Timber Camp Campground

Star4.50
19 reviews
Timber Camp Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Gardiner District

Quick Facts

7,146 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Campground is open f...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website
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Timber Camp Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This is a free campground. No fee is charged for any of the campsite types.
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

4.50

Recommended

Based on 19 reviews

16 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyspacioussites

"The campground receives positive feedback for its peaceful and secluded atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and the opportunity to engage in basic camping. However, some users note that the road leading to the campground is rough, and the presence of bears is a consistent concern."

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Campground Map

Timber Camp Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Gardiner District

Timber Camp Campground

Timber Camp Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Gardiner District

Driving directionsPrimitive campground located 5 miles northeast of Gardiner on Jardine Rd, then 4 miles northeast on Bear Creek Rd (Forest Rd 493). Two horse corrals available past campground.
The campground is accessible via dirt roads that are described as bumpy, uneven, and narrow in stretches, particularly within 3 miles of the site. User reviews emphasize driving slower speeds (average 15 mph) due to road conditions.
Nearby places
- Gardiner, MT: 5 miles northeast - Yellowstone North Entrance: ~35 minutes drive
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Gardiner, MT, including groceries, fuel, and other essentials about 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Timber Camp Campground

Mountain weather here plays by its own rules, creating an ever-changing canvas of conditions that keeps even seasoned adventurers on their toes. Wise campers pack layers and rain gear regardless of the forecast, as sunshine can quickly give way to dramatic storm systems rolling through the peaks. During shoulder seasons, temperatures can plunge to bone-chilling lows, and snow may dust the landscape even when the valleys below bask in autumn colors or spring blooms. This unpredictable climate adds an element of wild authenticity to every camping experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer and popular; good scenery though weather can be unpredictable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 31; fall colors likely but weather is variable and season is shorter.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground opens June 1; spring season not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal (closed outside June 1–Oct 31).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No peak season pricing as the campground is free.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Campground is open from 6/1 to 10/31, weather-dependent.
  • Current Alerts: None reported.

About Timber Camp Campground

Tucked away in the rugged West Absaroka Mountains just beyond Gardiner, Montana, Timber Camp Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This intimate hideaway features just three thoughtfully spaced campsites, each furnished with its own picnic table and fire pit where you can gather under starlit skies. Operating on a first-come, first-serve basis, this primitive gem strips away the distractions of modern camping, inviting you to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Timber Camp Campground offers primitive camping options with minimal facilities. It is designed for tent camping but can also accommodate small RVs due to open parking and turning space.
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Check-in
Check-in times are not specified.
Check-out
Check-out times are not specified.
Stay Limit
Stay limit information not provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The primary recreational opportunities at Timber Camp Campground include day hiking and plant observation, making it ideal for those looking for a quiet, natural experience. Wildlife viewing is another potential activity, but caution is advised due to the presence of bears.
HikingHiking opportunities are available for day hikes. There are no specific details about the trails provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is mentioned indirectly through user reviews, with users noting the presence of bears each night.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are reportedly frequent visitors. The campground is primitive with no potable water, requiring campers to be self-sufficient.
Active AlertsNone reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Timber Camp Campground

Reviews

4.5
19 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Timber Camp Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives positive feedback for its peaceful and secluded atmosphere, beautiful natural surroundings, and the opportunity to engage in basic camping. However, some users note that the road leading to the campground is rough, and the presence of bears is a consistent concern.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's free access, scenic beauty, spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, and the presence of a vault toilet. Users appreciate the privacy and...
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Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rough, bumpy road leading to the campground, occasional crowding despite its small size, and the lack of potable water, trash services, or firewood. Users have also...
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Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring bear spray due to frequent sightings of bears at night. They should also carry sufficient potable water, firewood, and trash bags as these are not provided on-site. Warm...
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Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from June 1 to October 31. Summer months are popular for camping, but users have noted that weather can be unpredictable and recommend being prepared for rain and...
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Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'If you are lucky to score a site, consider yourself lucky. It's beautiful.' - Ray Acuña-Luna - 'Be sure to bring bear spray!' - Jaydon Grafsgaard - 'Free camping with proper fire grates and picnic...
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Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite details are minimal, but one review notes that a spot near the vault toilet had no odors and offered convenience.
Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are provided for this campground.
Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no mentions of pet policies or pet-specific reviews.
Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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