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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 11 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Madison, Park, Flathead, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, and Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/12/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Frenchtown, Great Falls and Hamilton are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 8AM on 08/11/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Choteau, Columbia Falls, Cut Bank, Helena, Lewistown, Libby, Malta, Thompson Falls and West Yellowstone are Moderate. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
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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