Our Favorite Campgrounds Near Bozeman and Yellowstone: Tent Camping & Best RV Parks

Looking for the best campgrounds near Bozeman, Montana, or planning a camping trip to Yellowstone National Park? Southwest Montana has something for every kind of camper, from quiet riverside tent sites and forest campgrounds to full-service RV parks near Yellowstone’s entrances.

At Old Faithful & Friends, we love helping travelers experience Yellowstone and the surrounding communities. Whether you are pitching a tent beneath the Montana sky, traveling in a travel trailer, or exploring the area in a motorhome, choosing the right campground can make your trip even better.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to camp in and around the Bozeman area, along the Gallatin and Yellowstone rivers, and near Yellowstone National Park. We’ve divided our recommendations into tent camping and RV camping to help you find the right fit for your adventure.

Best Tent Camping Near Bozeman and Yellowstone

1. Missouri Headwaters State Park — Three Forks, Montana

If you want a camping experience that combines Montana scenery, history, and outdoor recreation, Missouri Headwaters State Park is a wonderful place to start.

Located near Three Forks, about 35 minutes from Bozeman, the park preserves the historic confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers, where the Missouri River begins. It is also connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, making it an interesting stop for travelers who enjoy learning about the history of the American West.

The park offers a small campground with 17 campsites, along with picnic areas, walking trails, wildlife viewing, fishing opportunities, and interpretive displays. It is a great option for campers who prefer a quieter, more natural setting rather than a large commercial campground.

Why we love it: The combination of river scenery, history, and easy access from Bozeman makes this a great addition to a Montana road trip.

Best for: Tent campers, history enthusiasts, anglers, photographers, and travelers looking for a scenic stop outside the busy Yellowstone gateway towns.

Plan your visit: Missouri Headwaters State Park.

2. Langohr Campground — Hyalite Canyon, Montana

Located about 12 miles south of Bozeman in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Langohr Campground is a great choice for campers who want to experience Montana's mountain scenery without traveling far from town.

The campground sits alongside Hyalite Creek, with campsites nestled among meadows and pine and fir trees. The surrounding Hyalite Canyon area offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, climbing, and wildlife viewing.

Hyalite Reservoir is also nearby, providing additional opportunities for boating, canoeing, and exploring the outdoors. With its forest setting and access to recreational activities, Langohr is an appealing option for a weekend camping trip near Bozeman.

Why we love it: Langohr combines a peaceful forest setting with convenient access to some of the Bozeman area's best outdoor recreation.

Best for: Tent campers, hikers, anglers, and travelers looking for a scenic campground near Bozeman.

Plan your visit: Langohr Campground on Recreation.gov.

3. Baker's Hole Campground — West Yellowstone, Montana

If you're planning a Yellowstone vacation and want to camp near the West Entrance, Baker's Hole Campground is worth adding to your list.

Located approximately three miles north of West Yellowstone in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Baker's Hole offers a convenient base for exploring Yellowstone National Park. Its location puts you close to the town's restaurants, shops, and visitor services while keeping you surrounded by Montana's natural scenery.

The campground welcomes tent campers and RV travelers. Amenities and services vary by site and season, so check current campground information before booking. Fishing and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the surrounding area.

West Yellowstone is particularly convenient for travelers planning to explore the park's famous geysers, including the Old Faithful area, as well as the Madison River region.

Why we love it: Baker's Hole offers a natural camping setting just a short drive from West Yellowstone and the park's West Entrance.

Best for: Tent campers, anglers, families, and travelers who want to camp near Yellowstone without staying inside the national park.

Plan your visit: Visit Montana.

4. Moose Creek Flat Campground — Gallatin Canyon, Montana

South of Bozeman, Gallatin Canyon offers some of the region's most memorable mountain scenery. Moose Creek Flat Campground, located along the Gallatin River, is a great choice for campers who want to experience the outdoors without traveling all the way to Yellowstone.

The campground is approximately 32 miles south of Bozeman and offers campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Drinking water, vault toilets, and trash collection are provided during the applicable operating season.

The surrounding area is popular for fishing, rafting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The combination of river access and forested mountain scenery makes it a particularly appealing place to spend a night or two.

Why we love it: It offers a classic Montana camping experience within reach of Bozeman and the Gallatin Canyon's outdoor recreation.

Best for: Tent campers, anglers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore beyond the city.

Plan your visit: Moose Creek Flat Campground on Recreation.gov.

