Best Campgrounds near Livingston, MT
Livingston, Montana serves as a gateway to diverse camping options between Yellowstone National Park and the Gallatin National Forest. Public lands around the city support established RV parks like Livingston/Paradise Valley KOA Holiday with full hookups, while the nearby Pig Farm Fishing Access provides free dispersed camping along the Yellowstone River. Accommodations range from primitive tent sites and pull-through RV spaces to cabin rentals at places like Yellowstone Edge RV Park. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with the highest concentration of options along the Highway 89 corridor south toward Gardiner.
Road conditions and seasonal closures significantly impact camping access in the region. The majority of developed campgrounds near Livingston remain closed during winter months, with most opening around May 1st and closing by early October due to Montana's harsh winter conditions. Campgrounds along the Yellowstone River, such as Loch Leven and Mallard's Rest, provide river access but have limited amenities compared to commercial sites. Many visitors note the importance of advance planning during peak summer months when tourism to Yellowstone creates high demand. According to one visitor, "We showed up late one night on my way to Big Sky and was lucky enough to get a spot. There are plenty of amenities such as toilets, fire pits, and tables."
Waterfront camping generates the most positive reviews in the Livingston area, with numerous sites offering Yellowstone River access. Mallard's Rest and Loch Leven fishing access sites provide direct river frontage with mountain views, though both offer only basic facilities like vault toilets. Several visitors mentioned proximity to downtown Livingston as a benefit, allowing campers to enjoy both outdoor recreation and small-town amenities. Paradise Valley camping spots south of town generally receive higher ratings for scenery but experience more tourism traffic. Campers regularly mention the quality of stargazing and wildlife viewing, particularly at sites away from Highway 89. RV parks closer to town provide more amenities but less solitude compared to fishing access sites and Forest Service campgrounds in the surrounding mountains.
