Camping options near Mcleod, Montana, which sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation in the Absaroka Mountain range, provide access to the Yellowstone River watershed. The climate features cool mountain nights even during summer months, with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August. Weather patterns change quickly in this region, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer camping season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Otter Creek Fishing Access Site offers direct access to the Yellowstone River with designated spots for anglers. "Great fishing as well! It does have a boat ramp and a bathroom on site. Not very much shade but overall a very great campground!" notes a visitor to Otter Creek Fishing Access Site.
Hot springs visit: Approximately 30 minutes from Paradise Valley campgrounds, Chico Hot Springs provides natural thermal pools. "Drive into pray mt for some awesome bbq and bluegrass music! Chico hot springs a short drive away as well," shares one camper staying at Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday.
Hiking opportunities: Several campgrounds provide trail access for day hikes, including routes to mountain viewpoints. "We were heading to Yellowstone from Glacier and had been driving for hours... what a site/view! We were the site closest to the Yellowstone River with views of the mountains and river," mentions a visitor about their experience near Livingston.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campsites feature river access, providing both recreation and natural cooling during summer months. "The view is the best one I have ever had... Perfect location to explore Yosemite," writes one camper about Yellowstone Edge RV Park.
Mountain views: Campsites with mountain vistas remain popular, particularly those with unobstructed sightlines. "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 a reviewer.
Wildlife viewing: Proximity to natural areas allows for wildlife observation opportunities. "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," warns a visitor at Fairy Lake Campground.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote campgrounds may require high-clearance vehicles. "The 6-mile unmaintained road to get to the campground is definitely rough... I made it up just fine in my rear-wheel-drive Ranger, and we even saw some regular cars make it (though I'm sure they scraped a rock or two along the way)," advises a Fairy Lake Campground visitor.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. "We were only here for a night, on our way elsewhere. It's good for that," mentions a traveler at Mountain Range RV Park, which operates from April 15 to October 15.
Train noise: Railway lines run through the region, affecting some campgrounds with periodic noise. "It was quiet except for the train horn that woke me from my slumber a couple of times throughout the night. Nice little spot. Would stay again despite the train," notes an Otter Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Campground amenities: Facilities vary widely between established campgrounds and dispersed sites. "For what you pay, this is not a bad site. The tent lawn is incredibly well shaded, with many small trees covering almost every inch in shade. This alone makes this site the best rv tent site I've ever stayed at," reports a Mountain Range RV Park visitor.
Activity options: Some campgrounds provide built-in entertainment for younger campers. "Lots of kids having a blast at the pool, riding their bikes and playing in the creek that borders the campground. Dog park is adequate though small," mentions a visitor at Big Timber-Greycliff KOA.
Bear awareness: Proper food storage remains essential at all camping locations. "1 bear box for the whole camp ground so be prepared to store food in car or tree," advises a Fairy Lake visitor, highlighting the need for wildlife precautions.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV pad configurations vary considerably between campgrounds. "Sites are fairly wide so there is some privacy. Not all sites have tree coverage, something to keep in mind if you prefer shade," notes a visitor at Yellowstone Edge RV Park.
Highway proximity: Several RV parks sit close to major roadways, affecting noise levels. "The road coming into the park is HORRIBLE!! The sites are a bit too close but there's room for your slide outs," reports a visitor at Livingston RV Park & Campground.
Hookup reliability: Water pressure and electrical service quality varies by location. "Water pressure was a solid 50 psi. We had 4 bars each on both Verizon and T-Mobile, and the CG Wi-Fi clocked in at 26.5 Mbps down and 11.9 Mbps up, pretty solid for a small CG," details an RV camper at Old West RV Park.
