P
Payton 
Scout
ScoutIndian Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park
the best campground ever!!
The campground was quiet and relaxing .
Camping near Silver Gate, MT
179 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Silver Gate, Montana provides access to both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Colter Campground and Soda Butte Campground operate seasonally from July through September, offering tent and RV sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and toilets. Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping and other dispersed options on nearby public lands allow for more primitive camping experiences. Chief Joseph Campground provides additional developed options with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and water access.
Campgrounds in this high-elevation region typically operate during summer months, with most facilities closing by late September due to harsh winter conditions. "We entered Yellowstone through the Northeast from Silver Gate Montana to avoid traffic and locate a smaller campground," one visitor noted, highlighting the strategic location for park access. Road conditions on the Beartooth Highway can be challenging with steep grades and sharp curves, though the scenic views make it worthwhile. The proximity to Yellowstone National Park means wildlife considerations are important - bear-resistant food storage is required at most campgrounds, with bear boxes available at established sites. Water availability varies significantly between developed and dispersed sites, with many primitive areas requiring visitors to bring their own water supply.
Campers consistently mention the stunning mountain views and wildlife viewing opportunities as highlights of the Silver Gate area. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring both Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding Beartooth Mountains. Visitors appreciate the smaller, less crowded campgrounds compared to those deeper within Yellowstone. A camper described Crazy Creek campground as "amazing" with "picturesque views of mountains" and "a raging river that you can take a short walk to." Sites with more privacy and natural features like boulder formations or riverside locations tend to receive higher ratings from visitors. Many reviews emphasize the importance of arriving early to secure spots at first-come, first-served campgrounds, particularly during peak summer season when tourism is highest.
Best Campgrounds near Silver Gate (179)
1. Soda Butte Campground
"Near the town of Cooke City. Great campground with plenty of space. Bear an off-road trail. Grizzly bear country. Cooke City was great little restaurants."
"We slept in the car and put our coolers and bins in the Bear box next to the site. The campground was full of campers and wasn't too bad with the generators."
2. Colter Campground
"This campground is set mostly in younger pines, which doesn't provide the most shade, but does provide amazing views of the surrounding mountains."
"The northeast entrance to Yellowstone is only some 10 miles away, and the Beartooth highway is one of the most scenic drives you'll find! "
from $4 - $20 / night
Check Availability3. Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping
"Several spots just off Beartooth highway from Joseph Highway west to the Montana boarder. Most turnoffs have places for three or four different groups to camp. Some with bear boxes and some without."
"We were driving into Yellowstone from Billings and wanted something that would give us early access to the park. This was perfect."
4. Pebble Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park - CLOSED IN 2024
"We entered Yellowstone through the Northeast from Silver Gate Montana to avoid traffic and locate a smaller campground. Pebble Creek was great for tent camping."
"There is no dump station here, and the closest is quite a drive, so RV's need to be prepared to haul out black water."
5. Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass
"This site was quiet the night we stayed here and had good views of the surrounding mountains but there was a few excavating machines near the site."
"The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not to bad to get to."
6. Lily Lake - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
"Take a gravel road to Lily Lake off the southern end of Beartooth Hwy."
"Lily Lake Campground is pretty sweet, in that it is very private and remote. The cattle from nearby farms would come by and visit in the mornings and drink from the lake. "
7. Slough Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park
"During our visit we got to see Bison on our drive coming in, deer feeding at the edge of the campground and watched a black bear for 30 minutes just a mile down the hiking trail."
"Very nice little campground for peace and quiet away from the bustle of the main campgrounds in the park, but it is primitive. Vault toilets, no showers."
from $20 / night
Check Availability8. Chief Joseph Campground
"We had to get away from our reservations at big moose because of terrible conditions. We called at 6:00 at night and they brought us in. Showers were clean. Nice river on the side. Staff was great"
from $8 / night
Check Availability9. Canyon Campground — Yellowstone National Park
"Loved this campground--excellent location close to the stunning Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Showers, flush toilets, steps away from a camp store, visitor center and restaurant."
