Swan Creek Campground

Swan Creek Campground is located in the scenic Gallatin Canyon, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. 13-campsites at an elevation of 5,800.  It is 31 miles south of Bozeman and 10 miles north of Big Sky.  Not only is this a scenic campground but the Swan Creek TrailHead originates from the campground with excellent hiking.  Open from May 16, 2018 – September 22, 2018.

The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.  Fishing guides and rafting guides are available in Big Sky.

Natural Features:

The campground sits next to scenic Swan Creek, a tributary of the Gallatin River. It is just off Highway 191, at an elevation of 5,800 feet. A beautiful, dense forest of spruce and fir trees covers the campground.

A variety of wildlife makes its home in this scenic canyon. Visitors can often glimpse bald eagles, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, deer and coyotes. Black bears and grizzly bears also live in the canyon.  Follow Bear safety rules.

Recreation:

Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available in the area surrounding the campground. Anglers cast for rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout, whitefish and Arctic grayling on the Gallatin River. Rafting and kayaking are popular activities as well.

Many trails can be found in Gallatin Canyon. The Swan Creek Trail begins within the campground. Golden Trout Lakes Trail begins up nearby Portal Creek Road, five miles south of the campground.

Facilities:

The campground offers single-family campsites, many of which are accessible. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Roads within the campground are paved, but parking spurs are gravel.

Activities and Amenities

Know Before You Go

• A maximum of two vehicles are allowed per site; the first vehicle is included in the reservation fee and a $7.00 fee for each additional vehicle will be collected at the campground
• Bears frequent the area; all food must be stored in approved containers and secured when campsite is unoccupied
• Sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis during and outside the reservation season; call (877) 646-1012 for more information
• More information on the Gallatin National Forest

• Don’t Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
45.3725, -111.16806
45°22’21″N, 111°10’5″W

From Bozeman, travel south on Highway 191 for 30 miles to the Swan Creek turnoff. Turn left and go a half-mile to the campground.

From West Yellowstone, travel 58 miles north on Highway 191. Turn right at Swan Creek turnoff and go a half-mile to the campground.

Contact Information:

Phone:  (877) 646-1012