Established Camping
Slough Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park
Slough Creek Campground, near Yellowstone National Park, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a more remote camping experience. With only 16 sites, it fills up quickly, so plan to arrive early if you want to snag a spot and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the nearby creek.
This campground is all about the natural beauty and wildlife. Visitors rave about the stunning views and the chance to see bison roaming nearby. As one camper noted, “The sounds of the creek are so peaceful and the starry night sky was incredible.” The sites are spacious, allowing for a bit of privacy, and the clean vault toilets are a nice touch for a primitive setup.
If you're into hiking, you're in luck. The area offers great trails where you might even spot a black bear or deer. Just remember, this is bear country, so keep your food secured. With no electric hookups or showers, it’s a true back-to-nature experience, perfect for those who want to disconnect and soak in the beauty of Yellowstone.
Description
National Park Service
Yellowstone National Park
Overview
Near some of the best wildlife watching opportunities in the park. Located at the end of a two mile dirt road, this campground is best suited for tents and small RVs. There are plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area, including the Slough Creek Trail which begins nearby. Nighttime offers a quiet, unimpeded view of the stars and the possibility of hearing wolves howl. Elevation: 6,250 ft (1905 m).
Recreation
There are many opportunties for recreation in the Slough Creek area including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, backpacking and photography. Visit the park's website to learn more: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/towerrplan.htm
Natural Features
The Slough Creek Campground is located on the park's Northern Range, a few miles from where Slough Creek meets the Lamar River. The Lamar Valley is an excellent place to view wildlife, with it being one of the major summer grounds for bison and elk, which attracts predators like wolves and grizzly bears. Elk, bison, deer, and pronghorn thrive in the grasslands of this area, known as the northern range. In fact, some of the largest wild herds of bison and elk in North America are found here. The northern range is critical winter habitat for these large animals, which in turn provide food for several packs of wolves. Coyotes are also common, and occasional bobcat, cougar, or red fox are reported. The gorge and cliffs between the junction and Tower Fall provide habitat for bighorn sheep, osprey, peregrine falcons, and red-tailed hawks. Both grizzly and black bears are sighted throughout the area, particularly in the spring. Black bears are more commonly seen around Tower Fall and Tower Junction. Grizzlies are sometimes seen in the Lamar Valley and on the north slopes of Mount Washburn, particularly in the spring when elk are calving. Road pullouts provide excellent places from which to watch wildlife. The campground can access the Slough Creek Trail, which follows a historic wagon trail into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness beyond Yellowstone. It begins with a steep climb then descends to the first meadow. Stop and relax here or continue to the second meadow. Be alert for bears and moose. Slough Creek is a popular fishing area.
Nearby Attractions
Highlights in the area include the Slough Creek Trail, the Lamar and Yellowstone Rivers, and the Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing. For more information, visit the park's website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/towerrplan.htm
Fee Info
Slough Creek Campground is open in the summer only. The campground fee is $20 per night per site.
Location
Slough Creek Campground — Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming
Directions
Slough Creek Campground is located about 7 miles from the Tower-Roosevelt junction within the park's Northern Range. It is about 30 miles from the park's North Entrance in Gardiner, MT and about 26 miles from the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City, MT. For more information, driving directions and maps, visit the park's website: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/directions.htm
Coordinates
44.9488466 N
110.3068792 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TPoor
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 12 min from Bozeman
- 3 hrs 31 min from Billings
- 3 hrs 35 min from Helena
- 5 hrs 25 min from Idaho Falls