Is Halfmoon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

What is the best time to visit Halfmoon Campground?

Halfmoon Campground is open Open season is not explicitly stated, but user reviews mention snow affecting accessibility during late fall and winter months.. 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 Halfmoon Campground?

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

How many campsites does Halfmoon Campground have?

Halfmoon Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Halfmoon Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Halfmoon Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Halfmoon Campground?

Halfmoon Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Halfmoon Campground?

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

Halfmoon Campground

4.20

35 reviews

Livingston Office, 5242 Hwy 89, Livingston, MT 59047

Featured in:RV Camping Montana

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,437 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open season is not e...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Livingston Office - Yellowstone District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,437 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open season is not e...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Livingston Office - Yellowstone District Official Website

Get Directions

Halfmoon Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(406) 222-1892null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Livingston Office, 5242 Hwy 89, Livingston, MT 59047

Halfmoon Campground

Livingston Office, 5242 Hwy 89, Livingston, MT 59047

Nearby places

Big Timber (approximately 23 miles, 30-45 minutes)

Weather at Halfmoon Campground

Best Time to Camp at Halfmoon Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the widest access—expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s at 6,437 ft. Trails to alpine lakes and waterfalls are fully thawed, wildflower displays are at their peak, and hiking is the primary activity with very low technical barriers. The small, 12-site campground rarely feels crowded even in July and August, but arrive early since sites are first-come, first-served. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season; trails thawed, wildflowers peak, and reviewers prefer summer visits.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season is not explicitly stated, but user reviews mention snow affecting accessibility during late fall and winter months.

About Halfmoon Campground

Halfmoon Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Custer Gallatin National Forest near Big Timber, operated by the Livingston Office's Yellowstone District. This small, budget-friendly campground serves as a trailhead hub for alpine lake and waterfall hikes, with vault toilets and potable water on-site. Reviewers call it a hidden gem with clean facilities and excellent trail access, though the approach road can be rough and sites fill quickly in summer.

Halfmoon Campground caters to campers seeking primitive, tent, and RV camping experiences. The campground does not include group camping or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the widest access—expect daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F and cool nights in the 30s–40s at 6,437 ft. Trails to alpine lakes and waterfalls are fully thawed, wildflower displays are at their peak, and hiking is the primary activity with very low technical barriers. The small, 12-site campground rarely feels crowded even in July and August, but arrive early since sites are first-come, first-served. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6437 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMature pines shade the campground at 6,437 feet elevation. Trails lead to alpine lakes carved by ancient glaciers and waterfalls that tumble down granite faces. The Crazy Mountains rise dramatically overhead, their peaks a mix of weathered rock and big sky. A river runs through the area. The geology creates diverse ecosystems that support wildflowers and mountain wildlife. Reviews consistently mention the scenic surroundings and natural beauty.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations, such as cabins or lodges, are available at Halfmoon Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit not explicitly mentioned
user reviews suggest visits lasting multiple nights are common.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guest limits per site are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable for this campground.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible toilet facilities at six of its 12 sites. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is limited beyond this feature.

Site SizeThe sizes of individual sites are not explicitly detailed in the authoritative sources or reviews.

PrivacySite privacy is not described in detail. However, user reviews mention mature pine trees, which could provide some level of privacy.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early in the summer months to secure a spot, and avoid attempting entry with long trailers or large RVs due to rough access roads.

Amenities available

Halfmoon Campground offers a range of basic amenities suitable for those seeking a rustic camping experience. The campground features 12 campsites situated in the East Crazy Mountains within the Yellowstone District. Notable amenities include accessible toilet facilities at six of the campsites. However, there are no trash pickup services or firewood available on-site, emphasizing the need for campers to bring their own supplies. "The bathrooms (outhouses) were clean and well maintained," noted a user review. Potable water is available for free at two water pumps, as highlighted by a reviewer: "Potable water and pit johns." Fire rings and picnic tables are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews. Wi-Fi and cell service are absent, with one user stating, "The trail to the campsite is dirt and gravel" suggesting the remote nature of the campground. Firewood is not available for purchase, with one user stating, "There was wood available for campfires if you were willing to haul it a few hundred feet from the forest." There are no lodging accommodations or camp stores on-site, and laundry facilities are also absent. Trash and recycling facilities are not provided, as confirmed by authoritative sources.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Halfmoon Campground offers various recreational activities that cater to nature enthusiasts and families. Hiking is a prominent activity, with trails leading to waterfalls and alpine lakes, as noted by multiple users: "About a half mile hike to some beautiful waterfalls." Another user highlighted the great access to hiking trails with the comment, "Great access to wonderful hiking trails." Wildlife viewing opportunities are likely given the region's natural beauty and location in the Crazy Mountains, but explicit mentions of wildlife activities are unavailable. Fishing opportunities were not directly discussed in user reviews or official sources, and there are no swimming or designated beach areas. The remote nature of the campground might present challenges for biking or boating, as they are not explicitly mentioned. Winter activities such as winter camping, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing are possible, as implied by a reviewer who stated: "If you're looking to do some winter camping this is a great place to start exploring." Cultural and educational programs, climbing, and water sports are not mentioned.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground provides clean and well-maintained outhouses as described by multiple users: "The bathrooms (outhouses) were clean and well maintained."

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

35 reviews

Satisfactory

Halfmoon Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Halfmoon Campground's remote charm and excellent hiking opportunities. Many users appreciate the clean vault toilets, free potable water, and scenic surroundings. However, accessibility challenges due to rough roads and limited amenities are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground as a "hidden gem" with "great access to wonderful hiking trails" and "clean restroom" facilities. Others appreciate the natural beauty and affordability, with comments...

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include rough and bumpy roads leading to the campground, with one reviewer stating, "The roads to the campsite were pretty rough in places." Limited trash facilities and no firewood...

Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsites are not individually reviewed; however, users recommend arriving early as the campground fills up quickly during peak times.

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially on weekends and holidays, as noted by the authoritative source: "The campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during the summer months." Bring...

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are preferred for camping due to accessibility and favorable weather conditions. Winter camping is possible but may be challenging due to snow, as noted by a user: "I wish I could have...

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Gem of a campground. Nothing fancy but well worth the last few miles of bad road." "Wonderful camping area. The access to the river for the kids to play in was great!" "Mystical. The road is a bit...

Based on 35 reviews