Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest
4.2663 reviewsPO Box 5, Gardiner, MT, 59030
Quick Facts
6,100 ftPrice
$15 - $30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from May 22 to ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
6,100 ftPrice
$15 - $30/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from May 22 to ...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get Directions Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest
$15.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates range from $15 to $30 per night depending on the site type and season. Additional fees include a $5 per night extra vehicle fee for...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$30.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(406) 848-7375
What Campers Say
4.26
Satisfactory
Based on 63 reviews
100 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsclean
Some mention
mosquitoesdusty
"The overall sentiment about Eagle Creek Campground is positive, with many reviewers praising the scenic views, proximity to Yellowstone, and clean facilities. However, the lack of water, mosquitoes, and windy conditions were noted as downsides."
Fees & Passes at Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest
$15 - $30/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum 15 nights during a visit.
Cancellation: Changes require a $10 fee for completely different stay dates. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee an...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Custer Gallatin National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest
Eagle Creek's mountain weather keeps even seasoned campers on their toes. July nights can surprise you with crisp 30°F temperatures that have you reaching for extra layers, while afternoons warm to a pleasant 70°F perfect for hiking and exploration. The campground's exposed position means fierce winds can sweep through without warning, and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the peaks, painting the sky with nature's own light show. Come prepared for mountain weather's mercurial moods—it's all part of the high-country adventure.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 22, 2025 – September 2, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 22 to September 2, reservable starting June 23.
About Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest
Nestled in the heart of Montana's rugged wilderness, Eagle Creek Campground welcomes adventurers with 20 thoughtfully spaced sites designed for both tent campers and RV travelers. Choose from 18 intimate single sites or two spacious double sites perfect for group gatherings. The campground's gravel roads wind through the landscape, leading to unpaved camping pads that can accommodate even the largest RVs up to 48 feet. While you won't find modern hookups here, the campground embraces its wild character with essential amenities including sturdy vault toilets, secure bear boxes to protect your provisions, warming fire rings for evening gatherings, shaded picnic tables, and convenient horse corrals for equestrian explorers. This is camping as it was meant to be—simple, authentic, and immersed in nature.
Eagle Creek Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping (up to 48 feet), and equestrian camping. It offers 18 single sites and 2 double sites, with 2 sites specifically reserved for stock users until 4 PM.
Weather and SeasonsEagle Creek's mountain weather keeps even seasoned campers on their toes. July nights can surprise you with crisp 30°F temperatures that have you reaching for extra layers, while afternoons warm to a pleasant 70°F perfect for hiking and exploration. The campground's exposed position means fierce winds can sweep through without warning, and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll across the peaks, painting the sky with nature's own light show. Come prepared for mountain weather's mercurial moods—it's all part of the high-country adventure.
ElevationPerched at 6,100 feet above sea level, Eagle Creek Campground offers the rare gift of mountain air and endless horizons. At this elevation, the world feels bigger somehow—the sky stretches wider, the stars shine brighter, and every breath of crisp mountain air reminds you why you came. The cooler temperatures provide sweet relief from summer heat, while the panoramic views from this lofty perch will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your campsite at 6,100 feet, the majestic Gallatin Mountains rise before you in a dramatic display of rocky peaks and alpine grandeur. A gentle creek murmurs along the campground's western edge, its cool waters reflecting the dancing leaves of the surrounding Aspen groves. But the real stars of the show are the resident elk—these magnificent creatures regularly wander through camp, grazing peacefully in the meadow grasses and sometimes bedding down for afternoon siestas near the campsites. It's not uncommon to wake to the sight of a bull elk silhouetted against the dawn sky, a moment that transforms an ordinary camping trip into an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Geological RegionEagle Creek Campground claims one of the most enviable positions in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. At 6,100 feet, you're perfectly positioned to gaze across at Yellowstone National Park's iconic peaks while being cradled by the ancient Gallatin Mountains. The small creek that babbles along the campground's western boundary has been carving its path through this landscape for millennia, creating a ribbon of life that attracts wildlife and adds a soothing soundtrack to your mountain retreat. This is where two of America's most spectacular mountain ranges meet, creating a geological wonderland that serves as your backyard during your stay.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityBear boxes are available at each site for food storage. Accessibility details for individuals with disabilities are not specified.
