Slough Creek Campground

Star4.53
162 reviews
Yellowstone National Park, Campgrounds, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

6,250 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from June 15 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service 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
Slough Creek Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground fee is $20 per night per site. Interagency Access and Senior Pass holders receive a 50% discount.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
307-344-2107YELL_visitor_services@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 162 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanfriendly

"Slough Creek Campground receives consistently high praise from visitors for its remote location, abundant wildlife, and serene environment. The absence of crowds, clean facilities, and proximity to the Lamar Valley are commonly highlighted."

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Campground Map

Yellowstone National Park, Campgrounds, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

Slough Creek Campground

Yellowstone National Park, Campgrounds, PO Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

Driving directionsSlough Creek Campground is located about 7 miles from the Tower-Roosevelt junction within the park's Northern Range. It is about 30 miles from the park's North Entrance in Gardiner, MT and about 26 miles from the Northeast Entrance near Cooke City, MT. Located 5.5 miles east of Tower-Roosevelt Junction and accessed via a two-mile dirt road. For more specific information, visit https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/directions.htm.
Accessed via a two-mile dirt road. Road conditions can be challenging with potholes and rough terrain. Vehicles longer than 25 ft are not recommended due to tight turnarounds.
Nearby places
Gardiner, MT - 30 miles (approximately 45 minutes)
Cooke City, MT - 26 miles (approximately 40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be purchased in Gardiner, MT (30 miles away) or Cooke City, MT (26 miles away). Fuel and grocery stores are available in these locations.

Best Time to Camp at Slough Creek Campground

Mother Nature rules supreme at Slough Creek, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer days warm to a pleasant 70-80°F, perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, though mountain nights can surprise you with near-freezing temperatures even in July. Snow may dust the landscape any month of the year, adding an element of adventure to your stay. Spring and fall bring crisp days ranging from 30-60°F, with frost-kissed mornings that transform the grasslands into a glittering wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and peak season (July–Labor Day); warm days (70–80°F) and best wildlife/hiking, but mosquitoes at dusk.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 13; fall offers cooler temps and fewer bugs, good wildlife viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed until June 15, so spring camping is not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 13–June 14; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 1 - Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 15 to October 13 annually. Closed from October 13 through June 14.
  • Current Alerts: Fishing closures after 2 p.m. on specific park rivers and streams due to low water conditions and warm temperatures.

About Slough Creek Campground

Escape to the untamed wilderness of Slough Creek Campground, where rustic charm meets raw natural beauty in one of Yellowstone's most remote corners. Perfect for tent campers and small RV adventurers, this hidden gem rewards those who venture off the beaten path with nights under brilliant starlit skies and the haunting symphony of wolves echoing across the valley. As dawn breaks, you'll find yourself in the heart of Yellowstone's wildlife theater, where massive bison herds graze the meadows and lucky visitors might glimpse wolves on the hunt or bears foraging in the distance.
Slough Creek Campground offers a rustic and primitive camping experience ideal for small RVs and tents. It is generator-free and best suited for visitors seeking a quieter, less crowded alternative to other Yellowstone campgrounds.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Stay Limit
14 days during peak season from July 1 through Labor Day. 30 days during the remainder of the year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Slough Creek Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking hiking, fishing, and wildlife-viewing opportunities. The nearby Slough Creek Trail offers access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Visitors can enjoy world-class fly fishing, birding, and photography. Wildlife sightings include bison, elk, wolves, and bears.
HikingThe campground provides direct access to the Slough Creek Trail, which features a steep climb followed by meadows. Hikers should be bear-aware and prepared. Additional trails in the area provide varying levels of difficulty and access to wildlife viewing opportunities.
FishingFishing in Slough Creek is popular for its high-quality angling opportunities, including fly fishing. Native and non-native fish species are present. A Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permit is required.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in the Lamar Valley, known for some of the best wildlife viewing in North America. Sightings include bison, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, and black bears. Bird species such as peregrine falcons and osprey are also common.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent wildlife encounters with bears and bison. Bear spray is strongly recommended. Mosquitoes are abundant at dusk.
Active Alertsfor bears and moose. | Fishing closures after 2 p.m. on specific park rivers and streams due to low water conditions and warm temperatures.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at each site to prevent wildlife issues. Lockers are shared among campers, measuring 48" x 22" x 22".

Weather at Slough Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5
162 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Slough Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Slough Creek Campground receives consistently high praise from visitors for its remote location, abundant wildlife, and serene environment. The absence of crowds, clean facilities, and proximity to the Lamar Valley are commonly highlighted.
Review Summaries
Based on 162 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praise the peaceful and secluded nature of the campground, its proximity to excellent wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley, and the clean vault toilets. Campers appreciate the scenic...
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Based on 162 reviews

Common Concerns

Some common complaints include the lack of potable water at certain times, limited privacy at some campsites, and the difficulty in securing reservations. A few reviewers also noted issues with late...
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Based on 162 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure spots, bringing ample water, and preparing for bear safety. Bear spray and bug repellents are highly recommended. Visitors also suggest taking the Slough...
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Based on 162 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer months are the peak season for wildlife viewing and hiking, with fall offering cooler weather and fewer bugs. Mosquitoes can be an issue during the summer, particularly at dusk.
Based on 162 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Such a peaceful quiet campground! Host was so nice and clearly loves the area and the animals." – Natalie Wiegand "The campground doesn't seem to get the same amount of pressure as most of the other...
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Based on 162 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #2 is noted for its privacy and elevated views. Site #6 offers stunning creek views but has minimal shade. Site #1 is described as one of the nicest campsites by past visitors. Site #8 is...
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Based on 162 reviews

Accessibility Features

The ADA-accessible site is appreciated for its compacted gravel paths and limited gradient changes, but some users note that sites may not always be level.
Based on 162 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or pet-friendly features.
Based on 162 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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