Fairy Lake Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campground typically operates from mid-June through early December, weather dependent. Road access closes due to snow.

About

Fairy Lake Campground is located in the Bridger Mountains north of Bozeman, Montana, within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The campground offers 9 first-come, first-served sites with no reservation system and no fees. Access requires navigating Fairy Lake Road, a steep 5-mile gravel route that becomes slippery when wet and is not suitable for RVs, trailers, or low-clearance vehicles. High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water during the operating season. Each campsite typically includes a fire pit and picnic table. The alpine setting offers spectacular mountain scenery and access to Fairy Lake, a popular destination for fishing and scenic viewing. The area is known for Yellowstone Cutthroat trout fishing and is managed as a specialized fishery. Hikers can access the trail to Sacagawea Peak, the highest point in the Bridger Range at 9,654 feet, with the 2-mile trail beginning near the campground. The area is active bear country, and visitors should take appropriate precautions. Due to the high elevation and mountain location, the campground operates seasonally from mid-June through early December, weather dependent, with winter snow typically closing access for several months.

Directions

From Bozeman, take Bridger Canyon Road (Highway 86) north for 22.5 miles, then turn west onto Fairy Lake Road and continue 5 miles on steep gravel to the campground. Road is slippery when wet and not suitable for RVs, trailers, or low-clearance vehicles. High-clearance vehicle recommended.

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