Slough Creek Campground sits at the end of a rough 2.5-mile gravel road that challenges visitors with potholes when dry and deep mud during wet conditions. The 16-site campground operates on a reservation system that fills quickly, requiring advance booking rather than the early morning arrivals that once secured spots. Recent flooding damaged the water system, leaving the campground without running water as of 2024, though hand pump wells previously provided what campers described as "top notch" water.
The campground attracts tent campers and those with smaller RVs, as larger rigs struggle to navigate the tight spaces and turning radius. Sites spread across open terrain near Slough Creek, with the sound of flowing water reaching most camping spots. Wildlife encounters happen regularly here—bison wander through the campground itself, while deer feed at the edges and black bears appear on nearby trails. Bill R. notes that "the floods trashed the creek from the campground to the Lamar confluence," affecting fishing opportunities downstream.
Each site includes a picnic table and metal fire ring with rotating grill grates. Bear-proof lockers scattered throughout the campground provide food storage, often shared among neighboring campers. The vault toilets earn consistent praise for cleanliness, while trash and recycling services handle waste removal. Cell service varies by carrier, with some Verizon coverage reported at certain sites.
The campground's location in the Lamar Valley brings both benefits and challenges. Wolf viewing draws crowds to the entrance road, sometimes creating traffic backups that make access difficult. Mosquito populations can be heavy during certain periods, affecting outdoor comfort. For those planning trips in the broader region, campgrounds near Yellowstone National Park offer additional options with different access conditions and amenities.
This campground works best for experienced campers comfortable with primitive conditions, rough road access, and the logistics of advance reservations in a high-demand location.
Description
Overview
Slough Creek is near some of the best wildlife watching opportunities in the park. The campground is at the end of a two mile dirt road, and 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 opportunities for recreation in the Slough Creek area including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, backpacking and photography. Visit the Tower-Roosevelt and the Northeast page on the Yellowstone National Park website to learn more.
Facilities
Slough Creek Campground offers: 16 campsites Food Storage Lockers - Seasonal Trash/Recycling Collection - Seasonal Staff or Volunteer Host On Site - Seasonal Potable Water - May be available, seasonal Vault Toilets - seasonal The campground does not have showers
Natural Features
Slough Creek Campground is on the park's Northern Range, a few miles from where Slough Creek meets the Lamar River. The Lamar Valley is a major summer ground for bison and elk, which attracts predators like wolves and grizzly bears, making it an excellent place to view wildlife. 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 offers access to 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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (307) 344-2289.
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 Yellowstone National Park's TowerRoosevelt and the Northeast web page.
Charges & Cancellations
Fee Info
Slough Creek Campground is open in the summer only. The campground fee is $20 per night per site.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSlough Creek Campground is located in Wyoming near Silver Gate
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/13/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/13/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 6/13/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/13/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 12 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 31 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 35 min from Helena, MT
- 5 hrs 25 min from Idaho Falls, ID
