Fairy Lake Campground

Star4.61
46 reviews
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7,680 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open from June 16 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website
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Fairy Lake Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to camp at this site.
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

4.61

Top-Rated

Based on 46 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikingwaterlake

Some mention

noise

"Fairy Lake Campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty and access to outdoor activities, but some campsites lack privacy and the road access is challenging, especially for low-clearance vehicles."

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Campground Map

Fairy Lake Campground

45.9060, -110.9615

Driving directionsFrom Bozeman, travel 22.5 miles north on MT 86, then go 5 miles west on Fairy Lake Road. Note that Fairy Lake Road is steep and gravel; it becomes slippery when wet and is not suitable for RVs or towed units. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
The campground is accessible via a steep gravel road; conditions can become slippery when wet. It is not suitable for RVs or towed units. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Nearby places
Bozeman (22.5 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Fairy Lake Campground

From mid-June through December's first breath, Fairy Lake Campground welcomes those who appreciate nature's changing moods. Mountain weather here writes its own rules—morning sunshine can give way to afternoon thunderheads, and temperatures can swing dramatically between day and night. The access road, while rewarding, demands respect when rain transforms dirt to slick mud. Early summer arrivals might discover lingering snow patches painting the landscape white, while autumn visitors could wake to frost-kissed meadows and the season's first dustings on distant peaks.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Busiest season with best trail and access conditions; campground open and well-used in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Late fall has more availability and great colors, but early snow can close access or affect trips.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Campground typically opens June 16; spring is snow-prone and access is limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Snow affects access; campground not positioned as a winter recreation destination and often inaccessible.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open from June 16 to December 1, weather dependent.

About Fairy Lake Campground

Tucked away in the rugged embrace of the Bridger Mountains, Fairy Lake Campground beckons adventurers with its intimate collection of nine free campsites. This hidden gem in the Custer Gallatin National Forest serves as your gateway to Montana's wild heart, where towering peaks meet pristine alpine waters. Whether you're drawn by the challenge of scaling granite walls, the thrill of landing native trout, or the simple pleasure of waking to crisp mountain air, this compact campground delivers an authentic backcountry experience without the crowds.
Fairy Lake Campground offers primitive camping facilities with sites suitable for tents and small campers.
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Best Campsites

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Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground and its surrounding areas offer a range of outdoor activities including hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
HikingFairy Lake Campground provides access to hiking trails such as the one leading to Sacagawea and Hardscrabble Peaks. Reviews highlight the trails' breathtaking views and varying difficulty levels, accommodating both families and experienced hikers.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is available in the river/stream near the campground.
SwimmingFairy Lake offers swimming opportunities, although the water can be described as cold. User reviews frequently praise the lake's clear and scenic quality.
BikingBiking is mentioned as a possible activity, though specific trails or conditions are not detailed.
Wildlife viewingMountain goats are frequently seen in the area, often roaming through campsites. This unique experience is mentioned in multiple user reviews.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMountain goats are frequently seen in the campground and may disrupt campsites. The road to the campground is steep and can be challenging for some vehicles.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Fairy Lake Campground

Reviews

4.6
46 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Fairy Lake Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Fairy Lake Campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty and access to outdoor activities, but some campsites lack privacy and the road access is challenging, especially for low-clearance vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently commend the stunning views of Sacagawea Peak, the clear water of Fairy Lake, and the opportunity to see wildlife, such as mountain goats. The campground's proximity to hiking trails...
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Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include the rough and narrow access road, lack of campsite privacy, and the absence of stocked toilet paper in the vault toilets. Additionally, some reviews mention noise from groups and...
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Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to the steep and gravelly road. Bring bear spray and pack out all trash as there is no...
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Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in the summer months, with more campsite availability in late fall. However, snow can be an issue in September as noted in some reviews.
Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"So far this is the best campsite I have been to!" "The lake is so clear and fun to swim in, kinda cold but that's to be expected." "The sites are way too close together and have virtually zero...
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Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some users recommend specific sites for their views, but no detailed site numbers are mentioned in reviews.
Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground features accessible toilet facilities, but no additional information about accessibility is mentioned in reviews.
Based on 46 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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