Is Tom Miner Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Are there showers at Tom Miner Campground?

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

How many campsites does Tom Miner Campground have?

Tom Miner Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Tom Miner Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Tom Miner Campground?

Tom Miner Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tom Miner Campground?

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

Tom Miner Campground

4.16

31 reviews

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Montana

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

7,119 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Gardiner Office Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

7,119 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Gardiner Office Official Website

Get Directions

Tom Miner Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

(406) 848-7375Null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Tom Miner Campground

Nearby places

Gardiner (17 miles NW)

Livingston and Bozeman are likely nearby population centers but distances/travel times are unavailable.

Weather at Tom Miner Campground

Best Time to Camp at Tom Miner Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of reliable access, mild daytime temperatures, and long daylight for hiking and wildlife viewing — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Trails to alpine meadows and nearby ridgelines are fully accessible and wildflower displays peak in July, while bears and big-game are active and visible in valleys at dawn and dusk. Weekends and peak Yellowstone-season weeks (July–early August) are the busiest, but Tom Miner’s Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer has most reliable conditions; trails accessible by July and wildflowers peak.

Planning Tips

About Tom Miner Campground

Tom Miner Campground sits high in the Custer Gallatin National Forest near Gardiner, offering remote alpine access for tent, RV, and primitive campers. Operated by the Gardiner Office, this small campground serves as a quiet trailhead base for hikers exploring wildflower meadows and ridgelines in grizzly country. Vault toilets are the only amenity, and the rough access road reinforces the backcountry character.

Tom Miner Campground offers primitive camping opportunities with 16 individual sites and 2 group sites. RV accommodations and tent camping are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of reliable access, mild daytime temperatures, and long daylight for hiking and wildlife viewing — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights dropping into the 30s–40s. Trails to alpine meadows and nearby ridgelines are fully accessible and wildflower displays peak in July, while bears and big-game are active and visible in valleys at dawn and dusk. Weekends and peak Yellowstone-season weeks (July–early August) are the busiest, but Tom Miner’s Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation7119 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a creek drainage in the Gallatin Mountains. Sites back directly onto the water. Reviews mention "spectacular quiet beauty" and a "spectacular drive in" along the access road, which climbs through mountain terrain. The surrounding area includes petrified forest remnants and active wildlife corridors. Grizzly bears have been spotted within a half-mile of camp. The road itself is rough. Reviewers note the challenging access, especially in rain.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are provided 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

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

There are 2 group sites available, but details about group size limits and vehicles are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNo Reservation platform

AccessibilityFood boxes and accessible toilet facilities are noted as available.

Site SizeThe campground has 16 individual sites and 2 group sites.

PrivacyUser reviews highlight well-spaced sites offering privacy, as one camper noted: "Well-spaced sites that back right up to the creek.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesCreekside sites offer views and proximity to water. Sites are well-spaced for privacy (User Garrett Graham).

Best CampsitesCreekside sites earn the most praise. One reviewer notes "well-spaced sites that back right up to the creek." Arrive early on weekends and holidays. The first-come system fills quickly during summer.

Amenities available

Tom Miner Campground offers basic and rustic amenities suitable for primitive camping enthusiasts. The campground features food boxes and accessible toilet facilities, but lacks trash pickup and firewood availability. A corral is available adjacent to the trailhead for stock facilities. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Food storage lockers

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Tom Miner Campground provides opportunities for rustic recreation including hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood boxes available for bear safety.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

31 reviews

Satisfactory

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

The campground generally receives positive reviews for its peaceful and secluded environment, although some reviewers highlight challenges such as rough access roads and a lack of amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground for its natural beauty and tranquility. Quotes include: "Very peaceful," "Quiet beauty," and "Spectacular drive in."

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the rustic nature of facilities and access challenges: "10 miles off the highway in bear country," "20 miles of rough road," and warnings about road conditions during rain.

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are described as well-spaced for privacy: "Well-spaced sites that back right up to the creek."

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include arriving early during weekends and holidays due to the first-come, first-served system. Reviewers also suggest hiking with bear spray and avoiding travel during rain.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is noted as an active time for bears, as highlighted in user reviews. Summer weekends and holidays see higher popularity.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Looks like a great place to hike." "Quiet beauty, feel like you're alone in the forest." "Secluded, quiet, peaceful, restful campground." "Beautiful camp but the drive in is spectacular."

Based on 31 reviews