Discover the best forest campgrounds near Big Sky, Montana with campfires

United States
—
Montana
—
Big Sky

88% (172 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Big Sky

Dog-friendly getaways

8 top forest campgrounds near Big Sky with campfires

Booked 3 times

Bear Canyon Bliss

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Bozeman, MT

Bear Canyon Bliss caters to outdoor enthusiasts year-round. In the summer, explore nearby hiking trails and witness the vibrant fall foliage. During winter, embrace the snowy wonderland with backcountry and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. During warmer months, enjoy a short walk to your site; in winter, savor the thrill of skiing or snowshoeing up the short hill to your secluded spot. Bear Canyon Bliss isn't just a campsite; it's an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Let the tranquility of the Montana wilderness rejuvenate your spirit. Connect with nature and let its sights and sounds soothe your soul. Each tent is equipped with a wood-burning stove and a propane heater to keep you cozy and warm during the winter months. A camp kitchen with a picnic table is provided for cooking and eating, and a fire pit awaits for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. Additionally, a primitive bucket toilet set up with a pop-up privacy tent completes the rustic camping experience.

Mad RIver Farm Camping

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Ennis, MT

Please read bullet points below before you book with us. Wake up to the impressive scenery of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the sun shining over the Madison range on this nearly 50 acre farm in McAllister, Montana. You'll be camped in a wide open grass pasture JUST OFF Hwy 287, 1.5 miles from Ennis Lake and the Madison River which offers some of the most diverse fly fishing in Montana. The Madison River runs through this scenic valley and is flanked by the towering Madison, Gravelly and Tobacco Root ranges which are all visable from our campsites. Our land is filled with wildlife including fox, coyotes, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, osprey, deer and antelope. Horses in the pasture to the North and cattle to the South. Crash in our field and you're only about 1 hour from Yellowstone, without the Yellowstone prices and congestion. The town of Ennis is 7 miles and the best steakhouse in the valley is 2 minutes north up HWY 287. Plan an easy afternoon trip to the historic Old West town of Virginia City (20 miles). We are surrounded by endless trails for hiking, 4 wheeling and trail riding. Big Sky Ski Resort is an hour and 30 minutes over the Madison Range. Take an evening to go to Norris Hotsprings (9 miles). Lewis and Clark Caverns one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in North America is only 28 miles away. The list of activities goes on and on, but there is always the option to just relax and feel comfortable doing nothing. This is the perfect place to choose to be disconnected and unplugged for a while, but not to far off the beaten path so its an easy camp. 45°26'15.5"N 111°43'53.8"W https://goo.gl/maps/i7jR4qSxP4SkU1QTA -Parking is just off HWY 287, very easy access by bike or vehicle. Vehicles will stay in the designated parking are and campers will walk to any area of the pasture they wish to set up camp! -This is a field, a pasture where grass grows to feed cattle. The views of the Madison Range and Tobacco Root Mountains is incredible. There are a few areas of trimmed grass, but for the most part this is a pasture with long grass. This area is not maintained like a KOA. This is not at all what would call "roughing it" but I grew up in Montana and we have different standards here. -We ask that you please give room to other campers, you'll have so much room it should never be an issue. -There is now a porta potty and fire pit! both of which are for all campers to use. Please do not set up camp right next to the firepit, right next to the porta potty or in the parking area. -This is a pasture alongside the road in Montana. There are no parking lot lights. There is no wifi. There are no trees or shelters. It is not private because it is an open field along HWY 287. That being said there are rarely ever more than 1-2 camping groups at a time. -The Campfire is communal. Everyone needs to be able to enjoy. There are several area to set up camp. We usualy will only have 1-2 campers at any given time. The most we have ever had at once is 4. -You're free to walk around and find your perfect spot. You can walk through the tall grass or you can camp in one of the spots that is trimmed down. You have that freedom! We trim down the "road", the firepit, a couple campsites and the area around the garbage and porta potty. We dont want to completely mow down our pasture. We like to keep it wild. When Hipcampers are not using the area its a place for deer, antelope, cyotes and sandhill cranes. If you want to have a campground with manicured walkways/camping spots this is not the green pasture for you. 🇺🇸 July 4th update FYI the 2 track road down to the canvas wall tent has irrigation water covering it. Don’t go down the path to the tent, you will get stuck. There are plenty of places to camp without driving down toward the canvas tent. There is a saw horse blocking the road. Please do not move the saw horse or drive down the road.

