Crystal Creek Campground
03 reviewsnull
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open annually late J...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Open annually late J...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsCrystal Creek Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider406-859-3211null
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 3 reviews
11 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsprivacyshadesites
"User reviews highlight the peaceful ambiance created by the creek next to the campsites and the privacy provided by spacing between sites. However, some reviewers note the lack of cell phone coverage and that bug spray is essential."
Fees & Passes at Crystal Creek Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: null
Cancellation: null
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Pintler Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Crystal Creek Campground
Crystal Creek's mountain climate delivers dramatic seasonal transformations that seasoned campers cherish. Summer brings warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though mountain showers occasionally roll through to refresh the forest. As autumn arrives, crisp nights demand cozy sleeping bags and crackling campfires. Late fall through early spring transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland, with snow blanketing the ground and temperatures dipping well below freezing—a spectacular time for those properly equipped for cold-weather camping. Even in peak summer, the elevation ensures refreshingly cool evenings that invite stargazing and fireside conversations.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open annually late June through November, weather dependent.
- Current Alerts: null
About Crystal Creek Campground
Tucked away in nature's embrace, Crystal Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just three secluded camping units where the gentle melody of rushing water becomes your constant companion. This hidden gem provides all the essentials—clean restrooms, sturdy picnic tables, and warming fire rings—while the creek's soothing soundtrack creates the perfect ambiance for stringing up a hammock between ancient trees. Here, anglers can cast their lines just steps from camp, making this the ideal basecamp for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Crystal Creek Campground is very small, offering three camping units. It is primarily suited for tent camping and small trailers, with no fees required.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsCrystal Creek's mountain climate delivers dramatic seasonal transformations that seasoned campers cherish. Summer brings warm days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though mountain showers occasionally roll through to refresh the forest. As autumn arrives, crisp nights demand cozy sleeping bags and crackling campfires. Late fall through early spring transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland, with snow blanketing the ground and temperatures dipping well below freezing—a spectacular time for those properly equipped for cold-weather camping. Even in peak summer, the elevation ensures refreshingly cool evenings that invite stargazing and fireside conversations.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryA cathedral of towering trees creates a natural sanctuary at Crystal Creek, where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy to dance on the forest floor. The campground's namesake creek winds through the property, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding wilderness while providing a refreshing soundtrack to your stay. Just a short walk away, pristine Mud Lake mirrors the sky and surrounding peaks, offering spectacular sunrise views and excellent wildlife watching opportunities. Early risers might spot deer tiptoeing to the water's edge, while patient observers could glimpse eagles soaring overhead or hear the haunting call of loons across the lake.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast wilderness of Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Crystal Creek Campground sits amidst some of Montana's most spectacular mountain terrain. This rugged landscape, carved by ancient glaciers and shaped by centuries of natural forces, showcases dramatic peaks, dense coniferous forests, and hidden alpine meadows. The surrounding mountainous topography creates a diverse ecosystem where pristine waterways like Crystal Creek and Mud Lake serve as vital lifelines for the abundant wildlife that calls this corner of the Northern Rockies home.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information is available on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeEach site appears average in size, providing adequate space for trailers up to 16 feet long and plenty of room between sites.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews note that sites are well-spaced, ensuring privacy between campers and allowing for a more secluded experience.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest that sites are spread out for privacy, and each site includes picnic tables, fire rings, and tent spots.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned or available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree sites spread out for privacy, with each site including amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually late June through November, weather dependent.
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in AvailabilityThere are only three sites, and walk-up availability may depend on demand since reservations are not accepted.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Crystal Creek Campground provides opportunities for fishing in nearby Mud Lake, day hiking, and wildlife viewing. The creek running adjacent to the sites offers an ambient sound that enhances the camping experience.
Hiking
Day hikes are available near the campground. No specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned.Fishing
Fishing access is available at the campground near Mud Lake. User reviews do not provide additional information on the types of fish or the quality of fishing.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is categorized under the available recreational activities. No specific viewing areas or species are mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the authoritative source or user reviews.Water Sports
No water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each site includes a fire ring. Specific fire policies are not described, but fire rings suggest controlled use is allowed.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsCold weather at night and bugs are noted by users. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own.
Active alertsnull
Weather at Crystal Creek Campground
21
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 14.5 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Pintler Ranger District office, located at 88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858, phone: 406-859-3211.
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available; the campground follows a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Mud Lake and next to a creek.
Common complaintsLack of potable water and garbage services are potential concerns.
Hostnull
Campground Map
null
Driving directionsFrom Philipsburg go South on Highway 1 for approximately 6 miles. Turn southwest on Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) and continue for approximately 25 miles. Follow the signs to the campground.
Recommended trailer length is no greater than 16 feet. Roads to the campground are not described as paved or unpaved, but user reviews suggest acceptable road conditions.Nearby places
Philipsburg, MT is approximately 31 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Philipsburg, MT, approximately 31 miles away, may offer groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
3 reviews
Crystal Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful ambiance created by the creek next to the campsites and the privacy provided by spacing between sites. However, some reviewers note the lack of cell phone coverage and that bug spray is essential.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
User reviews emphasize the free cost, the lovely creek sounds, shade from trees, and opportunities for hammock camping. Sites are noted for privacy and adequate space.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include no garbage services and no cell phone coverage in the area. Some users mentioned the cold nighttime temperatures.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray, prepare for cold nights, and ensure you 'pack it in, pack it out' as no garbage services are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the campground is best suited for summer months due to its seasonal opening from late June to late September. Cold nights appear to be common even in summer, as mentioned in user...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'This was a lovely spot for an overnight trip up Skalkaho.' - Rachel Jensen. 2. 'No crystals as far as I can tell. Found some purple jasper or chert.' - AK Contracting. 3. 'If you like camping in...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
User reviews do not specify particular campsites or areas as being better or worse.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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