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Eagle Creek Campground
Overview
Eagle Creek Campground is a quintessential rustic destination located in the Gallatin National Forest near Gardiner, Montana. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this campground offers a back-to-basics experience for those who prefer immersion in nature over paved resort amenities. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, it serves as a quiet retreat for travelers seeking to disconnect and enjoy the authentic landscapes of the American West.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Eagle Creek Campground provides a strategic location for park exploration. The setting is notably scenic and mountainous, with the Yellowstone River flowing nearby. Access is via a gravel road, which adds to the secluded atmosphere of the area. Travelers will find themselves nestled in a remote wilderness environment, providing a peaceful escape from the heavy tourist traffic found closer to the main park gates.
Amenities & Park Features
As a forest service campground, the facilities are designed for simplicity. You will find vault toilets and fire rings at designated campsites, though modern luxuries like full hookups are not available. Most sites are best suited for smaller RVs, camper vans, or tents, as the terrain is rugged. It is important to practice proper wildlife storage, as this area is active grizzly bear country, and visitors are expected to maintain a clean campsite at all times.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is immediate access to the North Entrance of Yellowstone, located just a few miles down the road. Visitors often spend their days wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley or soaking in the nearby Yellowstone Hot Springs after a long day of hiking. The town of Gardiner is also close by, offering essential services, local dining options, and outfitters who provide guided rafting trips down the Yellowstone River during the summer months.
Who This Park Is Best For
Eagle Creek Campground is ideal for self-contained campers who value natural solitude over full-service RV resorts. It is perfect for those who want to wake up surrounded by mountains and be the first in line at the park entrance. If you prefer dispersed-style camping and have a smaller rig, this location offers an affordable, beautiful base camp for your Montana adventure. It is not suitable for large, heavy-duty diesel pushers or travelers requiring electrical hookups.
User Reviews
Tyler Tripp
Nice campground close to the North Entrance. No hook ups but some nice sites. The only drawback is the 2 mile road from Gardiner. All wash boards and pot holes. Whoever maintains that road can do better.
Matt's Mobile Repair
The campground is absolutely beautiful, the spot we had backed up to the creek and was absolutely amazing. Beware however, the road up there is absolute washboard garbage. I have a 2001 3/4 ton ram with a truck bed camper and had to do 5 mph the whole way up the hill. Would be really nice if someone graded this at some point.
Kao Moua
We were fortunate enough that someone canceled and a site opened up so we reserved it right away (2 months out). I have camped at a lot of locations before this has been the most beautiful place so far. Besides just being minutes up from the Yellowstone north entrance, it's got an amazing view if you get the right site ( which we did), fresh air, wildlife (elk) and well maintained facilities. The only downfall is that it gets pretty windy sometimes, but dies down fairly quickly. Unfortunately for us, for some odd reason. The two coldest nights of the month happen to be both our nights (33° and 31°) then back to the 40s when we left. The drive up and down is an adventure in itself, but the view from the route is just amazing. You can see the town, the Yellowstone entrance and the detour route that you probably came down from
Chuck Odette
Campsites are perfect for small camper, RV, van or tent. Anything under 20' basically. Lots of trees for shade. Asphalt road & campsite parking. Pit toilets, trash receptacle & fresh water onsite. Sites are well spaced & limited. Super low NFS pricing. The only negative is the proximity to I-84 & major railroad system. Bring ear plugs untill you get used to the sound. It becomes white noise after a couple of days. Great central location to the Columbia River Gorge & 30 minutes from Portland.
Jacation Adventure
We absolutely love this campground! It is quite and convenient to the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The views of the Absaroka Mountains and Mammoth Hot Springs at the higher sights. The stargazing at this park is incredible with little to no light pollution. The sights were nice, but not all that private. Highly recommend this for cheap camping just outside Yellowstone.