How much does camping cost at Hells Canyon Campground?

Camping fees at Hells Canyon Campground range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hells Canyon Campground before I book?

Yes! Hells Canyon Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hells Canyon Campground?

Hells Canyon Campground is open Open year-round, contingent on weather conditions.. 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 Hells Canyon Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Hells Canyon Campground?

Fire policies at Hells Canyon Campground: Campfires are allowed, but campers must bring their own firewood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hells Canyon Campground have?

Hells Canyon Campground has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hells Canyon Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hells Canyon Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hells Canyon Campground?

Hells Canyon Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hells Canyon Campground?

Popular activities at Hells Canyon Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hells Canyon Campground

Q: Is Hells Canyon Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hells Canyon Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up/first-come, first-served. The campground has 11 total sites consisting of 9 combined tent/RV sites and 2 tent-only sites.

5 reviews

Featured in:Tent Camping Montana

Quick Facts

5,840 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,840 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hells Canyon Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for this site $10 site fee, additional vehicle $5/night.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Hells Canyon Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Hells Canyon Campground

45.3622, -110.2143

Nearby places

Big Timber, Montana: 40.5 miles (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, such as fuel, groceries, and camping gear, are available in Big Timber, Montana, approximately 40.5 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Big Timber, MT, take State Rt. 298 south 25 miles to end of paved roadway. Continue south on gravel road for 15.5 miles to campground. NOTE: For last 15.5 miles, road is dirt, rocky and full of potholes. Some parts are single lane with turnouts.

The access road is not suitable for vehicles longer than 20 feet. Some parts are single lane with turnouts, rocky, and full of potholes.

Weather at Hells Canyon Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hells Canyon Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions: daytime highs around 65-75°F, cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails and ridge-top sites are at their best then, and fishing peaks. Bugs can be present after wet springs, so bring repellent. The small campground fills on summer weekends but stays far less crowded than lower-elevation parks. Late summer offers the most dependable window for avoiding spring mud. Winter access is possible for those equipped for snow and freezing temperatures.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer gives most reliable access and comfortable temps (65–75°F); best season noted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round, contingent on weather conditions.

About Hells Canyon Campground

Hells Canyon Campground sits at 5,840 feet in Gallatin National Forest, 11 sites scattered among tall pines on a scenic ridge near Big Timber. Sites cost $5-10 per night and offer high privacy, though Boulder Creek runs through the valley below, out of sight and earshot from camp. The access road can't handle vehicles over 20 feet.

Hells Canyon offers a range of camping accommodations including tent camping and combined sites that support both tents and smaller RVs. Primitive camping is the primary style, with minimal facilities available.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and comfortable conditions: daytime highs around 65-75°F, cool nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Trails and ridge-top sites are at their best then, and fishing peaks. Bugs can be present after wet springs, so bring repellent. The small campground fills on summer weekends but stays far less crowded than lower-elevation parks. Late summer offers the most dependable window for avoiding spring mud. Winter access is possible for those equipped for snow and freezing temperatures.

ElevationPerched at 5,840 feet above sea level, this mountain campground offers the crisp, clean air and refreshing coolness that only high-altitude camping can provide. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer days remain pleasantly mild and winter nights transform the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, making every season a distinct adventure.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a pine-covered ridge where Boulder Creek carves through the valley below. Tall pines provide shade and privacy at each site, filtering sunlight onto the forest floor. The creek itself isn't visible or audible from the campsites. A point multiple reviews mention. So don't expect waterside ambiance. The surrounding forest supports diverse wildlife, and the ridge-top setting offers a secluded feel despite the modest 5-acre footprint.

Geological RegionNestled in the rugged terrain of south-central Montana's Gallatin National Forest, this campground occupies a scenic ridge where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of pine-covered slopes and hidden waterways. The surrounding forest represents millions of years of natural history, with Boulder Creek carving its secretive course through the valley below, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports abundant wildlife and offers endless opportunities for discovery.

Scenic ViewsNo specific views or vistas beyond the surrounding tall pine trees and the natural ridge setting.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodging accommodations are not available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 16 consecutive nights.

Groups

Group camping 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 features 11 sites: 9 combined tent/RV sites and 2 tent-only. Parking spurs run about 10' x 25', limiting use to vehicles under 20 feet. Sites are spread among the pines with good spacing for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up/first-come, first-served. The campground has 11 total sites consisting of 9 combined tent/RV sites and 2 tent-only sites.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not permitted; therefore, no cancellation policies are applicable.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available at this campground.

Site SizeTrailer/RV parking spurs are approximately 10' x 25'.

PrivacySites are located among tall pines, providing a high degree of privacy and a picturesque environment.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid vehicles longer than 20 feet due to challenging road conditions.

Amenities available

Restrooms are not available at this site. Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational options at Hells Canyon Campground are limited to fishing in nearby streams or rivers. Activities such as hunting and shooting are also mentioned in the authoritative sources. User reviews note the absence of hiking trails or visible water bodies near the campsites.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife and challenging road conditions for larger vehicles.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but campers must bring their own firewood.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Big Timber, Montana, 40.5 miles away. A waste station is located behind CM Russell Motel on Interstate 90 (Business) in Big Timber.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available at the campground, adhering to the 'pack it in, pack it out' principle.

Water FeaturesBoulder Creek is nearby but cannot be seen from the campground.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Hells Canyon Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

0.0

5 reviews

Limited Reviews

Hells Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the tranquility and natural surroundings while others note limitations such as the lack of visible water bodies and minimal amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Users commend the campground's picturesque setting, tall pines, and peaceful environment. One user described their experience as 'an amazing camping trip.'

Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the absence of a visible or accessible river, contrary to expectations set by some photographs. Another reviewer stated, 'Don't be misled by the photos, there is NO river close...

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water and firewood due to the lack of on-site provisions. Additionally, vehicles longer than 20 feet are unsuitable for the access road.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round, weather permitting. However, winter conditions may impact accessibility and usability.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Amazing camping trip.' - David Willoughby 2. 'Don't be misled by the photos, there is NO river close enough to this campground to see or hear from the campsites.' - Jason TX

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are available.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific reviews are available regarding pet-related experiences.

Based on 5 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Tent campers and short rigs (under 20 feet) who want genuine forest quiet on the cheap. Summer nights drop to the mid-30s, so pack layers. Bring all your water and firewood from Big Timber before the 40-mile drive in.

Skip if

Anyone expecting streamside camping will be disappointed. Boulder Creek is not visible or audible from any site. Add no showers, no potable water, no hookups, and first-come-only access on a remote ridge, and this turns off anyone who needs more than a vault toilet and a fire rin

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited