Big Sky Montana Public Campgrounds

Go camping near Big Sky, Montana, in Gallatin National Forest, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, or in nearby Yellowstone National Park at RV-friendly public campgrounds with great sites and access to year-round recreation.

While Big Sky, Montana, has RV parks and private campgrounds, there are also plenty of RV-friendly sites to choose from when you camp in nearby National Forests, National Parks, and Wilderness Areas.

Gallatin National Forest spans 1.8-million acres, crossing six mountain ranges and includes overlap of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Lee Metcalf Wilderness area, easily accessed from Big Sky, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park.

Reservations

Call the US Forest Service at 406-587-6701 for more information and 877-444-6777 for reservations. At least 3 to 4 days advance reservation recommended when possible and can generally be made up to a year in advance. Some campgrounds have a first-come, first serve site choice process.

Season

Campgrounds typically open Mid-May to the end of September, weather permitting.

Length of Stay

Campers may stay up to an average of 14 to 16 days in any one campground or site.

Fees

$16 average per night. With reservation, at the highest, typically $50 per night to $70 with second vehicle, including an 8 to 15-person limit.

Camping Areas/Locations:

Gallatin National Forest campgrounds nearest Big Sky, Montana, include:

• Red Cliff Campground is just shy of 10 miles away from Big Sky, $14 per night, offers great views of the Gallatin River, and is located at 41120 Gallatin Road, off US Highway 191.
• Moose Creek Group Site is located about 10 and ½ miles away from Big Sky, Montana, adjacent to Moose Creek off US Highway 191, with pine and fir trees complimenting campground picnic areas.
• Moose Creek Flat Campground, almost 11 miles from Big Sky, features paved roads and gravel spurred campsites and access to nearby fishing and kayaking.
• Greek Creek, a little more than 11 miles, offers great picnicking among spruce, fir, and cottonwood tress and provides additional firewood for $5/bundle.
• Swan Creek, about 11 and ½ miles from Big Sky and is popular for hiking, fishing, bird-watching, and picnicking.
• Spire Rock Campground, a little more than 13 miles, is near Storm Castle Creek, a tributary of Gallatin River. Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water.
• Hood Creek, almost 24 miles from Big Sky, is popular with boaters who use Hood Creek’s boat launch to access Hyalite Reservoir. Hood Creek is under reconstruction and may not be available temporarily for reservations after the 4th of July, 2010.

Lee Metcalf Wilderness campgrounds nearest Big Sky, Montana, include:

• Red Mountain Campground in Beartrap Canyon, located about 25 miles northeast of Ennis, off US Highway 84, offers anglers and floaters great access to the Madison River for $8 a night. Group use requires advance registration by calling 406-682-4082.

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest campgrounds in the Madison Ranger District (near Ennis, Montana) about an hour from Big Sky, Montana, include:

• Bear Creek Campground and Picnic Area, about 10 miles South of Ennis off US Highway 287, offers 12 first come, first serve, no reservation camping sites with no camping fee.
• Hilltop, about 37 miles South of Ennis off US Highway 287, offers 18 first come, first serve campsites.
• Madison is about 34 miles South of Ennis, offering 10 sites with great fishing access near the campground’s 40 acres.
• Riverview is about 34 miles South of Ennis and offers 24 first come, first serve camping sites.
• Wade Lake is about 37 miles South of Ennis off US Highway 287, offering 30 first come, first serve sites near Wade Lake and features a boat rental facility.

West Yellowstone area campgrounds near Yellowstone National Park, just 48 miles South of Big Sky, Montana, off US Highway 191, include:

• Baker’s Hole, 3 miles outside West Yellowstone, offers 73 campsites, $16 a day, first come, first serve – no reservations.
• Rainbow Point, 10 miles outside West Yellowstone, offers restrooms, water and firewood, a boat launch, and access to 85 campsites.
• Lonesomehurst Campground, 12 miles outside West Yellowstone, offers 27 campsites, first-come, first serve – no reservations.
• Cherry Creek Campground, 14 miles outside West Yellowstone, is open until mid-October (weather permitting).