Davis Ranch

1 site · RV10 acres · Three Forks, MT

10 acres with mountain views in all directions. Any and all activities available in close proximity that one might enjoy in the mountains, rivers, and lakes. Approximately 60 miles to Yellowstone National Park. Some of the best hunting in southwestern Montana. Many outfitter in the area for trail ridding

Miner Creek Campgrounds & Camper

6 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Wineglass, MT

Nestled on 60 acres you'll find a private campground in a cottonwood grove on the creek. Across the driveway nestled in the willows you'll find a vintage camper in a private setting near the creek. Further down the gravel driveway you'll find one last campground that is tucked way back in a secluded cottonwood grove. The campgrounds and camper are just 5 minutes to the charming historic downtown of Livingston and the Yellowstone River, 20 minutes to Bozeman and an hour to Yellowstone National Park. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are friendly to other dogs. Our dogs freely roam the property. The Miner Creek Campground 1 has a picnic table, fire ring (bring your own firewood), two hammocks, solar lighting, a small portable charcoal grill (bring your own charcoal) and an outhouse. The vintage camper (about 40 yards away but out of sight) has running water, a 4 burner cooktop, outdoor seating, table, solar lighting, small outdoor grill and fire pit (bring your own charcoal and firewood) and an indoor toilet and shower. The parking areas of the two independent sites are across from one another but the camping sites themselves are out of view from one another. Although you can car camp at the Campground 1, please note that the camper parking spot is just off the driveway, and not across the creek where the tent site, picnic table and fire pit are located. The "Not for the Faint of Heart" campsite, is just that! It's a 1-2 minute hike from the parking spot on an uneven trail through the trees. It has a fire ring (bring your own firewood), two camp chairs, solar lighting, a small portable grill (bring your own charcoal) and a small portalet. Do NOT rent this tent site unless you are ready, to explore and do not need to be close by your car. Make sure you arrive before dark because although the trail is lit by solar lights even with headlamps it can be tricky to find your way through the trees. The trail is tight and uneven and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. The creek is not right by the tent site like it is in the "Creekside Oasis" campsite. There is a small break in the bushes that gives creek access. For all sites we recommend storing your food in your vehicle overnight.

Homestead Cabin@Little Trail Creek

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Gardiner, MT

We purchased the property in 2016 to share with travelers. There are three other rentals on the property. Learn more about this land: Shawn has been a nurse for 20+ years and understands the importance of a clean environment. Take a step back in time. Imagine yourself as an original Homesteader in this early 1900's cabin. But with modern conviences. 4 miles from Gardiner, Montana - The North Entrance to Yellowstone. 4 miles to Yellowstone Hot Springs. We provide safe, delicious well water! Little Trail Creek runs thru the property. There are two rooms in the cabin. Dining table, kitchen supply hutch & wood stove in the main room.Two queen beds, a small cot in the bedroom. There is one chandelier and 1 outlet in each room. There is one extra cabin with one queen bed available for an additional fee. It is 4 feet from the homestead. It is only available for use by guests of the homestead cabin, so it is private. There is a gorgeous new shower house built in 2022. It provides a walk in shower, large vanity and sink, outlet and standard flush toilet. Candles, oil lanterns, propane for the BBQ grill, campfire ring, camp chairs, wood stove, towels, hot springs & river towels, bedding, pots, pans, utensils, basic camp supplies are all included! There is a separate shack with an electrical outlet, toaster oven, electric coffee pot, percolator, a single electric burner for the cooking supplies. There are 3 other rentals on this property. Each cabin has 1 - 1.5 acres of private use and are generously spaced out.The Homestead cabin is bordered by Little Trail Creek and the house pasture. There are 5 horses on site. Absorkee Wilderness is in the back yard with thousands of miles of hiking trails. This is a Glamping experience. There my be wildlife - including bears, elk, deer, bugs or field mice at anytime. We have tried to preserve the Homestead cabin as much as possible to its original state. There are elk, deer, birds and other native wildlife on the property daily.