5. Slough Creek Campground — Yellowstone's Northern Range

For wildlife enthusiasts, Slough Creek Campground is one of the most distinctive camping options in Yellowstone.

Located in the park's northern range, this small campground is close to some of Yellowstone's well-known wildlife viewing areas. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the Lamar Valley region.

Slough Creek is a rustic campground with limited facilities, and access involves a dirt road. Campsite and vehicle-size restrictions make it especially important to check the current conditions before arriving.

Wildlife is a major attraction here, but it also requires careful preparation. Store food and scented items according to Yellowstone's bear-safety rules, and never approach or feed wildlife.

Why we love it: The location is ideal for travelers who want to focus on Yellowstone's wildlife and quieter northern landscapes.

Best for: Experienced campers, wildlife photographers, hikers, and anglers.

Plan your visit: Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds.

Best RV Park and Campgrounds Near Bozeman and Yellowstone

1. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground — Bozeman, Montana

If you want the convenience of an established campground with access to additional amenities, Bozeman Hot Springs Campground is worth considering.

Located on the west side of Bozeman, this campground accommodates RVs and tents and also offers cabins. Its proximity to Bozeman makes it a convenient starting point for exploring local attractions, visiting restaurants, or heading south toward Yellowstone.

One of its biggest draws is the neighboring Bozeman Hot Springs facility, which provides an opportunity to relax in the pools after a day of driving, hiking, or sightseeing. Check directly with the campground for current site options and details about pool access.

Why we love it: It combines a convenient location with a range of camping options and the bonus of nearby hot springs.

Best for: RV travelers, families, tent campers who want more amenities, and visitors exploring Bozeman before continuing to Yellowstone.

Plan your stay: Bozeman Hot Springs Campground.

2. Yellowstone's Edge RV Park — Paradise Valley, Montana

For RV travelers approaching Yellowstone from the north, Paradise Valley offers beautiful scenery and a convenient location between Livingston and Gardiner.

Yellowstone's Edge RV Park sits along the Yellowstone River, making it an appealing option for travelers who enjoy riverside views and access to outdoor recreation. The surrounding valley is known for its mountain scenery, fishing opportunities, and wide-open landscapes.

This location is especially useful for visitors who want to explore Paradise Valley, spend time in Gardiner, or enter Yellowstone through the North Entrance.

As with any RV park, check current site availability, hookup options, and vehicle-length requirements before booking.

Why we love it: The setting along the Yellowstone River offers a scenic alternative to staying in a busier gateway town.

Best for: RV travelers, anglers, road-trippers, and visitors planning to explore Yellowstone's northern entrance.

Plan your stay: Yellowstone's Edge RV Park.

3. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park & Cabins — West Yellowstone, Montana

West Yellowstone is one of the most convenient gateway communities for visitors entering Yellowstone through the West Entrance. Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park & Cabins offers an established place to stay close to the town's restaurants, shops, and visitor services.

The location makes it practical for travelers planning several days of sightseeing in Yellowstone, especially visits to the park's western geyser basins and the Old Faithful area.

The property offers RV sites and cabin accommodations, giving travelers a few different ways to stay. If you are traveling with a larger motorhome or trailer, confirm the dimensions and hookups available for your specific site.

Why we love it: Staying in West Yellowstone puts you close to park access and gives you convenient options for meals, supplies, and other services outside the park.

Best for: RV travelers, families, and visitors who want to use West Yellowstone as their base for exploring the park.

Plan your stay: Yellowstone Grizzly RV Park & Cabins.

4. Fox Den RV & Campground — West Yellowstone, Montana

Another option near Yellowstone's West Entrance is Fox Den RV & Campground. Its West Yellowstone location makes it worth comparing with other area campgrounds when planning a summer road trip.

West Yellowstone is a popular base for travelers who want to spend time in Yellowstone without staying inside the national park. The town also offers restaurants, visitor services, and attractions that can make a longer camping trip more convenient.

Before reserving, review the campground's current accommodations, site dimensions, available hookups, and seasonal operating information to make sure it suits your setup.

Why we love it: It gives RV and tent travelers another property to compare when looking for a convenient West Yellowstone base.

Best for: Road-trippers and campers who want to stay near the West Entrance and explore Yellowstone over multiple days.

Plan your stay: Fox Den RV & Campground.

5. Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North — Gardiner, Montana

For travelers entering Yellowstone from the north, Gardiner is a convenient gateway town with access to Mammoth Hot Springs, the northern range, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North offers RV accommodations in this area, providing another option for travelers who want a developed campground near the North Entrance.