"The location is great for this: in addition to being steps away from the canyon, you're a short drive from the wildlife viewing opportunities of Lamar and Hayden valleys, and a bit further gets you to"
10. Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping
"Three have bear boxes and are right by a hiking trail. Add to this the beautiful mountains, ease of access to Yellowstone or Red Lodge, and a clean vault toilet and we would stay again."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 48 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 55 min from Billings, MT
- 4 hrs 12 min from Helena, MT
- 6 hrs 3 min from Idaho Falls, ID
Recent Camping Photos near Silver Gate, MT
316 Photos of 179 Silver Gate Campgrounds
Henry W.
Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass
N I.
Colter Campground
Makena W.
Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping
Rebecca B.
Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping
Michael J.
Pebble Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park - CLOSED IN 2024
Dexter I.
2S6 Backcountry Campsite — Yellowstone National Park
Dexter I.
2S3 Slough Creek - Yellowstone NP back country campsite — Yellowstone National Park
Dexter I.
2S1 Yellowstone National Park Backcountry — Yellowstone National Park
Jon G.
Lily Lake - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Art S.
Lake Creek Campground
Daniel S.
Slough Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park
Robert B.
Hunter Peak
Recent Reviews near Silver Gate, MT
989 Reviews of 179 Silver Gate Campgrounds
Sally T.
GuideBig Game Campground
Quiet Wooded Camping
We were told by the ranger that we hit it perfectly to this small 14 site campground just outside of Cody on the way to Yellowstone. Right after a holiday and during the week! Dry camping. We chose site 8 which was the only one with a view of the North Fork Shoshone River. Bear boxes at each site as well as a cooking grill/firepit, and metal picnic table. As senior pass holder of America the Beautiful we only paid $7.50 in the envelope for the night. We would have been happy with any of the sites.
- KKirsten L.Guide
Dead Indian Campground
Great views
In the valley, close to Yellowstone, close to Beartooth Hwy…about 10 sites(we were the only ones) vault toilets clean! Road noise but next to a creek!
- KKirsten L.Guide
Green Creek Inn & RV Park
Close to Yellowstone
Side by side sites with trees.clean showers and bathroom. Laundry is $2 for washer $1.75 for dryer. Hostess is very nice and accommodating !
Jensen S.GuideSheep Mountain BLM
Place to camp after visiting Yellowstone
Two other campers in vans were right at the coordinates of the camp spot. However, we took a slight left turn where the trailhead sign is and kept left. You’ll see a big open area with a fire ring and a view of the reservoir. Very quiet! Beautiful views. Close to trailhead! Free campsite!
- Jensen S.Guide
Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
Roadtrip
Free dispersed camping! Many open areas and fire rings available. Quiet! Beautiful views! Dirt road is a little rough in some parts but passable.
- KKirsten L.Guide
Parkside Campground
Base of Beartooth
Site are spacious and vault toilets are clean
Brett B.
RangerFalls Creek
Incredible site on the Boulder River, but come prepared for the elements! 🐻🏔️
We stayed here for a week in our Ford Explorer towing a 5x8 trailer. It is an incredibly beautiful, rugged spot, but it definitely requires some preparation if you plan to stay the night.
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The Setup & Vibe: You are camped right on the banks of the roaring Boulder River beneath a heavy canopy of towering pines. The sound of the rushing water is incredible.
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Wildlife (Bear Country): This is heavy bear country. Because of that, we opted for our "small camp" setup and slept securely inside our SUV rather than pitching our canvas tent. The campground does provide heavy-duty metal bear boxes for your food and gear.
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Weather Warning: Even in May, the overnight mountain temperatures were dropping into the teens and twenties. Between the cold and the bears, having a hard-sided camper or sleeping in your vehicle is a very smart move here.
It is a fantastic, remote spot for a rugged off-grid stay as long as you come prepared for the mountain weather and the local wildlife!
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- MMackenzie S.
TravelerTravertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone
Stunning valley views and good access
We loved our overnight stay here! Beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Spacious, dispersed spots close to Gardiner and Yellowstone, but far enough to enjoy the serenity. We were able to comfortably set up a tent in ours! I’m comfortable on typical FS roads so didn’t see this one as an issue, but know that this type of driving might be new to many. The road is rocky and washboarded in spots, but smooth rocks and no deep or dangerous ruts—I think a low clearance 2WD would be just fine with a patient and confident driver.
