was very nice as well," advises Sarah N. about Beaver Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electric site options: For RVers seeking hookups near Gardiner, consider specific loops. "From West Yellowstone, the campground is about a half hour drive along the beautiful Hebgen Lake. This time, we camped in the section right along the river with electric hookups—such a great spot," recommends Stefanie I. about Red Cliff Campground.
Dump station locations: Plan your waste management carefully. "Fresh water is available but note that there is no grey water dump in Big Sky, so you'll need to drive on to West Yellowstone or north," advises Kait J. from Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday.
Road condition warnings: Some campgrounds require traveling rough roads. "A word of caution about the road driving in. The road is paved but narrow, so drive slow and watch out for cars," notes a reviewer, while another cautions: "The road coming into the park is HORRIBLE!! The sites are a bit too close but there's room for your slide outs."
Generator restrictions: Be aware of generator policies at each campground. "Generators are not allowed to run at all, so that might be a deciding factor keeping the bigger rigs away," explains Corinna B. about Indian Creek Campground.
