Bear Creek Campground - Mt

About

Bear Creek Campground is a primitive camping destination in the West Absaroka Mountains, situated approximately 5 miles northeast of Gardiner, Montana via Jardine Road, then 5.5 miles on Bear Creek Road (Forest Road 493). This small campground offers just four sites in a remote mountain setting within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The campground provides minimal amenities befitting its primitive designation: a vault toilet and rock fire rings at typical sites, but no potable water, trash service, or firewood. Campers must bring their own water and pack out all trash. Due to flood-related damage, there is currently no vehicle access to the campground; visitors must walk a short distance to reach the camping area. Recreational opportunities include day hiking and stream fishing. The campground road was never suitable for long or towed vehicles even before the flood damage, with no turnaround available for larger vehicles. The campground operates from June 1 through October 31, with possible extended access through December 31 depending on weather conditions.

Directions

From Gardiner, travel 5 miles northeast on Jardine Road, then turn onto Bear Creek Road (Forest Road 493) and continue 5.5 miles. Due to flood damage, vehicle access is not available; the campground is walk-in only.