Livingston, Montana sits at an elevation of 4,500 feet in Paradise Valley, where the Yellowstone River flows north from Yellowstone National Park between the Absaroka and Gallatin mountain ranges. Winter temperatures can drop below zero while summer days typically reach the 70s and 80s. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through September due to mountain weather patterns.
What to do
Fishing access points: Grey Bear Fishing Access Area offers camping spots just feet away from the Yellowstone River. According to one camper, "Camping and fishing on the Yellowstone river. Fun for the kids and only a few miles from town to get supplies. Campsites are on the smaller side."
Mountain hiking: Approximately 60 miles from Livingston at Hood Creek Campground, visitors can access numerous trailheads. "The adjacent Hyalite Reservoir is spectacularly scenic. Bring your favorite watercraft or floaty, because you'll want to go out onto the water to explore, taking in the fantastic scenery," notes one visitor.
Winter activities: Unlike most local glamping operations, Mammoth Campground near the northern entrance of Yellowstone remains open year-round. The area provides winter wildlife viewing opportunities when many other campsites are closed.
What campers like
River sounds: Many campers appreciate the peaceful sound of flowing water at Langohr Campground. As one visitor mentioned, "We were looking for a campground near Bozeman and a friend recommended Hyalite Canyon. We lucked out finding Langohr! Wonderful and secluded camping spots, and we found one right by a river."
Mountain views: Situated between Big Sky and Bozeman, Spire Rock Campground offers excellent mountain scenery. A camper reported, "All the sites are fairly private, nestled in the mountains among the trees and alongside a stream. We visited mid May 2021, it snowed overnight so it was a bit freezing, but otherwise such a beautiful stay."
Wildlife sightings: The glamping areas around Livingston provide opportunities to see local wildlife. At Fairy Lake Campground, one camper noted, "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. They are not scared."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campsites requires careful driving. At Fairy Lake Campground, a visitor warned, "I would highly not recommend unless you have 4 wheel drive and even then we saw a jeep wrangler sliding everywhere. We made it past the campsite and down a dirt road (it was extremely bumpy!)."
Site popularity: Camping areas near Livingston fill quickly during peak summer months. One potential visitor to Fairy Lake Campground said, "I would love to review this site but any time I've gone it's been full..boo."
Noise considerations: Highway noise affects some campgrounds in the area. At Big Timber-Greycliff KOA, a visitor mentioned, "Giving 3 stars due to the proximity of the highway (you can definitely hear the traffic) and train tracks (no train overnight though)."
Tips for camping with families
Creek play areas: Several campgrounds feature creek access ideal for children. At Spire Rock Campground, one visitor shared, "We had a great experience! We took our whole family, multiple tents, and dogs. We were in one of the group sites (#2) with creek access in our site it was perfect."
Playground options: The Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday offers more developed recreation options. At Big Timber-Greycliff KOA, a visitor noted, "There was a nice playground, pool, enormous jumping pillow (I had never seen one before - this was definitely a treat, even for adults!) and a small dog run area."
Family-friendly hiking: Multiple trails suitable for children exist near Livingston glamping sites. One visitor at Hood Creek Campground shared, "Several great family-friendly hiking options (Grotto Fall, Palasaide Falls, Hyalite Reservoir Loop) are all very close by as well."
Tips from RVers
Winter sites: Some glamping and RV sites near Livingston remain accessible in winter. A visitor to VangoBoon reported, "Ended up here on a winter site that had electric but no water or bathroom facilities (I knew this). Site was plowed and I had plenty of room for my pickup with GFC camper to fit."
Road clearance: The routes to several area campgrounds require careful navigation in larger vehicles. Regarding Spire Rock Campground, one camper noted, "Small and quiet campground located in between Big Sky and Bozeman. Camp hosts were very nice and made sure to go over bear safety thoroughly."
Pull-through availability: Big Timber-Greycliff KOA offers easier access sites for larger rigs. A camper mentioned, "Nice long pull through. Big grassy areas between stalls. Great trees, shade, tables, grass, pet area, nice staff. Close to hwy but we will return."