Sites SizeSites accommodate tents and RVs up to 48 feet. "There is a huge variety in site sizes," noted one reviewer.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. "Some of the sites have privacy and some are wide open with zero privacy or trees," noted one reviewer.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Bring tent stakes that you trust." Avoid summer due to mosquitoes and plan for cold nights.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 15 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 3 vehicles per site, specific guest limits are not stated.
Groups
There is no specific information about designated group camping.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are gravel roads with unpaved pads. Some sites are adjacent to horse corrals.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 22 to September 2, reservable starting June 23.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov (website, app, contact center).
Walk-in AvailabilityTwo first-come-first-serve sites adjacent to horse corrals. "Campground is usually full for most of the season. Don't expect the first-come, first-serve sites to be unoccupied."
Cancellation PolicyChanges require a $10 fee for completely different stay dates. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No-show fees are $20 plus forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Eagle Creek Campground provides a range of recreational opportunities. The Yellowstone River Trailhead is located within the campground, offering hiking, rafting, and fishing. Horse corrals cater to equestrian campers. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are popular due to the scenic and remote location.
Hiking
The Yellowstone River Trailhead is located within the campground. "Many other hiking opportunities are located within a 15-minute drive," according to the official description.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the nearby Yellowstone River. Specific details about fish species are not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is listed among the available activities.Boating
Rafting opportunities are available close by in the Yellowstone River.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are common, with elk roaming the area. "Stayed here on a whim and was delighted to see there is a resident camp buffalo," said one reviewer.Winter Activities
Winter recreation activities are not specified, though the campground's elevation may support snow-related activities.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as rafting are available nearby.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires must be extinguished before leaving.
Hazards
General hazards"Bears frequent the area; all food must be stored in approved containers." Wind is a notable challenge, requiring well-staked tents.
Weather at Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest
36
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 13.3 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely located in Gardiner (2 miles away). Specific locations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22, 2025 – September 2, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. One reviewer stated, "Didn’t have trash and the bear lock was broken."
Proximity to water featuresA small creek runs along the west side of the campground.
Common complaintsMosquitoes and biting flies are noted as particularly bad in summer. Dusty conditions are common.
HostHosts are noted for friendliness but can strictly enforce rules.
Campground Map
PO Box 5, Gardiner, MT, 59030
Driving directionsFrom Livingston, MT - Head south toward Gardiner, MT on Highway 89 for 54 miles. Turn Left onto Jardine Rd. Go .9 miles, stay right at the split. Head another 1.2 miles, campground will be on your left.
The road from Gardiner is a well-maintained gravel road, somewhat windy and steep but passable for most vehicles. "Road up from Gardiner is a disaster: gravel that is torn up completely by chains," one review warns, while others mention no issues with larger RVs.Nearby places
Gardiner (2 miles, 10 minutes)
Livingston (55 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Gardiner offers grocery stores and other amenities, including fuel, fresh ingredients, and breakfast options mentioned in user reviews.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
63 reviews
Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The overall sentiment about Eagle Creek Campground is positive, with many reviewers praising the scenic views, proximity to Yellowstone, and clean facilities. However, the lack of water, mosquitoes, and windy conditions were noted as downsides.
Review Summaries
Based on 63 reviews
What Campers Love
"Absolutely beautiful!! Clean bathrooms and great views." "Elk traveled in to camp daily." "Stargazing is amazing here."
Based on 63 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes were a major complaint. "Mosquitoes were awful...couldn't cook or sit outside." Lack of water and trash facilities were also noted.
Based on 63 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring enough water and trash bags as facilities are limited. Prepare for cold nights even in summer. Secure tents well due to strong winds.
Based on 63 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer brings mosquitoes and occasional biting flies. Nights are cold even in July; temperatures can drop to the 30s. The campground is popular and often full during peak season.
Based on 63 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "This was my absolute favorite campsite of our cross-country trip!!" - "The lack of light pollution and population make this an ideal camp spot." - "Stayed here on a whim and was delighted to see...
Based on 63 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1: "Super spacious. Two bear lockers and two huge picnic tables." Site #14: "Amazing views, super nice camp host." Site #11: "Very clean and the bathrooms were nicer than expected."
Based on 63 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not specifically addressed in reviews.
Based on 63 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Based on 63 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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