East Boulder Campground

5.00

6 reviews

East Boulder Campground, Big Timber, MT, USA

Quick Facts

5,640 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,640 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

East Boulder Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

East Boulder Campground is free to use. 'Guests are welcome to arrive at any time and choose their preferred site, all at no cost.'

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 6 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"No user reviews were provided in the source material for this campground, making it difficult to gauge visitor experiences."

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Campground Map

East Boulder Campground, Big Timber, MT, USA

East Boulder Campground

East Boulder Campground, Big Timber, MT, USA

Driving directions19 mi south of Big Timber on US 298, 6 mi east on East Boulder Rd (County Rd 205).

Accessible via US 298 and East Boulder Rd (County Rd 205). Roads are likely paved for the initial stretch but could be unpaved closer to the campground.

Nearby places

Big Timber (19 miles, approximately 30 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Big Timber, MT, has the nearest options for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at East Boulder Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations that make each visit to East Boulder unique. Winter wraps the campground in a pristine blanket of snow, with temperatures hovering around 30°F and up to 5 inches of fresh powder creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. As spring melts into summer, the campground truly comes alive—temperatures climb to a perfect 70-80°F, skies clear to brilliant blue, and wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant hues. Late spring through early summer offers the sweet spot for camping, when rushing snowmelt feeds the river, wildlife emerges from winter hideaways, and comfortable temperatures make for ideal sleeping under the stars.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer supports hiking and fishing; riverside setting ideal in warm months (no specific peak season listed).

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Fall likely attractive for colors and lower crowds, but no seasonal review trends provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers transitional conditions and potential fishing; no specific spring conditions described.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter brings snow and ~30°F temps; campground open depending on weather but limited services implied.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No peak or shoulder seasons designated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round depending on weather conditions.

About East Boulder Campground

Discover a hidden gem where the melodic sounds of the East Boulder River create nature's perfect soundtrack for your camping adventure. East Boulder Campground welcomes you with open arms and no fees—a rare find in today's outdoor landscape. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, this riverside retreat has become a beloved basecamp for anglers casting lines at dawn and hikers setting off on mountain trails. Here, accessibility meets untouched wilderness, offering an authentic Montana experience without the crowds or complications.

East Boulder Campground offers primitive camping options suitable for tent campers. It is not RV-friendly and lacks additional features such as group camping or cabins.

Historical SignificanceWhile the specific human history of this area remains unrecorded in our current documentation, the land itself tells ancient stories through its forests, river, and wildlife—inviting modern visitors to create their own chapters in this timeless landscape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations that make each visit to East Boulder unique. Winter wraps the campground in a pristine blanket of snow, with temperatures hovering around 30°F and up to 5 inches of fresh powder creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture here. As spring melts into summer, the campground truly comes alive—temperatures climb to a perfect 70-80°F, skies clear to brilliant blue, and wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant hues. Late spring through early summer offers the sweet spot for camping, when rushing snowmelt feeds the river, wildlife emerges from winter hideaways, and comfortable temperatures make for ideal sleeping under the stars.

ElevationNestled at an elevation that balances accessibility with mountain atmosphere, East Boulder Campground sits at a height where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath feels like pure refreshment.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where the East Boulder River serves as the lifeblood of a thriving riparian ecosystem. Towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's prime location within the Yellowstone District of Custer Gallatin National Forest places you at the doorstep of endless adventure—from streamside paths perfect for morning meditation to challenging trails that lead to panoramic vistas. Watch for deer grazing in nearby meadows at dusk, listen for the splash of trout breaking the water's surface, and let the ancient rhythms of this protected wilderness reset your internal clock.

Geological RegionCarved by millennia of flowing water and shaped by the powerful forces that created the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, East Boulder Campground sits within the magnificent Yellowstone District of Custer Gallatin National Forest. Here, the East Boulder River has sculpted a perfect corridor through forested mountains, creating diverse riparian habitats where cottonwoods shade the banks and wildflowers bloom in season. This geological masterpiece showcases Montana's raw beauty, where ancient bedrock meets rushing water, and every stone tells a story millions of years in the making.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Available 24 hours/day.

Check-out

Available 24 hours/day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit limit on guests mentioned.

Groups

Not applicable as group sites are not available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 2 sites located adjacent to the East Boulder River.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required or available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation or cancellation policies apply as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

AccessibilityNo information provided about accessibility features at this site.

Site SizeThe campground only features 2 campsites, emphasizing a small and intimate camping experience.

PrivacyNo information provided about the level of privacy at the campsites.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early to secure either of the two sites.

Activities you can enjoy

East Boulder Campground offers activities primarily centered around nature and outdoor recreation. Guests can enjoy hiking and fishing in the nearby East Boulder River.

HikingHiking trails in the surrounding area offer opportunities for day hikes.

FishingFishing is permitted in the East Boulder River, which runs near the campground.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water is available and trash pickup is not provided, requiring campers to pack out all waste. Firewood is not available, and the site is not suitable for RV camping.

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

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies mentioned. Campers should likely use self-provided firewood and follow general forest fire regulations.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Big Timber, MT.

Trash & RecyclingTrash pickup is not available at this site, requiring visitors to pack out their waste.

Water FeaturesLocated directly alongside the East Boulder River.

Camp HostNo campground host mentioned.