Cabin Creek Campground – Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana

Cabin Creek Campground is a peaceful, forested campground located near the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Known for its cool mountain air, lodgepole pine surroundings, and close access to both river fishing and scenic forest trails, Cabin Creek offers a quiet, natural basecamp just minutes from the West Yellowstone area. Its blend of seclusion and convenience makes it a popular choice for campers looking to explore the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem without staying inside the busier park campgrounds.

Location & Setting

The campground sits along U.S. Highway 191 in the upper Gallatin Canyon, roughly 15–20 minutes north of West Yellowstone. Surrounded by thick lodgepole pine forest and nestled near Cabin Creek and the Gallatin River, the setting feels remote but remains easy to access for travelers exploring both Yellowstone and southwest Montana. The area’s diverse mountain terrain includes forested hillsides, meadows, creek drainages, and classic high-country scenery shaped by snowmelt and rugged volcanic geology.

Campground Overview

Cabin Creek Campground features a modest number of sites suitable for tents, small trailers, and mid-sized RVs. Sites sit beneath tall pines that provide ample shade during summer months, and natural spacing between campsites allows for a quieter, more private experience compared to larger campgrounds. The rustic layout and gentle forest floor create an inviting and relaxed atmosphere for visitors looking to enjoy Montana’s mountain environment up close. Because of its size and location, the campground tends to stay quieter than busy gateway areas near Yellowstone.

Amenities

Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Cabin Creek Campground generally offers seasonal potable water, though visitors should confirm availability before arriving. There are no electrical hookups, showers, or dump stations, keeping the experience simple and nature-focused. The nearby community of West Yellowstone provides groceries, supplies, fuel, and dining options, making it easy for campers to restock while still enjoying a peaceful forest retreat. Firewood is typically available locally in gateway towns or nearby forest service stations.

Activities & Nearby Recreation

Cabin Creek sits in a prime region for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and backcountry exploration. The Gallatin River—famous for its trout fisheries—flows nearby, providing excellent opportunities for fly fishing and riverside photography. Trails in the Cabin Creek drainage and surrounding forest offer options for day hikes, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting, with chances to see elk, mule deer, and a variety of mountain birds. Yellowstone’s West Entrance is only a short drive away, giving visitors easy access to geysers, thermal basins, bison herds, and the park’s scenic roads without staying inside the busier interior campgrounds.

Summary

Cabin Creek Campground provides a quiet, shaded, and convenient basecamp in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, perfect for visitors exploring both Yellowstone National Park and the scenic upper Gallatin River region. With its forested campsites, proximity to fishing and hiking, and easy access to the services of West Yellowstone, it offers a balanced blend of solitude and convenience. For travelers seeking a peaceful mountain retreat just outside one of America’s most iconic national parks, Cabin Creek is an excellent choice.