How much does camping cost at Hood Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Hood Creek Campground range from $26-$185/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hood Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hood Creek 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 Hood Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Hood Creek Campground has 6 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 Hood Creek Campground?

Hood Creek Campground is open May 16 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 Hood Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Hood Creek Campground have?

Hood Creek Campground has 80 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hood Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hood Creek 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 Hood Creek Campground?

Hood Creek 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 Hood Creek Campground?

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

Hood Creek Campground

4.36

189 reviews

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$26 - $185/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company/Custer Gallatin National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$26 - $185/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company/Custer Gallatin National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Hood Creek Campground

$26.00 - $185.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $185.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Group Site Fee$185.00

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Provider

(406)646-1012dhagey@goexplorus.com

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Campground Map

Hood Creek Campground

45.4850, -110.9678

Nearby places

Bozeman (17 miles south)

Billings (estimated distance unavailable)

Belgrade (estimated distance unavailable)

Weather at Hood Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hood Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and the fullest range of activities—days typically reach 65–80°F with crisp nights in the 35–50°F range—making it ideal for hiking Hyalite Canyon trails, boating and fishing on Hyalite Reservoir, and swimming (water is still cold). Water recreation and wildflower meadows are at their peak in July and August, though expect more weekend crowds and full sites around holidays; arrive early or book ahead. Afternoon mountain thunderstorms can occur, so plan up Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season for boating, fishing, swimming and hiking; warm days and cool nights optimal for camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16 to September 27 (seasonal closure due to freezing temperatures noted in some reviews).

About Hood Creek Campground

Hood Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest near Hyalite Reservoir in Custer Gallatin National Forest, 30 minutes south of Bozeman. Operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, this large campground offers well-spaced tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers hike Hyalite Canyon trails, fish and boat on the reservoir, and enjoy wildlife viewing in one of Montana's most scenic mountain settings.

Hood Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles. It features standard non-electric sites suitable for tents and small RVs, as well as a group campsite that can host up to 80 people.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest weather and the fullest range of activities—days typically reach 65–80°F with crisp nights in the 35–50°F range—making it ideal for hiking Hyalite Canyon trails, boating and fishing on Hyalite Reservoir, and swimming (water is still cold). Water recreation and wildflower meadows are at their peak in July and August, though expect more weekend crowds and full sites around holidays; arrive early or book ahead. Afternoon mountain thunderstorms can occur, so plan up Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryHyalite Reservoir dominates the view, backed by granite peaks carved by ancient glaciers. Pine and fir forests provide shade for most sites, while nearby meadows erupt with wildflowers in July and August. Glacial streams feed the reservoir, keeping the water cold even in midsummer. The canyon's geology tells millions of years of story: weathered rock faces, boulder fields, and steep valley walls that funnel afternoon thunderstorms down from the peaks.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 16 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campground policies do not specify maximum guests per single site.

Groups

The group site (Site 28) accommodates up to 80 people. It includes picnic tables and campfire rings, making it ideal for gatherings.

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 through Recreation.gov, their app, or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground has some accessible sites, such as site 006, which offers new paving, although users noted that access to water for accessible sites could be improved.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with adequate room for tents, small RVs, and trailers. Some sites are better suited to tent camping due to space constraints or terrain challenges.

PrivacyMany campsites are spaced well apart, offering privacy. However, some sites near the road are less private due to construction traffic.

Total Campsites80 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 15, 007, 025, and 018 are recommended for privacy, access to water, and scenic views.

Best CampsitesWaterside sites get the most praise for views and reservoir access, though they book first. Site 15 earns mentions for privacy, tucked away from the main traffic flow. Site 28 works well for groups. Some sites near the road pick up construction noise and dust from ongoing work. Ask the host for current conditions if road proximity matters to you.

Need help booking Hood Creek 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

No RV Dump Station is located in any of the USFS campgrounds managed by ExplorUS in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hood Creek Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, located on the Hyalite Reservoir. Activities include hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Nearby trails, such as the Hyalite Peak Trail, offer challenging and picturesque hikes. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular on the reservoir. Visitors also enjoy stargazing, birding, and mountain biking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

From Booking Sources

4.4

189 reviews

Recommended

Hood Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Hood Creek Campground is frequently praised for its scenic location near Hyalite Reservoir, outdoor activities, and clean facilities. However, some users noted challenges such as limited reservations, road construction, and occasional noise from large vehicles.

Review Summaries

Based on 189 reviews

What Campers Love

"The adjacent Hyalite Reservoir is spectacularly scenic." "Great weather and great spot for a 25-foot travel trailer." "Campsites for the most part are spread well apart. It’s nice you’re not on top...

Based on 189 reviews

Common Concerns

Challenges include road construction dust, crowded conditions during peak times, and lack of RV dump stations. Some users also noted difficulties in securing reservations due to high demand.

Based on 189 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 is praised for privacy and views, while Site 28 is noted for group events. Waterfront sites receive positive mentions for easy water access.

Based on 189 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving sites early due to high demand, particularly during summer. Sites 15 and 28 are highlighted for privacy and group use, respectively.

Based on 189 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season and often crowded, while early fall offers a quieter experience with beautiful foliage. Winter conditions are challenging but offer solitude.

Based on 189 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing campground with great hosts! Wonderful view to wake up to." "Bring your favorite watercraft or floaty, because you'll want to go out onto the water to explore."

Based on 189 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users expressed concerns about accessible site features, particularly water access at designated ADA-compliant locations.

Based on 189 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, with multiple users mentioning their positive experiences with pets.

Based on 189 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a scenic base camp for Hyalite Canyon recreation and don't mind competitive reservations.

Skip if

You need guaranteed availability or prefer quieter campgrounds without construction activity.

Nearby Campgrounds

3710 W FALLON STREET SUITE C, BOZEMAN, MT, 59718, USA

Maxey Cabin sits in mid-elevation forest within Custer Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman, offering a rustic rental cabin managed by the national forest. The cabin provides access to Hyalite Reservoir trails and surrounding wilderness, with vault toilets and fire rings on-site. Guests use the cabin as a base for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing during the warmer months when forest roads are passable.

Hood Creek Campground

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Hood Creek Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Hood Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hood Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Hood Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hood Creek Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Hood Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hood Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hood Creek Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews