Hood Creek Campground

Star4.43
189 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$26 - $185/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Open from May 16 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company/Custer Gallatin National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Hood Creek Campground
$26.00 - $185.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campground fees range from $26 per night for standard nonelectric sites to $185 per night for group standard nonelectric sites during the peak season.
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$185.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(406)646-1012
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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 189 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

Some mention

noisereservation

"Hood Creek Campground is frequently praised for its scenic location near Hyalite Reservoir, outdoor activities, and clean facilities. However, some users noted challenges such as limited reservations, road construction, and occasional noise from large vehicles."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Hood Creek Campground

45.4850, -110.9678

Driving directionsFrom Main Street in Bozeman, travel south on 19th Avenue for 7 miles, to the paved Hyalite Canyon Road. Turn left and continue 10 miles to the campground.
Roads are described as gravel within the campground. Some user reviews mention road construction and rough conditions for about a mile on the way to the campground.
Nearby places
Bozeman (17 miles south)
Billings (estimated distance unavailable)
Belgrade (estimated distance unavailable)
Nearby supplies
Supplies nearest to Bozeman (17 miles) and limited facilities within the campground for firewood ($10 per bundle).

Best Time to Camp at Hood Creek Campground

Summer brings perfect camping weather to Hood Creek, with warm, dry days ideal for hiking and water activities, while crisp mountain evenings invite cozy campfire gatherings. As autumn approaches, golden aspens paint the landscape before winter's first snowflakes dust the peaks, signaling the transition to a snow-covered wonderland that transforms the campground into a serene winter retreat.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5

Summer offers ideal weather and full access to hiking, boating and fishing; it's peak season (crowded).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall is quieter with attractive foliage; campground still accessible and scenic.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring conditions variable with potential snowmelt and limited early-season access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed seasonally (May 16–Sept 27); winter use limited due to freezing temps.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 27, 2025; June 5, 2026 - September 26, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 16 to September 27 (seasonal closure due to freezing temperatures noted in some reviews).
  • Current Alerts: Construction near the campground has diverted traffic through campsites.

About Hood Creek Campground

Nestled in the heart of Montana's Custer Gallatin National Forest, Hood Creek Campground beckons adventurers to experience the pristine beauty of Hyalite Reservoir. This mountain sanctuary combines the tranquility of alpine camping with endless opportunities for waterside recreation, creating an unforgettable basecamp for your Montana wilderness escape.
Hood Creek Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles. It features standard non-electric sites suitable for tents and small RVs, as well as a group campsite that can host up to 80 people.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 16 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Hood Creek Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, located on the Hyalite Reservoir. Activities include hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Nearby trails, such as the Hyalite Peak Trail, offer challenging and picturesque hikes. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular on the reservoir. Visitors also enjoy stargazing, birding, and mountain biking.
HikingThe area is known for its excellent hiking opportunities, including the Hyalite Peak Trail, a 7.5-mile one-way hike that ascends 3,450 feet past waterfalls to Hyalite Lake and Peak. Hiking trails in the Hyalite Canyon are accessible from the campground.
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 a popular activity, with anglers targeting Yellowstone cutthroat, Arctic grayling, and brook trout in Hyalite Reservoir and Hyalite Creek.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in Hyalite Reservoir, and the waterfront sites provide easy access to the water.
BikingMountain biking is popular in the area, with trails around the reservoir and nearby paths offering scenic rides.
BoatingBoating, including canoeing and kayaking, is a key activity on Hyalite Reservoir. The on-site boat ramp provides convenient water access.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are frequently noted in official policies and user reviews. Construction detours through the campground increase dust and noise hazards.
Active AlertsConstruction near the campground has diverted traffic through campsites.

Weather at Hood Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4
189 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Hood Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Hood Creek Campground is frequently praised for its scenic location near Hyalite Reservoir, outdoor activities, and clean facilities. However, some users noted challenges such as limited reservations, road construction, and occasional noise from large vehicles.
Review Summaries
Based on 189 reviews

What Campers Love

"The adjacent Hyalite Reservoir is spectacularly scenic." "Great weather and great spot for a 25-foot travel trailer." "Campsites for the most part are spread well apart. It’s nice you’re not on top...
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Based on 189 reviews

Common Concerns

Challenges include road construction dust, crowded conditions during peak times, and lack of RV dump stations. Some users also noted difficulties in securing reservations due to high demand.
Based on 189 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend reserving sites early due to high demand, particularly during summer. Sites 15 and 28 are highlighted for privacy and group use, respectively.
Based on 189 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season and often crowded, while early fall offers a quieter experience with beautiful foliage. Winter conditions are challenging but offer solitude.
Based on 189 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing campground with great hosts! Wonderful view to wake up to." "Bring your favorite watercraft or floaty, because you'll want to go out onto the water to explore."
Based on 189 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 is praised for privacy and views, while Site 28 is noted for group events. Waterfront sites receive positive mentions for easy water access.
Based on 189 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users expressed concerns about accessible site features, particularly water access at designated ADA-compliant locations.
Based on 189 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, with multiple users mentioning their positive experiences with pets.
Based on 189 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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