99%

(56)

North Fork Cabin

5 sites · Lodging45 acres · Gardiner, MT

This property was occupied and homesteaded in 1932 by Lloyd's Dad, Vern who began the outfitting business and raised his family here

Booked 7 times

Starlight Retreat Yellowstone

6 sites · Lodging40 acres · Island Park, ID

Starlight Retreat sits on 40 stunning acres only 19 minutes from Yellowstone and 2 minutes off hwy 20 with meadows, aspen groves, and a pine forest to explore with miles of trails connecting directly the property, perfect for hiking or mountain biking. Henry's fork is a crystal clear world class fishing river a short walk down the road. Henry's lake, only a few minute drive, is a world famous fishing lake. In every direction you'll find world class hunting and fishing. Crystal clear rivers leading to stunning waterfalls. You are in the heart of what's become known as "sportsman's paradise".

Booked 1 time

7 Point Guest Ranch And Campground

7 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Emigrant, MT

7 Point Ranch is a beautiful property where families and friends come together. Furnished Rooms available for rent in the private lodge along the Yellowstone River including 12 private guest rooms, 18 bathrooms and 4 kitchens. The private campground has plenty of room for families and friends to tent camp along the Yellowstone river in Paradise Valley MT. This is a great place to get close to nature, find some peace and quiet, and have a nice private place to stay and enjoy. Or rent the whole venue for family outings and reunions, weddings, parties, live music and events! Also bordering Fridley creek, there are are some great nature sights and extraordinary fishing and hunting access close by. Just 29 miles north of Yellowstone Park. Close to horseback riding at Chico hot Springs, Sage lodge, the Old Saloon, and Pine Creek, 7 Point Ranch is the perfect place to visit and enjoy while passing through Paradise Valley, MT. Get a massage at the spa, hike in nature, use the Gym and conference center. Visit the mercantile.

Under $50

97%

(110)

Miner Creek Campgrounds & Camper

6 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Wineglass, MT

Nestled on 60 acres you'll find a private campground in a cottonwood grove on the creek. Across the driveway nestled in the willows you'll find a vintage camper in a private setting near the creek. Further down the gravel driveway you'll find one last campground that is tucked way back in a secluded cottonwood grove. The campgrounds and camper are just 5 minutes to the charming historic downtown of Livingston and the Yellowstone River, 20 minutes to Bozeman and an hour to Yellowstone National Park. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are friendly to other dogs. Our dogs freely roam the property. The Miner Creek Campground 1 has a picnic table, fire ring (bring your own firewood), two hammocks, solar lighting, a small portable charcoal grill (bring your own charcoal) and an outhouse. The vintage camper (about 40 yards away but out of sight) has running water, a 4 burner cooktop, outdoor seating, table, solar lighting, small outdoor grill and fire pit (bring your own charcoal and firewood) and an indoor toilet and shower. The parking areas of the two independent sites are across from one another but the camping sites themselves are out of view from one another. Although you can car camp at the Campground 1, please note that the camper parking spot is just off the driveway, and not across the creek where the tent site, picnic table and fire pit are located. The "Not for the Faint of Heart" campsite, is just that! It's a 1-2 minute hike from the parking spot on an uneven trail through the trees. It has a fire ring (bring your own firewood), two camp chairs, solar lighting, a small portable grill (bring your own charcoal) and a small portalet. Do NOT rent this tent site unless you are ready, to explore and do not need to be close by your car. Make sure you arrive before dark because although the trail is lit by solar lights even with headlamps it can be tricky to find your way through the trees. The trail is tight and uneven and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended. The creek is not right by the tent site like it is in the "Creekside Oasis" campsite. There is a small break in the bushes that gives creek access. For all sites we recommend storing your food in your vehicle overnight.

