Montana / Gallatin County / Custer Gallatin National Forest

Hood Creek Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Opens May 16 and operates through September 30. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Hood Creek Campground is situated on the scenic banks of Hyalite Reservoir in the Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. At an elevation of 6,700 feet and 17 miles south of Bozeman, the campground offers 25 individual campsites, one group site that accommodates up to 80 people, and three day-use picnic areas spread across 5 acres. Some campsites are located in open meadows along the shoreline, while others nestle among scattered pine and fir trees. The campground provides vault toilets, drinking water from a hand pump, picnic tables, campfire rings, and trash collection service. An on-site boat ramp offers convenient access to Hyalite Reservoir for boating, canoeing, and fishing. Anglers can fish for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, and brook trout in both the reservoir and Hyalite Creek. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel, with parking spurs averaging 15 feet by 50 feet. Firewood is available for purchase at $10 per bundle from the campground host, who also offers kayak rentals. Hyalite Canyon offers numerous hiking opportunities, including the popular Hyalite Peak Trail. This challenging 7.5-mile one-way trail gains 3,450 feet in elevation as it climbs past numerous waterfalls to beautiful Hyalite Lake and Hyalite Peak. The area is also popular for mountain biking and scenic viewing. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, and the campground is managed by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company.

Directions

From Main Street in Bozeman, travel south on 19th Avenue for 7 miles to the paved Hyalite Canyon Road. Turn left and continue 10 miles to the campground.

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