Camping near Livingston, Montana is situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet in the Yellowstone River valley, with the towering Absaroka Mountain Range creating a dramatic backdrop to the east. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while spring and fall can bring rapid weather changes with overnight freezes common even in late May. The region's proximity to Yellowstone National Park makes it a popular staging area for park visitors seeking full-service rv sites near Livingston, Montana.
What to do
River activities: Yellowstone River access from several campgrounds offers excellent fishing and rafting opportunities. At Yellowstone Edge RV Park, campers can fish directly from the property. "Right on the edge of the Yellowstone River, about 90 minutes north of Yellowstone NP. The view of the river and the mountains is fantastic," notes Joel R.
Hot springs visits: Local thermal pools provide relaxation after hiking days. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV includes hot springs access with your stay. "Campers are given bracelets for access to use the Hot Springs 12 pools which are... incredible. The indoor and outdoor pools vary in temperature from 106-56 degrees, with most comfortable temps," reports kristin S.
Wildlife viewing: Mountain habitats support diverse wildlife viewable from campgrounds. "Elk roam the campground and that's super cool!" mentions Donna H. about Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North. Early morning and dusk offer the best viewing times for elk, deer, and occasional moose in meadow areas.
What campers like
Mountain views: Absaroka Range vistas provide dramatic backdrops at many camping areas. Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday offers particularly good viewpoints. "Great little KOA. Awesome views of the Absaroka range. Book early. Tent sites were great," recommends Justin S.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high in camper satisfaction. "Such a great RV park. The restrooms, laundry, and all of the grounds are spotless. The owners are so helpful and friendly and the location and views are fantastic," writes Meghan T. about Yellowstone Edge RV Park.
River proximity: Riverside sites offer natural sound barriers and scenic settings. Yellowstone RV Park features sites directly on the Yellowstone. "Our level gravel site backed up to the Yellowstone River where we watched the antelope feed on the cliffs and listened to the peaceful sounds of the river," shares Ann F.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. The road to Fairy Lake Campground is particularly challenging. "The 6-mile unmaintained road to get to the campground is definitely rough. The warnings are justified—it's bumpy, rocky, and slow going," warns Sayler O.
Wildlife precautions: Bear awareness is essential in this region. "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 are not scared," reports Jonathan A. about Fairy Lake Campground. All sites require proper food storage in vehicles or bear boxes.
Seasonal closures: Most facilities operate from May through October. "We were heading to Yellowstone from Glacier and had been driving for hours. We called and the park and they gave us the last site open for that day and what a site/view!" notes Norma S. about securing last-minute availability at Yellowstone Edge RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kid-friendly facilities can make longer stays more enjoyable. "Nice playground for kids and laundry room available," mentions Ann F. about the Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday, which maintains a dedicated play area with climbing equipment.
Swimming options: Pool facilities provide alternative recreation during hot days or when hiking plans change. "Great for RVs and Trailers. Right on the river with benches to sit and enjoy the water. Nice playground and covered pool, dog friendly," explains Rachel H. combining observations from multiple campgrounds.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing spots offer natural learning experiences. "We watched the antelope feed on the cliffs," notes Ann F. about Yellowstone RV Park, where children can observe wildlife in natural habitats from safe distances.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for varied terrain at many RV sites near Livingston, Montana. "Sites are reasonably level and about half and half pull-through vs back in. They use a larger size gravel on the roads so there is very little dust," explains Ben H. about Osen's RV Park.
Connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. "Great WiFi, T-Mobile 5g 2bars," reports Daniel W. about his stay at Osen's RV Park by Starry Night Lodging, while other campgrounds may have limited connectivity.
Hookup quality: Water pressure fluctuations occur at some facilities. "Full hookups with lots of space and awesome river views. Full hookups, nice clean bathrooms, game room and little store that has everything," notes Barb N., emphasizing the reliability of utilities at Yellowstone Edge RV Park.
