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The best camping near Custer Gallatin National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Custer adventure.

81% (50 reviews)
81% (50 reviews)

Find wilderness camping near Yellowstone National Park and beyond.  

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Custer Gallatin National Forest

98%
(20)

Medicine Tail Coulee Camp

10 sites ¡ Tents6 acres ¡ Crow Agency, MT
80 acres Along the Little Big Horn River on Medicine Tail Coulee on the Battle of the Little Big Horn site on the Crow Reservation. Go swimming in the Little Big Horn River, trail rides available at the campsite, visit the Little Big Horn Battlefield Museum, 50 miles from the Yellowtail Lake and fishing on Big Horn River. Summer events: Battle of Little Big Horn Re-enactment on the 3rd weekend in June, and Cow Fair on the 3rd weekend in August.
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(2)

Wellknown Buffalo-Lodging on Crow

4 sites ¡ Lodging5 acres ¡ Crow Agency, MT
Stay in comfort in the loft of a cabin owned by a Crow artist. Loft has a queen bed and a cot with a private bathroom and shower. It is located on the Little Big Horn Battlefield on Crow reservation land, just down the road from the historic Wellknown Buffalo Living Cultural Campus. This fun experiential campus features a cafe/coffee house, a gift shop with authentic native art and cultural experience activities.
from 
$180
 / night
92%
(24)

Wellknown Buffalo Historic Camp

9 sites ¡ Tents6 acres ¡ Garryowen, MT
You will be camping on historic property- the place where the women and children hid during the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Your campsite faces Sharpshooter Ridge. This valley area was the home of Wellknown Buffalo, a medicine woman and activist who protected and fed Native families traveling along the river between reservations. Learn more about this historic land: You'll pitch your tent on the Crow Indian Reservation in the historic valley just below the site of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. This area was part of the battlefield where the women and children camped. Campsites are in view of Sharpshooter Ridge. This business is owned by Native Americans. You will be staying near the Wellknown Buffalo Living Culture Campus and Artists Coop. The property has a gate that is closed at night. You'll find a cafe/coffee house, gift shop, horse activities, bathrooms and showers, and a gathering porch. You are just several miles from Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument and centrally located for many local adventures, including the Medicine Wheel, Yellowtail Dam, Warrior Trail Highway and Big Horn Scenic Highway. For the less adventurous, there is a cabin loft rental with a full bathroom, 1/2 mile away.
from 
$60
 / night

The best camping near Custer Gallatin National Forest guide

Overview

About

Whether you are coming to the region to explore the grandeur of Yellowstone National Park or the expansive landscapes of Montana’s Big Sky Country, Custer Gallatin National Forest can add to your adventures and provide a scenic camping spot. Over 60 designated campgrounds are located within the three million acres of forests, mountains, and waterways, offering a range of services and amenities. Dispersed camping is also allowed, as long as you follow the guidelines. The campgrounds may be busier than many other national forest campgrounds due to the proximity to Yellowstone National Park, with several options mere minutes from the park’s entrance gates.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for dry camping near Yellowstone: Eagle Creek Campground is just two miles from the north entrance to Yellowstone and has wide-open views of Big Sky Country.
  • Best for camping with hookups near Yellowstone: Baker’s Hole Campground, three miles from the west entrance to Yellowstone, is popular with RVers and campers desiring electric hookups. 
  • Best for outdoor action: Red Cliff Campground has a river, cave, and trails easily accessible from tree-covered campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. The national forest campgrounds offer a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. 
  2. Reservations are accepted online at Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.
  3. Reservations open six months in advance on a rolling basis.
  4. Reservations are especially recommended for campgrounds near Yellowstone National Park and for weekends and holidays during the summer season.
  5. First-come, first-served sites may fill quickly. Arrive by early afternoon for the best selection.
  6. Some campgrounds are open year-round, while others close during the fall and winter.

When to go

Camping conditions vary greatly by location across the Custer Gallatin National Forest, thanks to the varied elevations and terrain. Summer is generally pleasant and prime time for outdoor recreation, but it is the busy season, with some campground reservations and first-come, first-serve sites in limited supply. Spring and fall are cooler and much quieter, with the potential for freezing temperatures. The national forest campgrounds begin closing after Labor Day, though some are open through December or year-round. Expect snow and freezing temperatures in late fall and winter.

Know before you go

  • Camping in bear country requires extra preparation for storing food and scented items.
  • Cell signal varies greatly and may be unavailable or limited in some areas.
  • Amenities vary by campground. Potable water, electric hookups, vault toilets, firewood and more may or may not be available or may vary by season. Check the campground details online for current information.

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