The best camping near West Yellowstone with climbing

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!

5. Targhee National Forest

85%

(17)

469 sites · Wyoming

33mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · Lodging · Gardiner, MT

6. Homestead@LittleTrailCreekCabins

100%

(8)

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 convinces. 5 minutes from Gardiner, Montana - The North Entrance to Yellowstone & Yellowstone Hot Springs. We provide 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 2023. It provides a large walk in shower, 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.

7. Caribou National Forest

79%

(7)

270 sites · Idaho

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!

633 sites · Wisdom, Montana

8. Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

79%

(14)

Adventuring in the largest national forest in Montana should definitely be added to your summer (or winter!) to do list. Activities abound in The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, including wilderness trekking, scenic drives to killer views, camping among smallish forest sites, downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter, lake fishing, picnicking, and exploring historic wild-west ghost towns in the summer. You can also check out parts of the Continental Divide trail which crosses through this park, and cheer on thru-hikers in the final stretch of their epic journey. You may just have to flip a coin to decide between the plethora of outdoor fun in this 3.35 million acre forest. The choice is yours, all you have to do is pick one and get going!

3mi from West Yellowstone · 73 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Public campgrounds near West Yellowstone

83%

(3)

Baker's Hole Campground

Basin Station Cabin

7.7mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Lonesomehurst Campground

8mi from West Yellowstone · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

83%

(3)

Cherry Creek Campground

8.4mi from West Yellowstone · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Rainbow Point Campground

8.7mi from West Yellowstone · 84 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

100%

(1)

Spring Creek Campground

12mi from West Yellowstone · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Big Springs Group Area

14mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Targhee National Forest

Big Springs Warming Hut

16mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Caribou National Forest

Cabin Creek Cabin

16mi from West Yellowstone · 1 site · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Flat Rock Campground

16mi from West Yellowstone · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Targhee National Forest

Upper Coffee Pot Campground

17mi from West Yellowstone · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Targhee National Forest

Cabin Creek Campground

19mi from West Yellowstone · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Josh

3 weeks ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

Had a great trip to this cozy little cabin. The cabin was clean, plenty of firewood provided, and the Jackery + lights were a nice touch. Great location close to hiking and Chico Hot Springs. Would stay again!

S

Sophie

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

Beautiful place! The cabin had everything we needed to be comfortable, warm, welcoming and happy.

I

Ingrid

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Starlight Retreat Yellowstone

Absolutely loved our beautiful glampsite on the way to Yellowstone National Park! Didn’t know it came with great perks like the welcome center, friendly staff, towels for showering, a community fire pit, a map, etc! Sure it can be colder at night with the high altitude but I slept very comfortably with the fuzzy blankets provided. It was such an aesthetic way to camp and I will never go back to regular camping LOL. Very responsive and friendly host, and super helpful and chill staff! One guy even gave me his personal floss when I had an “floss emergency” lol. Absolutely loved it here! 1000000/10 would stay again and bring more friends :)

E

Emily

August 2025

3 nights at Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

Super cute cabin with everything I needed. The stream right by it also kept the area nice and cool despite an air temp of 90. The road leading to it had a number of big potholes that would be hard on smaller vehicles, but it also made sure that any traffic going through were going slow. Would absolutely stay here again!!!

B

Brandon

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Yellowstone City Guest Ranch

A peaceful little slice of paradise. The cabin is so cozy and we slept so well with the sound of the creek right outside the window.

V

Victor

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Starlight Retreat Yellowstone

Fun place to stay. Hosts were great. Facilities were clean

J

Jerry

July 2025

1 night at Starlight Retreat Yellowstone

Great place to be a bit more comfortable on a long road trip.

K

Kat

July 2025

With pets

Incredible secluded cabin in the middle of the mountains! The sound of the rushing water was the absolute best thing to fall asleep and wake up to. My dog loved playing in the water and it is extremely accessible. I was hoping to see some otters, but I did hear some noises at night when falling asleep! Some critters are definitely nearby, as to be expected given the location! Josh's instructions were great and I had no trouble finding the spot. The generator with lights was also extremely appreciated! Felt safe as a solo female traveler, especially knowing that there were other campers across the way at the other cabin.

K

Kelsey

June 2025

It was very scenic and had a nice river flowing next to the cabin. The fireplace inside the cabin was really nice as well.

M

Marcia

June 2025

Group trip

1 night at Starlight Retreat Yellowstone

Enjoyed the s’mores and camaraderie with the other campers. Even though it was a bit chilly, (41 degrees in late June) the “glamping” experience was unique for two senior adults and two teenage girls!

A

Amanda

June 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Peaceful Pines

We loved camping at Peaceful Pines. It was beautiful and quiet. At first when we drove to our spot, I was surprised at all the homes there were in the area. However, there really wasn’t anyone around and it ended up feeling like we were alone. Danny had firewood for us to use as well so we didn’t have to worry about running out as we did bring our own- just in case. Overall it was a nice visit and very close to Yellowstone which was why we choose this spot.

B

Becky

June 2025

With kids

3 nights at Starlight Retreat Yellowstone

The bell tents were so very cute and cozy! We loved the solar charging and lights! The beds were extremely comfy! The staff at Starlight and so kind and easy to talk to and they were helpful and outgoing! We enjoyed relaxing by the community fire and playing the yard games. The wild flowers, everywhere were gorgeous! We absolutely loved our stay here and will recommend Starlight Retreat to others.

B

Bethany

May 2025

Beautiful view of the mountains and a great little get away! The stream was wonderful to have access to and just to hear it in the background. Cabin was adorable and with close access to the Chico Hot Springs and their amenities. Definitely staying here again

J

Jeffrey M

January 2025