Staying in Gardiner can be especially appealing if your plans include exploring the northern part of Yellowstone rather than concentrating exclusively on the geyser basins. It also makes a useful stop for travelers driving between Bozeman and Yellowstone.

Why we love it: Its location makes it a practical choice for visitors who want to explore northern Yellowstone while staying outside the park.

Best for: RV travelers, families, and visitors planning to explore Mammoth Hot Springs and the northern range.

Plan your stay: Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North.

6. Fishing Bridge RV Park — Yellowstone National Park

If your priority is staying inside Yellowstone with your RV, Fishing Bridge RV Park is an important option to know about.

Located near Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge is the park's full-hookup RV campground. It is particularly useful for travelers who need water, sewer, and electrical connections rather than dry camping.

The location provides access to Yellowstone Lake and the park's central and eastern sightseeing areas. However, this is a hard-sided camping facility: tents and soft-sided camping units are not permitted because of the area's bear-safety requirements.

Reservations are essential during the busy season, and RV length limits and site requirements should be checked before booking.

Why we love it: Full hookups inside Yellowstone can make an extended RV stay more convenient.

Best for: RV travelers who need hookups and want to stay inside the national park.

Plan your stay: Yellowstone National Park Lodges Camping.

Tent Camping vs. RV Camping: Which Is Right for Your Yellowstone Trip?

Both tent camping and RV camping offer excellent ways to explore southwest Montana, but the right choice depends on your travel style.

Tent camping is a great fit if you want a simple outdoor experience, enjoy sleeping close to nature, and prefer smaller or more rustic campgrounds. Options such as Missouri Headwaters State Park, Langohr Campground, Baker's Hole, and Moose Creek Flat offer different ways to experience Montana's landscapes.

RV camping is often a better fit if you want more protection from unpredictable weather, prefer to bring your own sleeping and cooking facilities, or need amenities such as hookups and dump stations. Established RV parks in Bozeman, Paradise Valley, Gardiner, and West Yellowstone offer different levels of convenience.

If you plan to visit Yellowstone, consider the areas you most want to explore before choosing a campground. West Yellowstone works well for the western geyser basins, while Gardiner is convenient for Mammoth Hot Springs and the northern range. Staying inside the park can reduce some daily driving, although campsite availability and facilities vary.

Tips for Planning a Camping Trip Near Yellowstone

A little preparation goes a long way when camping in Montana and Yellowstone National Park.

• Reserve early. Summer is a busy season, and popular campgrounds can fill well in advance.

• Check campground restrictions. Not every site accommodates every tent, trailer, or motorhome. Verify your equipment's dimensions and the campground's rules.

• Prepare for cold nights. Even summer temperatures can drop considerably at higher elevations.

• Practice bear safety. Follow all food-storage requirements and keep a safe distance from wildlife.

• Plan your driving distances. Yellowstone is a large park, and a campground that looks close on a map may still involve a substantial drive to your preferred attractions.

• Check seasonal closures. Campground opening dates, water availability, road conditions, and services can change throughout the year.

For official park information, visit the National Park Service's Yellowstone camping guide.

Explore Yellowstone With Old Faithful & Friends

Your campground is only part of the adventure. Once you have found your home base, Old Faithful & Friends can help you explore Yellowstone with private transportation and guided tour options.

Based in Bozeman, Montana, we offer transportation and tour services connecting travelers with Yellowstone and the surrounding communities. Whether you are staying near the West Entrance, in Gardiner, or in the Bozeman area, we can help you explore transportation options that fit your itinerary.

Our private transportation services are arranged for your group, making them a useful option for travelers who would rather leave the driving to someone else. We are also developing a seasonal public shuttle service connecting Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Gardiner, and Mammoth, with service details and schedules subject to seasonal availability.

If you are planning a camping trip and want to visit Yellowstone's famous geysers, scenic valleys, or wildlife viewing areas, visit Old Faithful & Friends to explore our transportation and tour options.

Start Planning Your Montana Camping Adventure

From the historic river confluence at Missouri Headwaters State Park to riverside RV parks and campgrounds near Yellowstone's entrances, southwest Montana offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Choose a tent site for a traditional camping experience, book an RV park for added convenience, or combine several stops to experience more of the region. With a little planning, your campground can become the starting point for an unforgettable Montana and Yellowstone adventure.

Ready to explore Yellowstone? Visit Old Faithful & Friends to learn more about our private shuttles, seasonal public shuttle plans, and Yellowstone tour options.

by season.