Is Soda Butte Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Soda Butte Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Soda Butte Campground?

Soda Butte Campground is open "Open late June - Labor Day, weather dependent.". The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Soda Butte Campground?

Soda Butte Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Soda Butte Campground have?

Soda Butte Campground has 27 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Soda Butte Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Soda Butte Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Soda Butte Campground?

Soda Butte Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Soda Butte Campground

3.68

51 reviews

Featured in:RV Camping Montana

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

7,858 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

27 campsites

Season

"Open late June - La...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on "Gardiner Office"Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

7,858 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

27 campsites

Season

"Open late June - La...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on "Gardiner Office"Official Website

Get Directions

Soda Butte Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

"(406) 848-7375"

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Soda Butte Campground

45.0242, -109.9120

Nearby places

"Cooke City (1 mile, approximately 5 minutes driving)."

Weather at Soda Butte Campground

Best Time to Camp at Soda Butte Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest, most reliable access (campground open late June through Labor Day) and comfortable high‑elevation weather — daytime highs typically in the mid‑60s to upper‑70s°F with nights often dropping into the 30s–40s°F. Trails, fishing on nearby creeks, and wildlife viewing are at their peak then, and wildflower‑studded alpine meadows and panoramic mountain vistas are most accessible. Expect moderate to busy use on July weekends and holiday periods; with only 27 hard‑sided sites Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Primary open season with mild days; enjoyable but reviewers warn of 'absolutely horrendous' mosquitoes at times.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: "Open late June - Labor Day, weather dependent."

About Soda Butte Campground

Soda Butte Campground sits at high elevation in Custer Gallatin National Forest near Cooke City, just minutes from Yellowstone's northeast entrance. Operated by the Gardiner Office, this small alpine campground offers well-spaced tent and RV sites with vault toilets and potable water. Campers come for fishing nearby creeks, wildlife viewing, and access to wildflower meadows and mountain trails during the short summer season.

Soda Butte Campground accommodates hard-sided camping only, and tents or pop-ups are strictly prohibited. The campground has 27 sites and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest, most reliable access (campground open late June through Labor Day) and comfortable high‑elevation weather — daytime highs typically in the mid‑60s to upper‑70s°F with nights often dropping into the 30s–40s°F. Trails, fishing on nearby creeks, and wildlife viewing are at their peak then, and wildflower‑studded alpine meadows and panoramic mountain vistas are most accessible. Expect moderate to busy use on July weekends and holiday periods; with only 27 hard‑sided sites Peak months: July, August, June Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation7858 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads across Beartooth Country's forested slopes and open meadows. Some sites tuck into evergreen groves. Others sit in clearings with direct views of the surrounding peaks. The terrain tells millions of years of mountain-building history through its carved valleys and ridgelines. Soda Butte Creek runs nearby, supporting fishing and wildlife corridors.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs is provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platformsnull

AccessibilityThe campground is hard-sided camping only, meaning tents and pop-ups are not allowed. Accessible facilities include fire grates, food boxes, tables, tent pads, toilets, and trash cans.

Site SizeCampers have noted that the sites provide adequate space, with some capable of accommodating trailers up to 32 feet. "Sites were level and required minimal blocking," shared a review.

PrivacySites are described as private and quiet. "The sites are super private and quiet," one camper shared. Others noted, "Camp sites are far enough apart that you don't hear your neighbors" and "Some sites were nestled into the trees and others were out in the open with views of the surrounding mountains.

Total Campsites27 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early during weekends and holidays to secure a campsite. Sites vary in length; longer RVs may not fit in smaller sites. For privacy and tranquility, select a site nestled into the trees. For scenic views, choose an open site.

Best CampsitesReviews don't call out specific site numbers, but mention some sites nested in trees for privacy and others in open areas with mountain views. Sites accommodate trailers up to 32 feet and typically require minimal leveling.

Amenities available

The Soda Butte Campground offers a range of accessible facilities including fire grates, food boxes, tables, tent pads, toilets, trash cans, and water. However, there is no trash pickup or firewood available on-site. The campground does not operate on a reservation system, and all sites are first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the afternoon is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays, as the campground tends to fill up quickly during the summer months. "Lovely little campground with the most helpful hosts and clean vault toilets!" observed one user review. Another camper noted, "The sites are super private and quiet, the views are beautiful. It was inexpensive and easy to find a spot here."

Potable water

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead.

Food Storage Required"Bear-proof food storage lockers are available at campsites."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

51 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Soda Butte Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews suggest Soda Butte Campground is a well-loved and frequently visited destination near Yellowstone. Common themes include its proximity to Lamar Valley, clean vault toilets, and helpful hosts. Negative feedback includes issues with mosquitoes and an instance of a rude campground host.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlighted positives include private and well-spaced sites, cleanliness, helpful hosts, and scenic views. "Lovely little campground with the most helpful hosts and clean vault toilets!" shared one...

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes were described as "absolutely horrendous" by one reviewer, who noted, "I have NEVER in my life experienced mosquitoes like we did at this campsite." Another camper reported an unpleasant...

Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback indicates some spaces can accommodate large trailers, while others are more suited for smaller campers. Sites are described as level and private; "Camp sites are far enough...

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early during peak season to secure a spot, as the campground fills up quickly. Use bear boxes for food storage and avoid bringing tents or pop-ups as they are not permitted. Bring bug...

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews generally emphasize the campground's proximity to Yellowstone and Lamar Valley. Campers have reported high mosquito activity during mid-year months. Winter conditions are not...

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Stayed here the 2nd week of August 2020 for 2 nights. Lovely campground. It provides a true feeling of camping in the mountains." "Roy & Susan are the best campground hosts ever!!" "Spent one night...

Based on 51 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is good, with facilities like food boxes and tent pads provided. However, the campground is strictly hard-sided camping, which may exclude tent campers.

Based on 51 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet base camp close to Yellowstone's northeast entrance with well-spaced sites and mountain access.

Skip if

You're sensitive to mosquitoes or need electric hookups and flush toilets.

Nearby Campgrounds

Colter Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Gardiner Ranger District, Montana

Colter Campground sits at 7,560 feet in Beartooth Country, offering 17 hard-sided RV sites near Cooke City and Yellowstone's northeast entrance. The campground is tent-free due to active grizzly and black bear presence. Fees run $5-$20 per night, and it's open July 1 through early fall when snow allows.