Guide to Silver Gate
Camping spots near Silver Gate, Montana range from secluded dispersed sites to established campgrounds at elevations averaging 7,000-8,000 feet. This region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations even in summer months, with overnight lows frequently dropping below 40°F. Hard-sided camping requirements are common throughout the area due to grizzly bear activity.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: At Slough Creek Campground, located about 30 minutes from Silver Gate, visitors can observe abundant wildlife. "If you want to see wildlife during your Yellowstone adventure then Slough Creek Campground is the way to go. During our visit we got to see Bison on our drive coming in, deer feeding at the edge of the campground and watched a black bear for 30 minutes just a mile down the hiking trail," reports one camper.
Fishing in mountain streams: The rivers and creeks around Silver Gate provide excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor at Beartooth Scenic Byway Camping shared: "We fell asleep to the sound of the river and were into the park within 20 minutes the next morning. We were able see moose and a bear because of the early access to Lamar Valley."
Hiking trails accessibility: The area offers numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. At Lady of the Lake Trail on Lulu Pass, a camper noted: "The camp sites are scattered throughout the trails and are not close to each other. They are easy to spot and not too bad to get to."
What campers like
Quieter alternatives to Yellowstone crowds: Many campers appreciate the less crowded camping options. At Colter Campground, a visitor observed: "The host was wonderful! She clearly cared about the campground and her guests. The vault toilet was the most well kept I have ever seen... A little pricey at $20 but very close to Cooke City and Lamar Valley in Yellowstone."
Night skies for stargazing: The limited light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper at Slough Creek Campground shared: "If you like to star gaze then you can't do any better than here, no light pollution lets you see everything our night sky has to offer."
Wildlife encounters in camp: Wildlife often passes through camping areas. At Pilot Creek Dispersed Camping, one visitor recounted: "I watched cows grazing down the power line clearing through the trees and at one point watched eight cows walking by single file right by my site."
What you should know
Hard-sided camping requirements: Many campsites restrict tent camping due to bear activity. At Soda Butte Campground, a visitor cautioned: "Amazing little campground with a great host. Hard sided campers only. Nestled in the woods with an amazing view. We had a moose walk through our camp. Did not see any bears but they have been known to frequent the campground."
Road access challenges: Several camping areas have difficult access roads. A camper at Colter Campground warned: "I really wanted to camp here but after scouting we would not have fit our fifth wheel. The trees were about 7.5-8' wide and height clearance was probably close to 12'."
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use Spot2Nite to book camping near Silver Gate?
How can I use Spot2Nite to book camping near Silver Gate?
Spot2Nite can help you book camping near Silver Gate by providing a convenient platform to reserve sites at participating campgrounds. While not all campgrounds in the area use this service, you can search for availability at locations like Mammoth Campground — Yellowstone National Park and Eagle Creek Campground. The app allows you to filter by amenities, check real-time availability, and make instant reservations. Be sure to book well in advance during peak season as campsites near Yellowstone fill quickly. For the best experience, download the Spot2Nite app or visit their website to explore all available options near Silver Gate.
Where can I find camping options near Silver Gate, Montana?
Where can I find camping options near Silver Gate, Montana?
Silver Gate, Montana offers several excellent camping options for visitors. Travertine Road Dispersed - Yellowstone provides free camping about twenty minutes from the North Entrance of Yellowstone with beautiful mountain views. Chief Joseph Campground is another nearby option with reservable sites, water, and toilet facilities. Other choices include Basin Campground with spacious sites surrounded by mountains, and Soda Butte Campground with access to water and toilet facilities. For backcountry enthusiasts, the 2S6 Backcountry Campsite along Slough Creek Trail offers a remote experience about 9 miles from the trailhead. Most campgrounds in this area are open seasonally from late spring through early fall.
What camping is available near Silver Gate, MT?
What camping is available near Silver Gate, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Silver Gate, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 179 campgrounds and RV parks near Silver Gate, MT and 42 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Silver Gate, MT?
Which is the most popular campground near Silver Gate, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Silver Gate, MT is Soda Butte Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Silver Gate, MT?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Silver Gate, MT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 42 free dispersed camping spots near Silver Gate, MT.
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