The best cave camping near Gardiner

25mi from Gardiner · 20 sites · Lodging · Pray, MT

(266)

We purchased our 6-acre home in Paradise Valley in 2010 and have our own little slice of paradise nestled between the Absaroka and Gallatin Mountain Ranges. * 38 miles north of Yellowstone National Park * 10-minute drive to music venues * 360-degree mountain views * 5 minutes from Chico Hot Springs * 20 minutes to Dailey lake / 5 minutes to the Yellowstone River

2. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park

47mi from Gardiner · 23 sites · Bozeman, MT

Bozeman Campground stands out for its serene environment, conveniently located just five minutes away from exceptional golfing and premier fly-fishing opportunities along the Gallatin River. This unique setting allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. For those looking to explore further, the campground serves as an ideal base for day trips to fascinating destinations such as Virginia City and Lewis and Clark Caverns. History enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Museum of the Rockies, home to the largest T. Rex skull in the world. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park is only a short drive away, with fishing access available just 40 minutes south and the west entrance located 82 miles from the campground. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind at the campground, where children can engage in fun activities like gold panning or enjoy the refreshing pool and splash park. Bozeman Campground truly offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for the whole family.

936 sites · Lodge Grass, Montana

3. Custer Gallatin National Forest

84%

(59)

Find wilderness camping near Yellowstone National Park and beyond.

Enjoy incredible vistas, hydrothermal wonders, and diverse wildlife in America’s favorite park.

4. Yellowstone National Park

95%

(434)

2193 sites · Wyoming

544 sites · Dubois, Wyoming

5. Shoshone National Forest

86%

(42)

Explore some of Wyoming’s wildest landscapes without the Yellowstone crowds.

You’ll want to allow yourself plenty of time to take advantage of all that Targhee National Forest has to offer. On several million acres, waterfalls cascade down volcanic cliffs, and crystal clear pools provide some of the best cutthroat trout fishing in the world. Rafters and tubers frolic in the shadows of the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, and the smell of campfires makes you feel like an Oregon Trailer. Ancient rock formations sprout wildflowers, providing a scenic spot to boulder or rock climb, and Big Spring & Palisades Reservoir boasts over 70 miles of shoreline to bask in the sun after a long day of hiking. Two of the trails here access the high-altitute Alaska Basin, as well as trails in Grand Teton National Park. You’ll also be right next to the city of Idaho Falls, perfect for stocking up on the essentials before a full day of exploring grizzly bear habitats and karst limestone formations, all under the watchful eye of the snow-peaked Tetons!

6. Targhee National Forest

85%

(17)

469 sites · Wyoming

The smaller of the two parks in Caribou-Targhee National Forests, Caribou is a welterweight not to be underestimated. Just south of its older brother, this land spans Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, and is a crucial spot for supporting caribou populations. None of the animals here are bashful: bison, moose, deer, mountain lions, falcons, elk, and even black bears abound! Beautiful to snap shot from a distance. Just south of the forest, Bear Lake is a fun spot to take a dip after you hike one of Caribou’s dozens of peaks (Mead Peak and Hawks Peak have gorgeous views, as does Big Elk Mountain at the northern tip of the park). At the south end, you’ll find campgrounds, fast flowing creeks, and the Minnetonka Cave at St. Charles Canyon. This is a site to see, but it stays 40 degrees down there all year so be sure to pack a coat, even if you’re sweating above ground. When you’re done, stop in the charming small town of Montpelier, surrounded by rolling hills and full of retro grocers and kitschy eateries. Yum!

7. Caribou National Forest

79%

(7)

270 sites · Idaho

Public campgrounds near Gardiner

Our quiet camp spot in April. Just a couple of miles from Gardiner--perfect spot to get up early and hit Yellowstone Park for the dawn patrol.

2.9mi from Gardiner · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Eagle Creek Campground

98%

(33)

Mammoth Hot Springs Campground

5.9mi from Gardiner · 85 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellowstone National Park

Timber Camp Campground

7.1mi from Gardiner · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Bear Creek Campground

7.8mi from Gardiner · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

99%

(45)

Indian Creek Campground

11mi from Gardiner · 70 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellowstone National Park

Fishing two minutes from the campground.

12mi from Gardiner · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Canyon Campground

Tom Miner Campground

17mi from Gardiner · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

19mi from Gardiner · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

(2)

Snowbank Campground

19mi from Gardiner · 1 site · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Mill Creek Cabin

20mi from Gardiner · 1 site · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Big Creek Cabin

20mi from Gardiner · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellowstone National Park

(5)

Tower Fall Campground

97%

(17)

Norris Campground

22mi from Gardiner · 100 sites · Tents, RVs · in Yellowstone National Park

Stories from the community

Welcome to our off-grid tiny Gnome Home.
The inside is 7.5 x 6.5 feet wide with 8.5 high ceiling.
The entrance door is 4 feet tall x 2 feet wide.
You must duck to enter and leave, so please use caution :)
There is a picnic table available.
A firepit/wood.

G

Grace

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Chicory in Paradise Valley

My friend and I had a great stay at the Gnome Home! The instructions were very clear, the home was tidy and clean, and the atmosphere was very peaceful.

A

Antoni

September 2025

Super duper cute!! Easy to get to and had the cleanest porta potty ever!!

C

Carolyn

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Chicory in Paradise Valley

I loved my short stay in the gnome home. The property is so peaceful and the breakfast Sheila made was absolutely perfect!

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Laura

August 2025

I really enjoyed my stay at the Gnome Home! It’s very quaint and fun. Sheila is so kind and very thorough with instructions which makes it so easy to find and get settled.

Z

Zander Ostrovsky

August 2025

A friend of mine and I stopped by on our way across country and John and Sheila’s Gome Home was absolutely a highlight! Their property is not only absolutely beautiful with lots of cute and friendly animals roaming around but also conveniently located next to Yellowstone National Park and the nearby town. Will be visiting again on our next time through the area.

W

Wendy

August 2025

I loved the little gnome home. It was a fun place to stay. Shelia was a great host. She had given us advice of where to go in Yellowstone. She had also made my son and I a pancake breakfast after we completed a task that she asked of us. I highly recommend this little home. Thank you.

H

Heather

August 2025

I really enjoyed my stay in the Gnome Home. Sheila was great! I loved feeding the goats and chickens. Directions were clear and easy to follow. The porta-potty was clean and well stocked. If I find myself in the area I'd likely stop again.

Ray

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Chicory in Paradise Valley

Very beautiful property and a good location for Yellowstone. Highly recommend!

B

Braxton

July 2025

I loved it there. Beautiful stay and very clean. Prepare for a very small home but absolutely perfect

H

Harold

June 2025

Unbelievably awesome place and even better host !! Great place to visit

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Eli

May 2025