Mad RIver Farm Camping

7 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Ennis, MT

Please read bullet points below before you book with us. Wake up to the impressive scenery of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the sun shining over the Madison range on this nearly 50 acre farm in McAllister, Montana. You'll be camped in a wide open grass pasture JUST OFF Hwy 287, 1.5 miles from Ennis Lake and the Madison River which offers some of the most diverse fly fishing in Montana. The Madison River runs through this scenic valley and is flanked by the towering Madison, Gravelly and Tobacco Root ranges which are all visable from our campsites. Our land is filled with wildlife including fox, coyotes, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, osprey, deer and antelope. Horses in the pasture to the North and cattle to the South. Crash in our field and you're only about 1 hour from Yellowstone, without the Yellowstone prices and congestion. The town of Ennis is 7 miles and the best steakhouse in the valley is 2 minutes north up HWY 287. Plan an easy afternoon trip to the historic Old West town of Virginia City (20 miles). We are surrounded by endless trails for hiking, 4 wheeling and trail riding. Big Sky Ski Resort is an hour and 30 minutes over the Madison Range. Take an evening to go to Norris Hotsprings (9 miles). Lewis and Clark Caverns one of the most highly decorated limestone caverns in North America is only 28 miles away. The list of activities goes on and on, but there is always the option to just relax and feel comfortable doing nothing. This is the perfect place to choose to be disconnected and unplugged for a while, but not to far off the beaten path so its an easy camp. 45°26'15.5"N 111°43'53.8"W https://goo.gl/maps/i7jR4qSxP4SkU1QTA -Parking is just off HWY 287, very easy access by bike or vehicle. Vehicles will stay in the designated parking are and campers will walk to any area of the pasture they wish to set up camp! -This is a field, a pasture where grass grows to feed cattle. The views of the Madison Range and Tobacco Root Mountains is incredible. There are a few areas of trimmed grass, but for the most part this is a pasture with long grass. This area is not maintained like a KOA. This is not at all what would call "roughing it" but I grew up in Montana and we have different standards here. -We ask that you please give room to other campers, you'll have so much room it should never be an issue. -There is now a porta potty and fire pit! both of which are for all campers to use. Please do not set up camp right next to the firepit, right next to the porta potty or in the parking area. -This is a pasture alongside the road in Montana. There are no parking lot lights. There is no wifi. There are no trees or shelters. It is not private because it is an open field along HWY 287. That being said there are rarely ever more than 1-2 camping groups at a time. -The Campfire is communal. Everyone needs to be able to enjoy. There are several area to set up camp. We usualy will only have 1-2 campers at any given time. The most we have ever had at once is 4. -You're free to walk around and find your perfect spot. You can walk through the tall grass or you can camp in one of the spots that is trimmed down. You have that freedom! We trim down the "road", the firepit, a couple campsites and the area around the garbage and porta potty. We dont want to completely mow down our pasture. We like to keep it wild. When Hipcampers are not using the area its a place for deer, antelope, cyotes and sandhill cranes. If you want to have a campground with manicured walkways/camping spots this is not the green pasture for you. 🇺🇸 July 4th update FYI the 2 track road down to the canvas wall tent has irrigation water covering it. Don’t go down the path to the tent, you will get stuck. There are plenty of places to camp without driving down toward the canvas tent. There is a saw horse blocking the road. Please do not move the saw horse or drive down the road.

Davis Ranch

1 site · RV10 acres · Three Forks, MT

10 acres with mountain views in all directions. Any and all activities available in close proximity that one might enjoy in the mountains, rivers, and lakes. Approximately 60 miles to Yellowstone National Park. Some of the best hunting in southwestern Montana. Many outfitter in the area for trail ridding

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

81%

(50)

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Lodge Grass, Montana

I wonder why they call this Artist Point...

94%

(339)

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming

77%

(13)

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Wisdom, Montana

Forest camping near Big Sky with campfires guide

Overview

With a name like Big Sky, it's easy to imagine pitching a tent under the Milky Way in the Montana Rockies. This ski resort town puts you at the foot of looming peaks and Gallatin Canyon. The best part—it's just a stone's throw from Yellowstone. It may be a vacation hot spot, but Yellowstone National Park has no shortage of camping options. Choose from over 2,000 campsites across 12 campgrounds, or bask in the isolation of a remote backpacking site. For secluded camping in the wilds of Montana, venture into Gallatin National Forest. The whopping 3.1 million acres of rugged mountains and buttes are home to endless wildlife. Keep an eye out for moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Want easy access to Big Sky? Discover the seasonal campgrounds of Gallatin Canyon. The towering rock walls invite you to enjoy world-class rafting, fishing, and hiking. Just over 6 miles from Big Sky Montana on the Gallatin River, you find Red Cliff Campground. Another popular spot is Swan Creek Campground, where you can sleep under fir and spruce trees at 5,800 feet. While Big Sky campgrounds lend themselves more to tents, you can still find RV camping. Just keep in mind the closest dump stations are in West Yellowstone and Bozeman. For no-stress camping, you can always hunker down in an RV park with Wi-Fi, private picnic tables, and fire rings. Want to enjoy Big Sky skiing in the winter? Get cozy in a heated cabin.