Bozeman, Montana provides a wide variety of camping options ranging from established campgrounds with amenities to dispersed sites in surrounding public lands. The area contains several developed options including Bozeman Hot Springs Campground with full hookups and cabin accommodations, while Bear Canyon Campground offers similar amenities approximately 6 miles east of downtown. Hyalite Canyon Dispersed camping area presents opportunities for more primitive camping experiences on Forest Service land just south of the city. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several facilities offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.
Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with most developed sites closing between October and May due to winter conditions. "The sites are flat, but expect train sounds through the night," noted one visitor about the centrally-located Gallatin County Fairgrounds Campground. Access to dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly during spring when snowmelt and rainfall affect forest roads. Cell service varies considerably, with better coverage near town and diminished signals in canyon areas. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds during summer months, particularly on weekends and holidays. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, especially at higher elevations in the surrounding mountain ranges.
Campers consistently mention the noise levels as a consideration when choosing camping locations near Bozeman. Fairgrounds camping and locations near Interstate 90 experience regular train and highway noise, while sites in Hyalite Canyon offer more natural surroundings. Reviews indicate that facilities at established campgrounds are generally well-maintained but vary in quality. According to one visitor, camping at Bozeman Trail Campground provides "clean and well-kept" sites, though noise remains a factor. Higher-rated campgrounds typically include amenities such as showers, electrical hookups, and convenient access to town services. Wildlife viewing opportunities increase at campgrounds farther from town, with mixed-use campgrounds closer to Bozeman providing easier access to urban amenities but less seclusion.
$45 - $100 / night
"Bozeman hot Springs campground The sites at these grounds do vary a bit. We were in Row C in a back-in site with fhu."
"Stayed for 2 nights while going to a concert in Bozeman, and the hot springs next door are a huge bonus."
$49 / night
"This park was in a great location and overlooked the whole valley. W/E only for us but there were some full hookups. Very clean facilities and friendly staff, right down the street from Bozeman."
"Fun little hike behind the campground to see the hills and valley. Pool is great, does get busy in the middle of the day."
"12 miles from Bozeman. Creekside spots are high demand, but other spots are nice also. Flat for rigs, and very clean vault toilets. Lots of hikes and reservoir is only 4 miles further."
"About 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman. There’s more spots available up this FS road and the FS roads off-shooting from it, like FS 3164, so explore your options."
$26 - $185 / night
"About 15 miles of paved roads from Bozeman. Separated sites, most with lake views. Clean vault toilets."
"Stayed here one night after passing through Bozeman to get my Go Fast Camper. It did not disappoint. We stayed at spot 12 and it had amazing views of the lake/reservoir and mountain."
$50 / night
"There is also a train that passes very near the campground and can be heard at all hours of the day and night. It never woke me up but I can certainly see it being a problem."
$26 - $60 / night
"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."
"Some are drive-in or back into sites, and a few are literally next to Hyalite Creek which is an added bonus."
$20 - $40 / night
"This site is in the fairgrounds in Bozeman. You can stay a max of ten days out of 30, and they have power but no water or sewage hookups. They do have a water fill station for a fee."
"I was torn between 3 or 4 stars since there are no bathrooms, but it is right in Bozeman and there are not many places to stay. There is electric if needed."
"Bathrooms and showers are centrally located, warm, secure and clean."
$25 - $195 / night
"Would definitely consider staying here again next time we visit the Bozeman area."
"Biggest negative is that you can hear all the highway noise and trucks like to jake-break in this area. On the other side of the highway there were railroad tracks."
$26 - $50 / night
"This is a really nice spot next to the river. It makes a great base to explore Big Sky & Bozeman. The dispersed camping area is just passed the official campground."
"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."
GuideWe loved this spot. Right next to the river and right off the interstate (kind of noisy from traffic) there were a couple trucks working the railroad but don’t bother us. We built this tiny fire-pit in which we made sure it was legal this time of year. There are plenty of rocks near the river to built another fire pit!
LegendThe campground (CG) was easy to access right off I-90. We pulled off to the side of the General Store next to the RV park for check-in, which was quick and easy. We had originally selected pull-through Site 18 online, but a large boulder beside the pad made it impossible to fit our 40' toy hauler and F-450. As promised during check-in, there were backup options available, and Greg came out to assist us and reassigned us to pull-through Site 1 with water and electric (50/30/20 AMP). This site did not have sewer, but that wasn’t an issue for our two-day stay. Utilities were positioned close enough to the middle of the pad to make water and electric hookups simple. The CG WiFi was above average at 59.3 Mbps download and worked very well, though the park was fairly empty this time of year. They have a nice shower house that includes laundry. We enjoyed the nice trail that runs along the back of the CG beside the irrigation ditch— perfect for walking our pups. They had a food truck(closed Monday) that had excellent smash burgers and brisket. Overall, a convenient and pleasant two night stop.
ScoutGlorious views. Road should be accessible with a good clearance suv. No one around.
RangerDefinitely Yogi theme. Weekly ice cream socials. Friendly staff. Stayed in 42’ 5th wheel
TravelerAs far as glamping goes, this is as good as it gets in my opinion. They have everything you could need and more. Sadly didn’t have time for the springs as we were just passing through
GuideThe road has some potholes but nothing too problematic. There are a lot of small pull-ups and some large spaces as well. You’ll be buried deep in the woods near Bridger bowl. I camped at the trailhead for Lower South Brackett trail. I did not explore what lay beyond my site. It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke.
