How much does camping cost at Bear Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Bear Creek Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

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

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Bear Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Bear Creek Campground has 5 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 Bear Creek Campground?

Bear Creek Campground is open 6/1 – 10/31 Weather Dependent. Open 24 hours/day, June 1 - December 31 (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 Bear Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Bear Creek Campground have?

Bear Creek Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Bear Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Bear 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 Bear Creek Campground?

Bear Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bear Creek Campground?

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

Bear Creek Campground

3.50

10 reviews

Stargazing

Featured in:Tent Camping Montana

Quick Facts

7,211 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

6/1 – 10/31 Weather ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,211 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

6/1 – 10/31 Weather ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Creek Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this campsite.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Bear Creek Campground

45.1100, -110.5996

Nearby places

Gardiner - 5 miles northeast

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies will be found in Gardiner.

Driving directionsPrimitive campground located 5 mi northeast of Gardiner on Jardine Rd, 5.5 mi on Bear Creek Rd (Forest Rd 493). Bear Creek is a primitive campground and is only accessible by walking a short distance due to flood-related damage. Contact District Office for info.

No vehicle access due to flood-related damage. Campground road not suitable for long or towed vehicles. There is NO TURNAROUND for long vehicles.

Weather at Bear Creek Campground

Current alert: Campground road not suitable for long or towed vehicles. There is NO TURNAROUND for long vehicles.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Creek Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable access and weather. Daytime highs reach the 60s and 70s, with nights dropping into the mid-30s to mid-40s. Long daylight hours and thawed creeks make the hike from the parking area pleasant. Trails stay stable, and trout fishing picks up. Wildlife viewing peaks during these months. At 7,211 feet, afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, and temperatures shift fast once the sun drops.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer gives most reliable access and weather; daytime highs in 60s–70s.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: 6/1 – 10/31 Weather Dependent. Open 24 hours/day, June 1 - December 31 (weather dependent)

About Bear Creek Campground

Bear Creek sits at 7,211 feet in the West Absaroka Mountains, offering four primitive sites accessible by a short walk from the parking area. Recent flood damage closed vehicle access, but the hike in filters out crowds and delivers what reviewers call a "gem of a campground." No fees, no reservations, no cell service.

Bear Creek Campground is a primitive site with limited facilities. It is only accessible via a short walk due to flood-related damage.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and weather. Daytime highs reach the 60s and 70s, with nights dropping into the mid-30s to mid-40s. Long daylight hours and thawed creeks make the hike from the parking area pleasant. Trails stay stable, and trout fishing picks up. Wildlife viewing peaks during these months. At 7,211 feet, afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, and temperatures shift fast once the sun drops.

ElevationPerched in the mountain landscape where the air grows thin and crisp, Bear Creek campground offers the invigorating atmosphere of high-country camping. The elevation provides natural air conditioning during summer months and creates ideal conditions for stargazing, with the thinner atmosphere offering clearer views of the cosmos above.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in volcanic terrain shaped by ancient eruptions, glaciation, and erosion. Bear Creek runs through the sites, its sound constant. Reviewers praise the starry night skies and the seclusion provided by the surrounding forest. The West Absaroka peaks rise dramatically overhead. Sites sit on flat ground with enough space for tents and gear. Summer brings wildflower meadows at this elevation, and the creek provides a natural cooling presence during warm afternoons.

Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic West Absaroka Mountains in the Gardiner District, Bear Creek campground sits amidst some of the most geologically fascinating terrain in North America. These ancient volcanic mountains tell a story written in stone, with rugged peaks and deep valleys carved by millions of years of volcanic activity, glaciation, and erosion. The distinctive geology creates a landscape of remarkable beauty and ecological diversity.

Scenic ViewsPit toilet, flat ground,

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging options are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in official sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-out

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max of 8 guests

Groups

No group camping sites or details are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not documented for Bear Creek Campground.

Site SizeUser reviews note flat ground and enough space for camping gear, but no specific details are available about site sizes.

PrivacyPrivacy is highlighted in user reviews. Chris Johnson mentions, 'Secluded and quiet. Can get a little eerie at night.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Amenities available

Bear Creek Campground is a primitive site located in the West Absaroka Mountains. It features limited amenities due to its remote nature and flood damage that has eliminated vehicle access. Campers must walk a short distance to access the area. Official sources confirm the availability of restrooms but potable water is not provided on-site. Trash pickup and firewood are also unavailable. User reviews supplement this by mentioning picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Lauren Secor notes, 'Pit toilet, flat ground, beautiful creek, and stunning night view of stars,' while Sarah Schopp highlights, 'Remote camping. Pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings. No bear food boxes.'

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Creek Campground provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking and fishing. Official sources list day hiking trails and river/stream fishing among the available activities. User reviews emphasize the natural beauty and remote setting of the campground.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Flush ToiletsOfficial documentation and user reviews indicate the presence of pit toilets rather than flush toilets, with no specific comments regarding maintenance or cleanliness.

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

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

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From Booking Sources

3.5

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews describe Bear Creek Campground as peaceful, remote, and scenic. While some appreciate its seclusion, they also caution about the lack of amenities like bear food boxes and cell service. Common themes include the beauty of the creek, starry night skies, and the basic but functional facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Key positive aspects highlighted by users include seclusion, natural beauty, flat camping areas, and stunning night views of stars. Reeses On Recess calls it a 'Gem of a campground,' while Lauren...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised by reviewers include the lack of bear food boxes, potable water, and cell service. Chris Johnson notes that the site's remoteness can feel 'a little eerie at night.'

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Lauren Secor advises avoiding Google Maps and using the actual dropped pin for navigation, emphasizing the importance of accurate directions.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most reviews do not specify seasonal trends, though the campground's remote nature implies year-round usability for those prepared for primitive camping conditions.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Pit toilet, flat ground, beautiful creek, and stunning night view of stars.' - Lauren Secor - 'Secluded and quiet. Can get a little eerie at night.' - Chris Johnson - 'Remote camping. Pit toilet,...

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No comments or information are available specifically addressing accessibility features.

Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mention pet policies or experiences related to pets.

Based on 10 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Tent campers who want silence and stars at no cost will find this hard to beat. Bring all your water, hang your food without a bear box, and expect a short hike from the parking area to the sites along the creek.

Skip if

No potable water, no bear food lockers, no cell service, and a hike in with full gear on every trip. Car campers expecting to pull up to a site won't get that here, and anyone relying on a phone for navigation should heed the tip to use a dropped pin, not Google Maps.

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Timber Camp Campground sits at 7,146 feet in the West Absaroka Mountains, fifteen miles from Gardiner in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Three large, well-spaced primitive sites operate first-come, first-served and handle vehicles towing small campers. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The campground is free.

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Campgrounds

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Bear Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Bear Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

A campground in the West Absaroka Mountains on Gardiner District. *No vehicle access due to flood-related damage.  Bear Creek  is a primitive campground and is only accessible by walking a short distance to the campground. Contact district for info.

Open Season: June 1