Hyalite Below Dam Camping

Open — Open year-round for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. The Hyalite Canyon Road is closed to motorized vehicles April 1 through May 15 but remains open to non-motorized access during this period.

About

Hyalite Below Dam Camping is a designated dispersed camping site situated along Hyalite Canyon Road in the Hyalite Recreation Area of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Located below Hyalite Dam at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, this site provides access to the popular Hyalite Canyon corridor, known for its abundant recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and waterfall viewing. The Hyalite drainage has specific regulations that restrict camping to designated and signed campsites only, with no dispersed camping allowed elsewhere along the road or creek corridor. Campfires must be completely contained in permanent metal fire rings at established campsites. The area is managed to protect the heavily-used recreation corridor while providing camping opportunities for visitors exploring the canyon. Hyalite Reservoir, located upstream from the dam, offers additional recreation including boating, canoeing, and access to numerous hiking trails. The canyon is a popular destination for ice climbing in winter and waterfall viewing year-round. Several developed campgrounds are also located further up the canyon near the reservoir, but Below Dam Camping provides a more primitive option closer to lower Hyalite Creek.

Directions

From Bozeman, travel south on South 19th Avenue which becomes Hyalite Canyon Road. Continue approximately 17 miles south into Hyalite Canyon. The designated camping area is located below Hyalite Dam along Hyalite Canyon Road.

Nearby Campgrounds