Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest

4.26

141 reviews

PO Box 5, Gardiner, MT, 59030

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$15 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(406) 848-7375

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 141 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 5, Gardiner, MT, 59030

Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season offers hiking, rafting and stargazing; mosquitoes and cold nights are common complaints.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fewer bugs, crisp mountain weather and fall colors likely make fall excellent for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.0 / 5

Opens late May; limited spring access and variable weather with potential bugs and cold nights.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May–Sept; winter camping not available.

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.

Best Campsites

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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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are gravel roads with unpaved pads. Some sites are adjacent to horse corrals.

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.

AccessibilityBear boxes are available at each site for food storage. Accessibility details for individuals with disabilities are not specified.

Site SizeSites accommodate tents and RVs up to 48 feet. "There is a huge variety in site sizes," noted one reviewer.

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 SitesBring tent stakes that you trust." Avoid summer due to mosquitoes and plan for cold nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

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.

HikingThe Yellowstone River Trailhead is located within the campground. "Many other hiking opportunities are located within a 15-minute drive," according to the official description.

FishingFishing opportunities are available in the nearby Yellowstone River. Specific details about fish species are not provided.

BikingMountain biking is listed among the available activities.

BoatingRafting opportunities are available close by in the Yellowstone River.

Wildlife viewingWildlife 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

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bears frequent the area; all food must be stored in approved containers." Wind is a notable challenge, requiring well-staked tents.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes available at each site to secure food and attractants.

Fire PolicyCampfires must be extinguished before leaving.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely located in Gardiner (2 miles away). Specific locations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available. One reviewer stated, "Didn’t have trash and the bear lock was broken."

Water FeaturesA small creek runs along the west side of the campground.

Camp HostHosts are noted for friendliness but can strictly enforce rules.

Weather at Eagle Creek Campground - Custer Gallatin National Forest

Reviews

4.3

141 reviews

Satisfactory

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 141 reviews

What Campers Love

"Absolutely beautiful!! Clean bathrooms and great views." "Elk traveled in to camp daily." "Stargazing is amazing here."

Based on 141 reviews

Common 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 141 reviews

Pro 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 141 reviews

Seasonal 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 141 reviews

Camper 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 141 reviews

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 141 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not specifically addressed in reviews.

Based on 141 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.

Based on 141 reviews

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Last updated January 15, 2026

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