Hyalite Below Dam Camping
Open for the season as of May 16. Hyalite Canyon Road is closed to motorized use annually April 1 through May 15. Camping is permitted only at designated and signed campsites. Bear-safe food storage is required.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 7:30AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Silver Bow, Sweet Grass, Sanders, Yellowstone counties in effect until 9AM on 08/11/2026 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 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls, Frenchtown, Libby and Missoula are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Dillon, Great Falls, Helena and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/10/2026, particulate levels in Butte, Cut Bank, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant 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
Hyalite Below Dam Camping is a free designated dispersed camping area situated in the lower portion of scenic Hyalite Canyon, below Hyalite Dam and Reservoir. Part of the Bozeman Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this camping area is approximately 15 miles south of downtown Bozeman via Hyalite Canyon Road (Forest Road 62). The site features multiple designated camping spots marked with carsonite posts, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets are available, but there is no potable water, so campers must bring their own supply. Camping is only permitted at signed and designated sites in this corridor, a regulation enforced to protect the sensitive riparian habitat along Hyalite Creek. Bear-safe food storage is required throughout the Hyalite Recreation Area. The canyon provides excellent hiking, fishing at Hyalite Reservoir, and access to numerous trails leading into the Gallatin Range. The gravel access road may challenge low-clearance vehicles in some sections.
Directions
From Bozeman, head south on South 19th Avenue, which becomes Hyalite Canyon Road (Forest Road 62). Continue approximately 15 miles into the canyon. The designated camping area is located below Hyalite Dam on the right side of the road.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 522-2520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Hyalite Recreation Area | |
| USFS Bozeman Ranger District |
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