The Custer Gallatin National Forest offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities for all seasons.
Custer Gallatin Activities
AUTO TOURING, BIKING, BOATING, CAMPING, FISHING, HIKING, HORSEBACK RIDING, OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLE, PICNICKING, WINTER SPORTS, WILDLIFE VIEWING, FIRE LOOKOUTS/CABINS OVERNIGHT, SWIMMING
Custer Gallatin National Forest Cabins & Camping Reservations
Reserve your rustic Custer Gallatin National Forest cabin or campsite here:
BASIN STATION CABIN >> Camping Area
Basin Station Cabin is a primitive, rustic, two-room structure located in the Hebgen Lake Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The cabin is open year-round. The adjacent road is heavily traveled. Winter guests can snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile to the cabin up to three miles from the nearest available parking. This cabin is parking accessible during warmer months.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities.
BATTLE RIDGE CABIN >> Camping Area
Battle Ridge Cabin is a rustic dwelling located north of Bozeman, in southwestern Montana. The cabin was built in 1938 and is open year-round. It can be reached by vehicle in the summer, but guests visiting during winter must hike or ski a quarter-mile from the highway to reach the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
BEAVER CREEK CABIN (MT) >> Camping Area
Beaver Creek Cabin is a primitive, rustic cabin located within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, in an area that offers a variety of recreational activities. The cabin is situated 3.5 miles down Forest Service Road 985. It is accessible by vehicle when there is no snow, but winter access is only by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities.
BEAVER CREEK CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Beaver Creek Campground is located near the Madison River and Earthquake Lake, less than 30 minutes from West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, boating and hiking opportunities, as well as its close proximity to Yellowstone.
BIG CREEK CABIN >> Camping Area
The original Big Creek Cabin was built in 1907 and it still stands on this site. The current cabin, a former guard station, was completed in 1925 and sits right next to the original.
Big Creek Cabin is the largest cabin in the Yellowstone District, a 28-by-40 log structure with five rooms and two porches. It offers rustic accommodations with limited amenities. Guests will need to bring much of their own gear and supplies.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle when there’s no snow, however, four-wheel drive is strongly recommended. In the winter, skis or snowshoes are required to cover the half-mile to the cabin from the plowed road. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
CABIN CREEK CABIN >> Camping Area
Cabin Creek Cabin is a primitive, rustic, single-room structure that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It offers a few basic amenities, so guests will need to bring most of their own supplies and gear to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Cabin Creek Cabin is closed during the spring season due to weather and trail conditions. The cabin is open during the summer, fall, and winter months; June to March.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities.
CABIN CREEK CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Cabin Creek Campground is located near the Madison River, in southwestern Montana. It is just 25 minutes from West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, boating and hiking opportunities, as well as its close proximity to Yellowstone.
CHISHOLM CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Chisholm Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and climbing.
CRANDALL CREEK CABIN >> Camping Area
A historic cabin known as Bennett Creek Cabin was located over a mile from this site, but it was recently replaced with the current Crandall Creek Cabin, a traditional log structure. This cabin offers rustic accommodations with limited amenities, so guests should be prepared to bring most of the supplies and gear they need for a comfortable stay. Access to the cabin is via a semi-primitive dirt road. Four-wheel drive is suggested on this road from June 16 to Dec. 1. Guests who arrive after Dec. 1 must get to the cabin by hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling seven miles from the end of the plowed road to the cabin. No off-road vehicles or motorcycles are allowed beyond the Shields River Loop gate from Dec. 2 to June 15. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
DEER CREEK CABIN (MT) >> Camping Area
The Todd Family began building Deer Creek Cabin in 1953 and finished it in 1960. They used it as a retreat while they grazed cattle on federal lands in the summer and hunted in the fall. The cabin has survived two forest fires. Gallatin National Forest assumed ownership of the cabin in 1993.
The cabin is open year-round, but access is challenging. There are three routes to the cabin that can be used by equestrians, hikers and ATVs in the summer. During the winter, by snowshoes, skis and snowmobiles. Snowmobilers will need to park their trailers down low on the Iron Mountain Road, keeping the road passable for others. These trails will be marked as to uses. These 4- to 5-mile routes ford creeks many times, with creek depths varying from 6 inches to several feet, in the spring.
Some basic conveniences are provided, but guests will need to bring most of their own amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
FOURMILE CABIN >> Camping Area
Fourmile Cabin is open year-round and offers guests a rustic mountain retreat surrounded by majestic scenery. The cabin offers an electric cooking stove, lights. A refrigerator is no longer provided. Guests will need to bring most of their own gear and supplies to ensure a comfortable stay.
