Crystal Creek Campground

Star4.86
16 reviews
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Quick Facts

6,985 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open annually late J...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Pintler Ranger District site

Official Website
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Crystal 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

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Provider
406-859-3211null
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What Campers Say

4.86

Top-Rated

Based on 16 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."

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Campground Map

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Crystal Creek Campground

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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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer; users praise creek-side relaxation though nights can be cold and occasional showers occur.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into November; mountain climate likely offers fall colors, but few reviews specifically cite fall conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens late June; spring access is not supported by overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening indicates campground is closed in winter months.

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.
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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.
HikingDay hikes are available near the campground. No specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned.
FishingFishing 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 viewingWildlife viewing is categorized under the available recreational activities. No specific viewing areas or species are mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold weather at night and bugs are noted by users. There is no potable water, so campers must bring their own.
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Crystal Creek Campground

Reviews

4.9
16 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Crystal Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 16 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 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include no garbage services and no cell phone coverage in the area. Some users mentioned the cold nighttime temperatures.
Based on 16 reviews

Pro 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 16 reviews

Seasonal 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...
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Based on 16 reviews

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...
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Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews do not specify particular campsites or areas as being better or worse.
Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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