How much does camping cost at Chisholm Campground?

Camping fees at Chisholm Campground range from $26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chisholm Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Chisholm Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Chisholm Campground before I book?

Yes! Chisholm Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Chisholm Campground?

Chisholm Campground is open May 22 to September 25. 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 Chisholm Campground?

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

How many campsites does Chisholm Campground have?

Chisholm Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chisholm Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Chisholm Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Chisholm Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Chisholm Campground?

Popular activities at Chisholm Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chisholm Campground

4.10

89 reviews

None

Top 21%Spring

CReport Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on ExplorUS (Managing agency for Custer-Gallatin National Forest campgrounds)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 16 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on ExplorUS (Managing agency for Custer-Gallatin National Forest campgrounds)Official Website

Get Directions

Chisholm Campground

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

(406)646-1012dhagey@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

None

Chisholm Campground

None

Nearby places

Bozeman, MT (18 miles, approximately 30 minute drive)

Weather at Chisholm Campground

Best Time to Camp at Chisholm Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable access, warm sunny days and cool mountain nights—ideal for boating, swimming, hiking and trout fishing on Hyalite Reservoir. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to low-80s°F with nights in the 30s–50s°F, producing comfortable camping and clear alpine skies for stargazing. Campsites fill quickly in July and August, so midweek visits or reservations increase your chance at one of the 10 sites while still enjoying peak water and trail recreation. Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is best: warm days for boating, swimming, hiking and reliable access; but busy at peak times.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season: May 16 - September 27. Closed: September 27 - June 5.

About Chisholm Campground

Chisholm Campground sits in Custer Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman, offering direct access to Hyalite Reservoir for swimming, boating, and trout fishing. ExplorUS operates this very small mid-elevation forest campground with vault toilets, potable water, and a 16-day stay limit. Campers use it as a base for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding mountains.

Chisholm Campground supports various camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and group camping. While it offers standard nonelectric sites, there are no options for cabins or glamping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most reliable access, warm sunny days and cool mountain nights—ideal for boating, swimming, hiking and trout fishing on Hyalite Reservoir. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to low-80s°F with nights in the 30s–50s°F, producing comfortable camping and clear alpine skies for stargazing. Campsites fill quickly in July and August, so midweek visits or reservations increase your chance at one of the 10 sites while still enjoying peak water and trail recreation. Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryHyalite Reservoir dominates the scenery, bordered by dense forests of pine and fir. East Fork Hyalite Creek cuts through the landscape, creating diverse habitat where mountain geology meets water. The surrounding peaks and alpine terrain provide views typical of the Northern Rockies. Trails from the campground lead to waterfalls and overlooks. Elevation sits at 6,700 feet, high enough for cooler temperatures and occasional wildlife sightings including elk.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations or lodges available at Chisholm Campground. The camping experience is focused on tent, RV, and group camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo explicit mention of cultural or educational programs within the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 16 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Typically limited to standard family units
no explicit numeric value for guests per site mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov via website, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets are provided. However, specific features for individuals with disabilities are not comprehensively detailed in the source.

Site SizeCamp sites range from standard to spacious, with some designated as particularly large or private. For example, site 10 is described as 'the most private,' while site 6 is noted for its roomy layout.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across sites, with some users mentioning secluded environments and others indicating high foot traffic near water-accessible sites. Site 10 is described as 'the most private' by a reviewer, whereas site 5 experienced significant disturbances from passersby.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakeside sites like #5 for views; avoid sites near vault toilets to avoid odors during rainy conditions.

Best CampsitesSite 10 gets mentioned most often for privacy. Site 6 is notably roomy. Site 5 has water access but reviews warn about foot traffic and disturbances from passersby. Sites vary significantly in how exposed they are to other campers and trail users.

Need help booking Chisholm Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Chisholm Campground offers a variety of amenities to campers, situated next to Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of Gallatin National Forest. Its facilities include accessible vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water (via hand pumps), trash collection, food storage lockers, and recycling stations. The campground does not have showers or RV dump stations. User reviews emphasize the cleanliness of the restrooms, with comments like 'Bathrooms are spotless and always have toilet paper.' Firewood is available for purchase on-site for $10 per bundle. Several campsites are noted for their proximity to the lake and the creek, offering serene views and easy access to natural features.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Chisholm Campground offers a diverse array of activities, leveraging its forested environment, proximity to Hyalite Reservoir, and access to trails like the Hyalite Peak Trail. Visitors can engage in hiking (including challenging trails), fishing (targeting species like Yellowstone cutthroat), boating, wildlife viewing, and other recreational activities such as berry and mushroom picking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Chisholm Campground. Vault-style toilets are provided instead.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers are available for securing food and supplies.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Chisholm Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.1

89 reviews

Satisfactory

Chisholm Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Chisholm Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic location and recreational opportunities. However, there are mixed sentiments about the camp host, with some praising their helpfulness and others criticizing their manner. Privacy and site size are recurring themes, with reviewers noting disparities across campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 89 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 89 reviews.

Site 10Loved
Site 10: Praised for its privacy.
Site 6Loved
Site 6: Noted for its spacious layout.
Site 5Mentioned
Site 5: Criticized for disturbances from passersby due to its proximity to the lake.
Site 3Mentioned
Site 3: Experienced heavy foot traffic from visitors heading to the stream.

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, accessibility to Hyalite Reservoir, ample space for RVs, and a serene environment are frequently praised. Reviewers appreciate the proximity to trails and the overall layout of the...

Based on 89 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints revolve around the behavior of the camp host, noise from neighboring RV campers, and disturbances caused by visitors passing through water-accessible sites. Some reviewers also mention...

Based on 89 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites early due to high demand, especially during peak season. Choose sites like 10 for privacy or 6 for spaciousness. Visitors are advised to respect quiet hours and consider potential...

Based on 89 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highly popular but regarded as busy; early or late season camping offers quieter experiences. Winter activities are possible, though snowfall may impact accessibility.

Based on 89 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Bathrooms are spotless and always toilet paper in them.' 'Great campground if you can get in, right on lake with great fishing and tree cover.' 'Vault toilets are close, but not too close, and kept...

Based on 89 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets are available, but additional features for individuals with disabilities are not detailed in reviews.

Based on 89 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and leash rules are enforced. One reviewer noted, 'Camp hosts try very hard to get everyone to abide by the rules and regulations, like keeping dogs on leashes.'

Based on 89 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Chisholm Campground

$26.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(406)646-1012dhagey@goexplorus.com

Go if

You want a quiet base near Bozeman with quick access to Hyalite Reservoir and mountain trails.

Skip if

You need electric hookups, large campground amenities, or guaranteed solitude from neighboring campers.

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Campgrounds

Chisholm Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 32% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 59 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Safety
Grade B+.Campsites
Grade B+.Getting there

Watch-outs

Grade F.Booking
Grade C-.Staff & hosts
Grade C-.Cleanliness

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Montana grades overall