The cabin is accessible by vehicle during warmer months, along a gravel county road. Late-season ice may require guests to snowshoe, hike or snowmobile up to 3.5 miles to the cabin. Guests arriving in winter should be prepared to snowmobile, ski or snowshoe up to 11 miles along the access road to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.
FOX CREEK CABIN (MT) >> Camping Area
Fox Creek Cabin is a former ranger station located in a remote area. It is very small and offers only basic amenities. Guests will need to bring most of the gear and supplies they need to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The cabin is located in a non-motorized area and can only be accessed by a 2.5-mile hike during the summer months, from the end of Langohr Road. A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for driving on Langohr Road. Winter access to the cabin requires hiking, skiing or snowshoeing about six miles from the South Cottonwood Trailhead.
GARNET MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT >> Camping Area
Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout sits on the apex of Garnet Mountain, at an elevation of 8,245 feet. The lookout provides a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Highlights include the Spanish Peaks to the west, the Gallatin Range to the south, the Hyalite Ridge to the east and the Gallatin River Valley to the north.
The structure can be accessed by hiking, horseback or mountain bike on the Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail in the summer. The 4.5-mile trail gains 2,800 feet along its path. Motorcycles and ATVs can access the lookout via the Rat Lake Trail from June 16 through December 1. During winter months, guests must plan on skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing up to 10 miles.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
GREEK CREEK CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Greek Creek Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon, in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is 30 miles south of the city of Bozeman, Montana.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
15. HOOD CREEK CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Hood Creek Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is 17 miles south of the city of Bozeman, Mont. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and climbing.
HYALITE PAVILION >> Camping Area
The Hyalite Pavilion is a day use picnicking area located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Gallatin National Forest. It is 15 miles south of the city of Bozeman, MT.
LANGOHR CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Langohr Campground is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is located just 12 miles south of Bozeman, Mont.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and climbing.
LITTLE BEAR CABIN >> Camping Area
Little Bear Cabin was built in 1938 and still looks much the same as it did back then. It is available year-round for recreationists, as well as for those who seek a quiet mountain retreat. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle during the summer and fall (June 16th – December 31st) weather and snow conditions permitting, but winter access requires snowmobiling or skiing 10 miles from the paved road. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
LONESOMEHURST CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Lonesomehurst Campground is located on the banks of scenic Hebgen Lake, just 20 minutes from West Yellowstone, in southwestern Montana. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, fishing and hiking opportunities, as well as its close proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
LOWER HYALITE GROUP >> Camping Area
Lower Hyalite Group Site is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is just nine miles south of Bozeman, MT.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and climbing.
MAXEY CABIN >> Camping Area
Maxey Cabin offers a quaint mountain retreat that is ideally located in one of Gallatin National Forest’s most popular recreation areas. Guests can expect a few creature comforts at the cabin, but they will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear. The cabin is accessible by car in the summer. During the spring (from March 31st through May 15th) the road to the cabin is closed to motorized vehicle traffic every year. Guest should be prepared to hike or bike 12 miles to the cabin during this period. During winter months the access road is infrequently plowed, so guests should be prepared with a four wheel drive, high clearance vehicle or to ski up to 12 miles to the cabin. The final mile on the Maxey Cabin Road are not plowed during the winter and guests should come prepared to ski or snowshoe the final distance to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
MILL CREEK CABIN >> Camping Area
Mill Creek Cabin was built in 1927 as a temporary lodging for traveling Forest Service personnel.
The cabin can be accessed by vehicle year-round, though a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. This cabin offers rustic accommodations with limited amenities, so guests need to bring most of their own supplies and gear for a comfortable stay.
MOOSE CREEK FLAT CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Moose Creek Flat Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in Montana. It is 32 miles south of Bozeman.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
MOOSE CREEK GROUP SITE >> Camping Area
Moose Creek Group Site is located in the scenic Gallatin Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest of Montana. It is 32 miles south of Bozeman.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
MYSTIC LAKE CABIN >> Camping Area
Mystic Lake Cabin was built in 1930 and is currently open year-round. It provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting and exploration of numerous trails. The cabin is located in a non-motorized area. Guests must be prepared to hike, horseback ride or mountain bike to get there in the summer, and winter access is by cross-country skis or snowshoes. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
PINE CREEK CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Pine Creek Campground is located approximately 13 miles south of Livingston, and a few miles east of the Yellowstone River and Highway 89, in Montana. Visitors enjoy the area for its hiking and fishing opportunities in a beautiful natural setting.
