Free camping along the Beartooth Highway comes with some logistical caveats at Lily Lake, and the most important one is the road. The gravel access road is narrow, washboard in sections, and rough enough in places that low-clearance vehicles should approach with caution. Campers with larger rigs should note a critical navigation point: do not drive past the boat ramp area without a solid plan to turn around, as the lane narrows and reversing a long distance is the only option. Download directions or save coordinates before leaving cell range, since service drops out well before the campground entrance when approaching from Yellowstone.
Sites are split between an upper dispersed area and lower spots closer to the lake. The upper sites have more space between neighbors and open sightlines toward the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges, while the lower sites sit closer to the water, with bear boxes and rock-ringed fire pits already in place. A pit toilet is located near the boat launch. There is no trash service, so pack-out is required. Mosquitoes and biting flies are a consistent presence through mid-August. This is active grizzly country, and proper food storage is not optional.
Cell coverage is unreliable at the campground itself, with occasional signal reported on the upper ridge. "Very private and remote," notes Jade G. of the overall feel. Nearby options for water and supplies include Cooke City, a few miles to the northwest, where campgrounds near Cooke City give additional staging points for exploring the area. Lily Lake Dispersed — Shoshone NF sits just to the west for campers who want similar terrain with slightly different site configurations. This campground works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with rough road access and primitive conditions.
Description
This campground is currently under construction and will have seven camp sites and a boat launch to the picturesque Lily Lake.
16-day stay limit This site is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments No cell service
Notes: Boat launch, three shared bear boxes, five picnic tables, but no metal fire rings or grates. No garbage collection
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLily Lake is located in Wyoming near Cooke City
Directions
From Cody, take State Highway 120 north for 16 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway and proceed about 46 miles to the junction with U.S. Highway 212, the Beartooth All-American Road. Turn right onto Highway 212 and travel about 0.75 mile to Forest Road 128. Turn left onto Forest Road 128 for about 1 mile to the campground.
Coordinates
44.94500063 N
109.71400028 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/15/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/15/26
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)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Lily Lake - TEMPORARILY CLOSED needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 23 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 39 min from Bozeman, MT
- 5 hrs 3 min from Helena, MT
- 6 hrs 52 min from Idaho Falls, ID
