Picnic Spring Campground sits on a sandstone plateau in the Cave Hills area of Custer Gallatin National Forest, approximately 7 miles from the main highway via a maintained gravel road. The campground consists of 8-10 widely separated sites set among ponderosa pines at an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet. Temperatures range from summer highs in the 90s to cool nights in the 40s, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for yurt accommodations and tent camping.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: The Cave Hills area hosts deer, elk, and various bird species year-round. A visitor to Picnic Spring Campground noted, "While I was here in May I saw deer and elk. Stayed here twice, once in May when there were no other visitors and once in August when there were only a few others."
Hiking through geological formations: The sandstone bluffs and buttes offer cross-country hiking options with elevation changes of 300-500 feet. A camper at Reva Gap Campground shared, "Some trails to the north of Highway 20 and on the south end of Highway 79 that can take you above and along the cliffs of the buttes with some more spectacular views."
Stargazing without equipment: The remote location with minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "As they say in Texas... 'The stars shine bright at night'," reported one Picnic Spring visitor after spending two nights in mid-September.
What campers like
Site privacy and spacing: Most glamping sites in the Hettinger area offer significant distance between neighbors. A camper at Picnic Spring observed, "The 10 sites are spacious: it's hard to see any other campers from your site."
Cell service reliability: Despite the remote location, connectivity remains available at most sites. "We have a great site for our 23ft trailer. This campground is so private and the sites are spaced far enough away you can't see each other," noted a Tuesday afternoon arrival at Gascoyne Lake Campground.
Sunrise viewing opportunities: Morning light creates distinctive views across the prairie landscape. One Gascoyne Lake visitor mentioned, "You're right along the lake which had a beautiful sunset. You are allowed to stay up to seven nights and it is free."
What you should know
Water availability considerations: No potable water exists at most glamping sites. At Picnic Spring, "There is no potable water but there is a spring where you can water to boil. They don't test it so you are using it at your own risk."
Distance from supplies: Plan ahead as services are limited. "Note the nearest groceries or any store for that matter is 25 miles away in either direction on Route 85," advises a Picnic Spring camper.
Firewood situation: Some sites provide wood from forest management. "Several piles of wood available for firewood (resulted from clearing trees); you will need to split it, however," notes a Fourth of July visitor to Reva Gap Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some glamping locations near Hettinger offer basic play equipment. At Gascoyne Lake, "There are two little shelter areas & a playground but it has not been mowed yet for the season so hard to access."
Toilet facilities condition: Vault toilets receive regular maintenance but vary by season. "Bathrooms needed some attention. Lots of flies," reported a July visitor to Reva Gap, while another noted, "The vault toilets were very clean and the campground was quiet."
Stay duration flexibility: Free camping areas permit extended stays. A visitor to Picnic Spring Campground explained, "You can stay a max of 14 days. We highly recommend this campground!"
Tips from RVers
Road conditions for larger rigs: The gravel access roads remain navigable for most vehicles. "There is around 7 miles of gravel road to go up. But we were on street motorcycles and had no problem," notes a Picnic Spring visitor.
Site accessibility: Some glamping options near Hettinger accommodate larger vehicles. "One is a big rig and the other is a 5th wheel. I think they are hunters, not sure. It was over 6 miles down a dirt gravel road. The road was fairly nice," reported a Tuesday arrival.
Seasonal maintenance: Mowing schedules affect campground conditions. A July visitor observed, "Sites has been mowed for fire mitigation which also resulted in nice 'lawns'."