ScoutGreat little camp ground next to the river. Clean bathrooms, hot showers, laundry, wifi. A bit pricey, but probably due to the location being near the Yellowstone entrance
TravelerThis is a gov run site that has bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site for $15 per night (half off if you have an America the beautiful pass)! It isn’t quite as remote as some of the other sites in the area and feels very safe as a single female camper!
TravelerThere are no markings for campsites and I’m assuming the few pull-offs are the sites. They’re pretty remote and there were no other campers when I went. There was also a big pile of bones by the campsite. As a single girl it didn’t feel like a safe spot for me and the vibes just didn’t feel great, but it was a stunning view! I would however, recommend eagle creek campground instead. First come first serve with a bathroom.
Cabin camping options near Bozeman, Montana range from full-service accommodations to rustic forest retreats. At Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park, cabins provide access to multiple thermal pools. According to one visitor, the property has been "freshly updated with natural rocks, landscaping and upscale amenities," while another noted their cabin had "a huge yard area and super convenient walking path to the hot springs just feet away." Basic cabin rentals are also available at Bear Canyon Campground, located 6 miles east of downtown, though train noise affects all accommodation types at this location.
For families seeking cabin camping experiences, most established campgrounds near Bozeman maintain seasonal operations between May and September. Winter cabin access is limited to commercial locations like Bozeman Hot Springs, which operates year-round. Some cabin rentals include furnishings and heating systems, as noted by one visitor who appreciated that "the heater in the cabin was efficient for warming it up even though it was chilly and rainy outside." Reservations for cabins throughout the region should be secured 3-6 months in advance during peak summer season.
Mountain biking access: The area around Hyalite Canyon Dispersed offers extensive trail networks. "Winding mountain trail... not secluded, likely will have people drive/ride bikes past your site," notes one camper, indicating the popularity of these routes. Most trails follow Forest Service roads with moderate technical difficulty.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Hood Creek Campground provides direct water access. "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," reports one visitor. The reservoir does not permit motorized boats over 10 HP.
Hiking options: Multiple trailheads originate near Spire Rock Campground. One camper mentioned, "It was nice to be so close to the Storm Castle Peak trailhead," while another recommended "Garnet Mtn; great views at the top!" Most trails in this area range from moderate to difficult with significant elevation gain.
Creek-side camping spots: Several campgrounds feature sites with direct water access. At Langohr Campground, "We found one right by a river. This was probably the best campsite of our week-long Montana camping excursion," one camper shared. These prime water-adjacent sites typically fill 3-4 weeks in advance during summer.
Natural hot springs access: Many visitors appreciate the thermal pools at Bozeman Hot Springs Campground. "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," one reviewer explained. This amenity is included with the camping fee.
Proximity to town services: Campgrounds near the city provide convenience for supply runs. One camper at Bozeman Trail Campground appreciated being "by both trail/open spaces (like the Drinking Horse and Sourdough trails) and nearby shopping and travel fill-up locations." Most established campgrounds are within 15-30 minutes of grocery stores and outdoor retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Bozeman, Montana?
Bozeman is surrounded by excellent campgrounds that showcase Montana's natural beauty. Swan Creek Campground offers a remote feel despite being a short drive from town, with stunning river access that's perfect for fishing enthusiasts. Meadow Lake Campground provides a beautiful lakeside setting just 6-7 miles from Ennis, featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities with decent spacing between sites. For those seeking a unique experience, several campgrounds in Hyalite Canyon offer scenic mountain settings with varying amenities. Most campgrounds near Bozeman fill quickly during peak summer months, so arriving mid-week or making reservations when possible is recommended.
What is the camping season in Bozeman, Montana and how does weather affect it?
The camping season around Bozeman typically runs from late May through early October, with peak conditions from June through August. Weather plays a significant role in accessibility, especially at higher elevations where snow can linger into June and return by late September. Langohr Campground in Hyalite Canyon offers a wonderful summer escape but may have limited accessibility in shoulder seasons. For year-round options, Maxey Cabin provides shelter and remains accessible throughout all seasons, making it ideal for winter camping adventures. Always check local conditions before heading out, as mountain weather can change rapidly even during summer months.
What dispersed camping options exist around Bozeman?
Bozeman offers several free dispersed camping options within a short drive. South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site is just 20 minutes from town with level ground for car camping and established fire rings. The site provides a quiet retreat with minimal traffic. Chestnut Mountain Trailhead Dispersed offers overnight parking suitable for car camping or quick stops when traveling through the area. While no amenities are provided, it's convenient for self-contained camping. For those willing to venture further, Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046 provides additional options. Remember that dispersed camping typically requires pack-in, pack-out practices and proper waste management.
Are there any private camping areas or KOAs near Bozeman?
Bozeman features several well-maintained private campgrounds for those seeking more amenities than public lands offer. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV provides full hookup sites with the added bonus of direct access to hot springs, making it popular among RVers looking for comfort. Bear Canyon Campground overlooks the valley with water/electric hookups and some full hookup sites, clean facilities, and friendly staff. For those willing to drive a bit further, Norris Hot Springs offers camping with hookup options about 45 minutes from Bozeman, plus discounted hot springs access for campers. Most private campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak summer months.
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