Within Yellowstone National Park, Indian Creek Campground operates as a National Park Service facility that tends to fill later than the park's more popular campgrounds. Located along the Grand Loop Road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Norris Junction, this 70-site campground sits at the confluence of Indian Creek and Obsidian Creek.
The campground attracts campers who prefer a quieter experience within the park. Sites cluster fairly close together with limited natural barriers between neighbors, though mature trees provide some separation and "lots of trees- perfect for hammocks," notes Emily B.. Most sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, though staff strictly enforce length limits and have been known to measure rigs with tape measures. Generators are prohibited, which helps maintain the atmosphere many reviewers appreciate.
Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box for food storage. The campground provides vault toilets and sells firewood at the entrance station. Indian Creek and Obsidian Creek flow nearby, offering brook trout fishing opportunities and water access that several campers mention in reviews. Wildlife sightings occur regularly, with visitors reporting foxes, wolves, and moose in the area.
The campground operates on a reservation system through Recreation.gov, though availability often extends later into the morning compared to other Yellowstone campgrounds. Bill R. notes it "was our favorite place in the park" due to its somewhat off-the-beaten-path location. Cell service remains spotty, though some campers report success with satellite internet. The campground typically opens in June and closes in September, depending on weather conditions.
Indian Creek works well for campers seeking a base camp for exploring Yellowstone's northern loop while avoiding the intense competition for sites at larger campgrounds like Madison or Canyon.
Description
Overview
Located about eight miles (13 km) south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, Indian Creek Campgroundelevation 7,300 feet (2225 m)sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains and offers breathtaking views of Electric Peak. The area offers easy access to fishing and hiking. The campground is away from the main road and provides a quieter, more primitive, experience than many other locations. For reservations at the campgrounds managed by Yellowstone National Park Lodges (Fishing Bridge RV Park, Bridge Bay, Canyon, Madison, and Grant Village campgrounds), please visit the Yellowstone National Park Lodges website.
Recreation
Visit the Fishing, Hiking, and/or Photography & Wildlife Watching web pages for ideas of things you can do. The Bighorn Pass trailhead is on the entrance road to the campground.
Facilities
Indian Creek Campground offers 70 campsites. A registration office and information board is situated at the entrance of the campground. This campground has an amphitheater and the Bighorn Pass trailhead.
Natural Features
Highlights in the Mammoth Hot Springs and the North area include Obsidian Creek and the Gardner River, Big Horn Pass Trail, Sheepeater Cliff picnic area, and Willow Park to Watch Wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
Bighorn Pass trailhead Sheepeaters Cliff picnic area Rustic Falls Apollonaris Spring Obsidian Cliff
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (307) 344-2289 for general information.
Charges & Cancellations
Changing Reservations: There is no change fee if a visitor extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. Additionally, there is no change fee if the visitor wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a visitor wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Once a reservation date has begun, visitors cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center. Onsite staff will assist with changes or cancellations. Cancellations: Visitors may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's approved rate including tax and applicable add-on. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Visitors who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days prior to arrival date will pay a $10 service fee AND forfeit the first nights rate. No-Shows: A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Early Departures: Visitors are requested to notify staff at the facility if they depart early to allow others to use the site. If the visitor chooses to depart early, they may forfeit the approved rate and applicable tax and applicable add-on for the day of departure. If a visitor departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Visitors may notify the Recreation.gov call center to request a refund of remaining unused nights. If a visitor requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time (10 am) has passed, the visitor will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. Refunds: Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Visitors may also initiate a refund request through the call center at any time after their reservation has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
Fee Info
The camping fee in Indian Creek Campground is $20 per night per site.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from September 10, 2025 through June 8, 2026.
Closed For the Season
This campground is closed for the season from September 10, 2025 through June 8, 2026.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundIndian Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming
Directions
The Indian Creek Campground is located in the Northern section of the park, about eight miles (13 km) south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, and thirteen miles (21 km) from the park's North Entrance near Gardiner, MT. Visit the park's website to Plan Your Visit and find maps and information on Directions & Transportation.
Coordinates
44.8870232 N
110.7360686 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 39 min from Bozeman, MT
- 2 hrs 58 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 2 min from Helena, MT
- 4 hrs 53 min from Idaho Falls, ID