27. PORCUPINE CABIN >> Camping Area
Porcupine Cabin sits in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains at an elevation of 6,400 feet. It was built in 1914 after a previous structure burned down, and was remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Since its construction, the cabin has been used as temporary housing by Forest Service rangers while they were patrolling for timber poachers, watching for fires and monitoring livestock. Today, it is available year-round to outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to a variety of activities.
Guests can drive to the cabin in the summer, but a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to road conditions. Winter access requires snowshoeing, skiing or snowmobiling up to 2 miles from the end of the maintained gravel road.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
28. RAINBOW POINT CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Rainbow Point Campground is located on the banks of scenic Hebgen Lake, in southwestern Montana. It is approximately 10 miles north of West Yellowstone and the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, fishing and hiking opportunities, as well as its close proximity to Yellowstone.
29. RED CLIFF CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Red Cliff Campground is located in the scenic Gallatin Canyon, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in Montana. Bozeman is 46 miles north of the campground and West Yellowstone is 45 miles south. The campground is adjacent to the Gallatin River and Highway 191.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
30. SNOWBANK CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Snowbank Campground is located on the banks of Mill Creek, approximately 29 miles south of Livingston, in southwestern Montana. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic natural beauty, and fishing and trail opportunities. This campground is not recommended for RV’s over 30′ in length.
31. SPANISH CREEK CABIN >> Camping Area
Spanish Creek Cabin was constructed in 1934 and retains much of its rustic character from that time. The cabin is available year-round and offers an excellent base camp for a variety of summer and winter recreation opportunities. It is adjacent to a popular trailhead and a campground. Guests may drive to the cabin during summer months. During the winter (December 2nd through May 15th) the access road is gated 3.5 miles from the cabin and guest should be prepared to hike, bike, ski or snowshoe to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
32. SPIRE ROCK CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Spire Rock Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. It is 26 miles south of Bozeman.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
33. SWAN CREEK CAMPGROUND >> Camping Area
Swan Creek Campground is located in the scenic Gallatin Canyon, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. It is 31 miles south of Bozeman.
The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.
34. TRAIL CREEK CABIN >> Camping Area
Trail Creek Cabin, built in 1924, was the original ranger station for the Bozeman Ranger District. It is available year round, offering guests the chance to enjoy summer or winter recreation. The cabin is located in a remote area that is not accessible by car or truck. Guests must travel on foot, horseback, motorized vehicle (under 50) or mountain bike. In winter, skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles may be used to reach the cabin. The best route for arriving on foot or horseback is about 2 miles, while motorized vehicles (under 50), and snowmobiles have a 5-mile route. Call the district office M-F, 8 to 4:30, for latest road/trail conditions. Check Travel Plan for restrictions and authorized dates. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and should be prepared to bring supplies and gear they need for a comfortable stay.
35. WAPITI CABIN >> Camping Area
Wapiti Cabin is a primitive, rustic, log structure open year-round for recreational enjoyment. It provides access to several trails for summer hiking and biking, and winter skiing and snowmobiling. The cabin can be accessed by vehicle in warmer weather, but snow conditions may require a six mile trek on skis, snowshoes, or by snowmobile.
Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and they must bring several of their own amenities.
36. WEST BOULDER CABIN >> Camping Area
West Boulder Cabin is open year-round, offering a variety of recreational opportunities as well as relaxation. Guests can drive to the cabin in warmer weather but should be prepared to snowshoe, ski or snowmobile up to a mile on county roads in the winter.
The cabin has electric lights and an electric cook stove. A refrigerator is no longer available. Rental camping equipment, such as ice chests, bear spray, campstoves, etc., are available locally in Bozeman. Guests will need to bring many of their own supplies to ensure a comfortable stay.
37. WEST BRIDGER CABIN >> Camping Area
West Bridger Cabin is open-year round for the enjoyment of outdoor enthusiasts. Guests have access to a variety of recreational activities in a beautiful, peaceful mountain setting. The cabin in generally accessible by car, but spring and winter road conditions may limit access. Snow conditions can preclude wheeled vehicles for up to the last mile to the cabin in the winter. The cabin features an electric cooking stove and lights, but other amenities are limited. Guests will need to bring MOST of their own gear and supplies.
38. WINDOW ROCK CABIN >> Camping Area
Window Rock Cabin was built in 1940 and now offers a year-round retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. It is ideally located in one of Gallatin National Forest’s most popular recreation areas. The cabin is accessible by car in the summer. During the spring (from March 31st through May 15th) the road to the cabin is closed to motorized vehicle traffic every year. Guest should be prepared to hike or bike 12 miles to the cabin during this period. During winter months the access road is infrequently plowed, so guests should be prepared with a four wheel drive, high clearance vehicle or to ski up to 12 miles to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
39. WINDY PASS CABIN >> Camping Area
Windy Pass Cabin was built in 1934. It provides a rustic mountain retreat with few amenities, so guests need to bring most of their own supplies and gear to make their experience comfortable and enjoyable. The cabin is available from June 16th through October 14th each year. It is accessible via a 2.5-mile hike or horseback ride up the Windy Pass Trail with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet.
