Swan Creek Campground

Star4.47
163 reviews

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Season opens May 16 ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Rocky Mountain Recreation Company 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
Swan Creek Campground
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservations are $26 per night for a standard non-electric site during peak season. Additional vehicles are charged $8.00 per night.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
406-646-1012
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 163 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslocationhiking

Some mention

mosquitoes

"Overall, user sentiment is highly positive, emphasizing the campground's beauty, privacy, and proximity to Swan Creek. Common complaints include mosquitoes and occasional maintenance issues with trash. Seasonal reviews underscore the importance of bug spray in summer months."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Swan Creek Campground

45.3725, -111.1681

Driving directionsFrom Bozeman, travel south on Highway 191 for 30 miles to the Swan Creek turnoff. Turn left and go a half-mile to the campground. From West Yellowstone, travel 58 miles north on Highway 191. Turn right at Swan Creek turnoff and go a half-mile to the campground.
Roads within the campground are paved, but parking spurs are gravel. The turnoff road from Highway 191 is narrow but manageable for trailers. Firewood is available at Greek Creek Campground, located nearby.
Nearby places
Bozeman - 31 miles (approx. 30-minute drive)
West Yellowstone - 58 miles (approx. 1-hour drive)
Big Sky - 8 miles (approx. 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest gas, ice, coffee, and food supplies are available in Big Sky, 8 miles away. Firewood can be purchased at Greek Creek Campground for $8.00-$10.00 per bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Swan Creek Campground

From May through September, Swan Creek transforms with the seasons. Early summer welcomes campers with warm days perfect for creek exploration, though June and July visitors should come prepared with insect repellent as the lush, moisture-rich environment attracts mosquitoes. For those seeking crisp mountain air and fewer bugs, late spring and early fall deliver ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures and the added bonus of watching the forest transition through its seasonal changes.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm days ideal for creek exploration; summer reviews note frequent mosquitoes—bring repellent.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Late-summer/early-fall is quieter with easier trail access and peaceful conditions per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Late spring offers quieter visits and trail access; variable conditions early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility closed outside May 16–Sept 27; winter recreation is limited/unsupported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 27. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Season opens May 16 and closes September 27 during peak season.

About Swan Creek Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Gallatin Canyon, Swan Creek Campground is a hidden gem where the gentle murmur of Swan Creek provides the soundtrack to your mountain retreat. This intimate campground features just 13 thoughtfully spaced sites across two loops, offering a peaceful alternative to busier destinations. Here, thick vegetation creates natural privacy screens between creekside sites, while modern amenities like vault toilets, hand-pump drinking water, and regular trash collection ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience.
Swan Creek Campground accommodates single-family camping with options for tent camping and smaller RVs. It is a primitive campground offering privacy and scenic settings.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is up to 16 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation opportunities at Swan Creek Campground include hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, berry picking, birding, mushroom picking, photography, stargazing, and scenic driving. Kayaking and rafting are also popular in the nearby Gallatin River. The Swan Creek Trail begins within the campground, offering an accessible entry point for hiking.
HikingThe Swan Creek Trail originates within the campground, offering hikes through varied terrain including waterfalls, ponds, wildflower meadows, and forested areas. Another popular trail, Golden Trout Lakes Trail, is located five miles south of the campground. User reviews praise the hiking opportunities: 'Hiking behind (east) of the campground was amazing...pretty waterfall and marshy beaver pond back there, then onto wildflowers and more forest.'
FishingFishing is available in Swan Creek and the nearby Gallatin River. Species include rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout, whitefish, and Arctic grayling. User quotes highlight fishing access: 'Pleasant evening hike to pond and beyond with fishing available, judging by the hikers we saw going in and out with rods.'
BoatingBoating activities like rafting and kayaking are popular in the Gallatin River nearby.
Wildlife viewingA variety of wildlife can be observed in the area, including bald eagles, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, deer, coyotes, black bears, and grizzly bears. User reviews frequently mention bird activity and proximity to wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are a significant nuisance during peak summer months (June-July). Black and grizzly bears frequent the area; campers must store food securely.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers are available at most sites but not all; campers should confirm locker availability.

Weather at Swan Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5
163 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Swan Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user sentiment is highly positive, emphasizing the campground's beauty, privacy, and proximity to Swan Creek. Common complaints include mosquitoes and occasional maintenance issues with trash. Seasonal reviews underscore the importance of bug spray in summer months.
Review Summaries
Based on 163 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful creekside location, spacious and private campsites, clean vault toilets, friendly camp hosts, proximity to hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities.
Based on 163 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquito problems during warmer months, occasional trash left in bushes, lack of bear proof food storage at some sites, smaller site sizes (e.g., site #5).
Based on 163 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and repellents (Picaridin recommended), consider reserving upper loop sites for added privacy and family-friendly settings. Purchase firewood at Greek Creek Campground. Arrive early...
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Based on 163 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently highlight mosquito issues and the importance of bug spray. Late spring and early fall reviews emphasize quieter experiences and easier access to hiking trails.
Based on 163 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground sits next to the creek, so we slept like angels.' - Jonathan Hannon 2. 'Lovely campground far enough off the highway that you don't get road noise.' - Peggy S 3. 'Neighbors are a...
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Based on 163 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #4: Private and creekside; Site #5: Smaller with limited tent space; Site #7-12: More spacious, private, and family-friendly; Site #1: Set back from the main road with great creek access.
Based on 163 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites are fairly spread out, offering accessibility for most campers. However, rocky trails may be challenging for individuals with mobility concerns.
Based on 163 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information about pet policies or experiences.
Based on 163 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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