Big Creek Campground
Road gate past Mountain Sky Guest Ranch is closed until May 15, 2026, restricting vehicle access. Once the gate opens, dispersed camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. No services or facilities are provided.
Winter Storm Warning issued October 11 at 12:57AM MDT until October 12 at 12:00PM MDT by NWS Billings MT
* WHAT...Periods of heavy snow and blowing snow. Total snow accumulations between 10 and 18 inches. Winds gusting up to 35 mph. * WHERE...Absaroka/Beartooth Mountains and Crazy Mountains. * WHEN...Until noon MDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Recreation in the high country will be impacted by severe winter conditions. Travel into Cooke City may be impacted.
About
Big Creek Campground consists of several dispersed camping sites scattered along Big Creek in the Yellowstone Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Situated in Paradise Valley approximately 35 miles south of Livingston, the area offers a true backcountry experience at around 5,800 feet elevation. The sites are surrounded by spruce and fir forest with Big Creek flowing nearby, providing good trout fishing opportunities. This is primitive dispersed camping with no developed facilities whatsoever. There are no restrooms, no potable water, no trash service, and no fees. Campers must be fully self-sufficient, bringing their own water supply and packing out all trash. A trailhead nearby accesses three different trails for hikers and equestrians, including one leading into the Gallatin Range. Bears, elk, deer, and moose are frequently spotted in the area. Access requires a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle via Big Creek Road. The road gate past Mountain Sky Guest Ranch closes annually from December 2 to May 15 for road protection, restricting vehicle access during that period. Dispersed camping in the Custer Gallatin National Forest is limited to 16 consecutive days at a single site and 32 cumulative days per calendar year.
Directions
From Livingston, drive south on Highway 89 for approximately 34 miles to Big Creek Road at a sign for Mountain Sky Guest Ranch. Turn right and follow Big Creek Road for about 5 miles. High-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle strongly recommended.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 222-1892 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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