40. YELLOW MULE CABIN >> Camping Area
Yellow Mule Cabin was built in 1920 and was once used as a ranger station. This cabin is unique because it was constructed according to the builder’s preference instead of being built with a standard Forest Service design. It is eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The cabin provides a rustic, backcountry retreat year-round. A few basic amenities are provided, so guests should be prepared to bring most of the supplies and gear they need for an enjoyable experience. This remote cabin is not accessible by car. Summer access is via off-road vehicle, motorcycle or hiking for 8 miles. Winter access is by snowmobile for 14 miles.
Hiking Trails
Looking for nice hiking areas to take a hike? Choose from these scenic hiking trails:
West Rosebud Lake Fishing Access
Old Nye Picnic Area and Fishing Access
Ghost Village Point of Interest
Related Link(s)
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Gallatin National Forest – Wikipedia
The Wikipedia page for Gallatin NF.
Custer National Forest – Wikipedia
The Wikipedia page for Custer NF.
Custer Gallatin National Forest | Sierra Club
At over 3 million acres, the Custer Gallatin National Forest is an integral part of the vast Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the most intact temperate ecosystem remaining in the northern hemisphere. It provides unparalleled habitat for grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, lynx, and wolverines among many other species. It is adjacent to Yellowstone National Park allowing animals
Best Hiking Trails in Custer Gallatin National Forest – Montana | Gaia GPS
Custer Gallatin National Forest is a national forest in Montana.
Custer Gallatin National Forest Menu BringFido
Custer Gallatin National Forest is a popular dog friendly hike in Bozeman. Visit BringFido for an overview of the trail, along with pictures, directions, and reviews from dog owners who’ve been there.
Best trails in Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana | AllTrails
Encompassing more than 3 million acres and stretching across seven ranger districts including Bozeman, Hebgen Lake Ranger District in West Yellowstone, MT, Yellowstone R.D. in Livingston, MT, Gardiner R.D., Beartooth R.D. in Red Lodge, MT, the Ashland R.D. in far southeastern MT and Sioux R.D. in Camp Crook, SD, the Gallatin National Forest is known as one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the region. As Gateway to Yellowstone National Park, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness; the Forest features many adventures among rugged mountains, including the tallest Peak in Montana to remote buttes and the bluffs of southeastern Montana and northwestern South Dakota.
Atop The Ecosystem Custer-Gallatin Shines
In MoJo’s new series “Beyond the National Parks,” we explore Greater Yellowstone’s longest national forest
Hiking Trails near Gallatin National Forest
Next Generation Hiking Trail Maps
Custer Gallatin National Forest | Bozeman CVB
Plan your next vacation or your next meeting in Bozeman, Montana. With Bozeman’s proximity to Yellowstone and the abundance of recreation, Bozeman is a great place to come visit.
Custer Gallatin National Forest, MT Camping & RV Parks Near Me | Top 50+ Sites
Read reviews: Custer Gallatin National Forest, MT camping near me | Custer Gallatin National Forest, MT RV Parks near me | Custer Gallatin National Forest, MT campgrounds near me.
Landscapes : Custer National Forest Menu
South Dakota Public Broadcasting produces commercial-free TV, Radio, and Internet programs and provides valuable community education outreach and resources.
Protect the wildest places on the Custer Gallatin National Forest Montana Wilderness Association
Submit your comment today telling the Custer Gallatin National Forest to protect the Madison and Gallatin Ranges, Crazy Mountains, Pryor Mountains, and southern Montana’s other treasured wildlands
Gallatin National Forest
The majestic Gallatin National Forest in southwest Montana. The most detailed Gallatin page on the internet.
Custer Gallatin National Forest
There are 144 named mountains in Custer Gallatin National Forest. The highest and the most prominent mountain is Crazy Peak.
Custer-Gallatin National Forest | Outdoorsy
With more than three million acres spanning over 400 miles, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest includes many different ecosystems and activities.
Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) Accomplishments – Every year, the Custer Gallatin National Forest receives revenue from our rental cabins, the Rendezvous XC Ski Trails in West Yellowstone, our outfitters and guides and some of our campgrounds. That revenue stays on the Forest and is used to accomplish necessary on-the-ground work to improve recreation opportunities, increase safety for users and protect resources. Descriptions of the great work accomplished are posted here.
