How much does camping cost at Swan Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Swan Creek 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 Swan Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Swan 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 Swan Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Swan Creek Campground has 4 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 Swan Creek Campground?

Swan Creek Campground is open May 15 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 Swan Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Swan Creek Campground have?

Swan Creek Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Swan Creek Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Swan Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Swan Creek Campground?

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

Swan Creek Campground

4.43

163 reviews

Top 9%Fall

Great Hiking

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Rocky Mountain Recreation Company Official Website

Get Directions

Swan Creek 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).

Standard Site Fee$26.00

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Provider

406-646-1012 dhagey@goexplorus.com

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Plan a trip to Swan Creek Campground

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Campground Map

Swan Creek Campground

45.3725, -111.1681

Nearby places

Bozeman - 31 miles (approx. 30-minute drive)

West Yellowstone - 58 miles (approx. 1-hour drive)

Big Sky - 8 miles (approx. 15-minute drive)

Weather at Swan Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Swan Creek Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers crisp days, dramatic fall color in aspens and cottonwoods, and far fewer bugs and crowds than summer—making it ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and quiet creekside fishing. Expect daytime highs in September of roughly 50–70°F and chilly nights that can dip into the 20s–40s°F, so pack warm layers for dawn and dusk. Trails and viewpoints are at their scenic peak and wildlife activity (elk, deer) increases, but the campground still closes late September so plan for early-to-mid fall. Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 9% in US

Late spring/early fall recommended; dramatic aspens/cottonwoods and fewer bugs in September.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 25. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season opens May 16 and closes September 27 during peak season.

About Swan Creek Campground

Swan Creek Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Custer Gallatin National Forest, a short drive from Bozeman. Operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company, it offers a mix of tent, RV, and primitive sites along a creek corridor known for fall aspen color and wildlife. Visitors come for trailhead access, fishing, and a quieter alternative to busier national forest campgrounds.

Swan Creek Campground accommodates single-family camping with options for tent camping and smaller RVs. It is a primitive campground offering privacy and scenic settings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers crisp days, dramatic fall color in aspens and cottonwoods, and far fewer bugs and crowds than summer—making it ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and quiet creekside fishing. Expect daytime highs in September of roughly 50–70°F and chilly nights that can dip into the 20s–40s°F, so pack warm layers for dawn and dusk. Trails and viewpoints are at their scenic peak and wildlife activity (elk, deer) increases, but the campground still closes late September so plan for early-to-mid fall. Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThick stands of spruce and fir create a shaded canopy over most sites. Swan Creek runs through the campground, its water clear and close enough to several sites that you can hear it from your tent. The surrounding forest supports moose, elk, deer, black bears, and grizzlies. Bald eagles circle overhead, and bighorn sheep appear on nearby rocky terrain. The creek provides good habitat for wildlife and keeps the understory lush, which also means mosquitoes thrive here in late June and July.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are described in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay allowed is up to 16 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of two vehicles per reservation
additional vehicle fee applies ($8).

Groups

Group camping sites are not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include reasonable space between campsites and proximity to Swan Creek. Bear-proof food storage lockers are available at most sites but not all. Some reviews indicate rocky trails that may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some variability. For example, site #5 is noted to be smaller without a regular tent area, while the upper loop sites are larger and more spread out.

PrivacySites offer good privacy due to dense vegetation and spacing. The upper loop in particular provides more secluded campsites.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesUpper loop sites (#7-#13) offer more privacy and direct creek access. Campsite #1 is ideal for tent camping with great creek access and privacy.

Best CampsitesSite 4 offers privacy and sits close to the creek. Site 11 is spacious with excellent creek access, and the water noise masks sounds from neighboring sites. Site 12 works well for families. The upper loop (sites 7–13) provides larger, more spread-out sites overall, while site 5 in the lower loop is smaller and lacks a proper tent area.

Need help booking Swan 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

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation opportunities at Swan Creek Campground include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, berry picking, birding, mushroom picking, photography, stargazing, and scenic driving. Kayaking and rafting are also popular in the nearby Gallatin River. The Swan Creek Trail begins within the campground, offering an accessible entry point for hiking.

Hiking

The Swan Creek Trail originates within the campground, offering hikes through varied terrain including waterfalls, ponds, wildflower meadows, and forested areas. Another popular trail, Golden Trout Lakes Trail, is located five miles south of the campground. User reviews praise the hiking opportunities: 'Hiking behind (east) of the campground was amazing...pretty waterfall and marshy beaver pond back there, then onto wildflowers and more forest.'

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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; only vault toilets are provided, which users have described as clean and well-maintained.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at most sites but not all; campers should confirm locker availability.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

163 reviews

Recommended

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

Overall, user sentiment is highly positive, emphasizing the campground's beauty, privacy, and proximity to Swan Creek. Common complaints include mosquitoes and occasional maintenance issues with trash. Seasonal reviews underscore the importance of bug spray in summer months.

Review Summaries

Based on 163 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful creekside location, spacious and private campsites, clean vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, proximity to hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities.

Based on 163 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquito problems during warmer months, occasional trash left in bushes, lack of bear proof food storage at some sites, smaller site sizes (e.g., site #5).

Based on 163 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #4: Private and creekside; Site #5: Smaller with limited tent space; Site #7-12: More spacious, private, and family-friendly; Site #1: Set back from the main road with great creek access.

Based on 163 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and repellents (Picaridin recommended), consider reserving upper loop sites for added privacy and family-friendly settings. Purchase firewood at Greek Creek Campground. Arrive early...

Based on 163 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently highlight mosquito issues and the importance of bug spray. Late spring and early fall reviews emphasize quieter experiences and easier access to hiking trails.

Based on 163 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground sits next to the creek, so we slept like angels.' - Jonathan Hannon 2. 'Lovely campground far enough off the highway that you don't get road noise.' - Peggy S 3. 'Neighbors are a...

Based on 163 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites are fairly spread out, offering accessibility for most campers. However, rocky trails may be challenging for individuals with mobility concerns.

Based on 163 reviews