Campground

Indian Creek Campground

Campground★ 4.6
RV and pickup at Indian Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park, amid tall pines and a bright summer sky.

Indian Creek Campground is a quiet, primitive Yellowstone site located about 8 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs, at 7,300 ft. It accommodates tents, small RVs, and hiker/biker users across roughly 70 sites, all without hookups. The area offers easy hiking and fishing with dramatic Electric Peak views, but note the 2025 season is closed for road repairs. Water is seasonal, bathrooms are vault toilets, and bear boxes are at every site.

Located about eight miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs on the road to Norris, Indian Creek Campground—elevation 7,300 feet (2225 m)—sits near the base of the Gallatin Mountains and offers breathtaking views of Electric Peak. The area offers easy access to fishing and hiking. The campground is away from the main road and provides a quieter, more primitive, experience than many other locations. This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Historically first-come; 2025 season closed; reservations via Recreation.gov for other Yellowstone campgrounds
Reservation Tips
Check Recreation.gov for updates; historically first-come; 2025 season closed; plan for alternative Yellowstone options
Season Dates
Mid-June to mid-September (historically); closed for 2025 season

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Historically first-come; 2025 season closed; reservations via Recreation.gov for other Yellowstone campgrounds
Reservation Tips
Check Recreation.gov for updates; historically first-come; 2025 season closed; plan for alternative Yellowstone options
Season Dates
Mid-June to mid-September (historically); closed for 2025 season
Fills Up Speed
First-come, first-served; fills quickly in peak season; arrive before 9am
Per Night Cost
$20/night
Extra Vehicle Fees
No published extra-vehicle fee. The listed nightly rate is per site (about $20), with no documented charge for additional vehicles beyond the standard rate.
Day Use Fees
Day-use details are not documented in available sources; materials focus on overnight camping at Indian Creek Campground and do not indicate a separate day-use option or pricing.
Passes Accepted
Interagency Access and Senior Pass

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
70
Site Types
Tent, RV, hiker/biker
Site Type Breakdown
Tent sites, RV sites, hiker/biker campsites
RV Max Length
Most sites up to 30 ft; 10 sites up to 35 ft
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
Dry camping only (no electric, water, or sewer)
Site Features
Fire ring with grate, picnic table, bear-proof food storage boxes at each site
Ground Type
Dirt/grass with gravel in some sites; typical tent pads
Site Privacy
Moderate privacy; sites spaced but typical campground layout

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Seasonal vault toilets
Showers Available
None on-site; nearest pay showers at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (~8 miles away)
Potable Water
Seasonal potable water spigots; bring water jugs
Dump Station
None on-site; nearest dump station ~13 miles north in Gardiner
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters; recycling not collected
Camp Store
No
Firewood Availability
Firewood bundles available; gather dead and down wood; no cutting of live trees
Cell Service
No cell service
Nearby Facilities
Mammoth Hot Springs amenities ~8 miles away; Gardiner services ~13 miles north

Access

Road Type
Paved roads
Road Conditions
Generally well-maintained; weather can cause closures
Vehicle Restrictions
RV or camper units limited by site capacity; delivery/pickup outside the park prohibited
Clearance Needed
Sedan friendly
Gate Hours
No gate hours are published for Indian Creek Campground. The park notes mid-June to mid-September as the typical season, and in 2025 the campground was closed for the season due to road repairs.
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 13 miles from the North Entrance
Nearest Gas Services
Mammoth Hot Springs area (~8 miles away)
Elevation
7300 ft
Accessibility
Two ADA sites; nearby accessible vault toilet
ADA Accessible Sites
Two accessible sites with nearby accessible vault toilet

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear-proof storage boxes provided; proper food storage strictly enforced
Fire Restrictions
Wood and charcoal fires permitted in established fire grates; subject to seasonal restrictions
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Pets must be kept within 100 feet of roads/parking; not allowed on trails; cleaned up after
Generator Hours
Generators prohibited
Quiet Hours
10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Max Stay Limit
14 days (Jul 1–Labor Day); 30 days otherwise
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking and fishing; Bighorn Pass trailhead at campground entrance; fly fishing nearby
Trailheads Nearby
Bighorn Pass trailhead at campground entrance
Fishing Details
Fly fishing in nearby creeks and Gardner River
Wildlife Viewing
Bear country; wildlife present; bear boxes required
Stargazing Quality
Low light pollution; good for stargazing
Shade Coverage
Partial shade from pines; some sites exposed
Scenic Views
Electric Peak and Gallatin Mountains
Noise Level
Quiet; distant road noise minimal since away from main road
Best Time To Visit
Mid-June to September; aim to arrive before 9am for best site selection
Vibe Check
Functional basecamp vibe; not a resort—rustic and quiet with strong bear safety expectations
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a primitive Yellowstone basecamp with tent/RV options, bear boxes, and no hookups; ❌ SKIP IF: You require on-site showers, hookups, or a fully modern campground
Tips Advice
  • Arrive early (before 9am) for a shot at a site
  • Bring water; seasonal spigots require refills
  • Store food in bear boxes; never in your vehicle
  • No on-site showers; plan Mammoth 8 miles away
  • Respect quiet hours (10pm–6am)
  • Check road conditions; weather can close routes

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park, Montana/Wyoming
Reservation Info
All sites are reservable on Recreation.gov.
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly but bear country; no on-site showers; plan for water and safety
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount on nightly rate
Amphitheater
Not listed
Boat Launch
No boat launch
Nearby Attractions
Mammoth Hot Springs, Gardiner, Electric Peak, Gallatin Mountains
Terrain Type
High-elevation campground with mountain views; mix of meadow and sparse trees
Temperature Ranges
Nights cool to cold; days mild; temps vary by season
Snow Season
Seasonal; not open in winter; snow risk varies
Monsoon Season
Monsoon season is not defined for this park area; expect variable summer weather with occasional afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
Wind Exposure
Wind exposure varies by site: some locations have natural windbreaks from vegetation, while others are more open and gusty.
Bug Season
In warm months, insects such as mosquitoes and biting flies can be active; bring insect repellent and protective clothing.
Setup Strategy
Internal roads are paved; many sites accommodate RVs up to around 30–35 ft; expect back-in parking in most spots; no hookups; plan to unhook and park cleanly; drive slowly to admire Electric Peak
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers on-site; no on-site laundry; Mammoth Hot Springs offers paid showers ~8 miles away; plan accordingly
Review Summary
Rated 4.6 stars from 92 reviews; quiet, primitive Yellowstone vibe with mountain views and easy hiking/fishing access; limited amenities; 2025 closure noted due to road repairs

Location

People swim at the pool area of Indian Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park.Indian Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park along a tranquil riverbank with pines and a dog on leash.Swimming pool at Indian Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park, surrounded by lounge chairs and a fenced, lodge-style campground complex.A man stands at the edge of a shallow creek near Indian Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park under a bright blue sky.

Frequently asked questions

Can my 35 ft RV fit at Indian Creek Campground?

Several sites can accommodate up to 35 ft; many sites are up to 30 ft; plan for a mix of site lengths and verify on arrival.

Is there a reservation system for Indian Creek?

As of 2025, the campground is closed; reservations are not in effect. For other Yellowstone campgrounds, use Recreation.gov.

Are there bear safety measures at the sites?

Yes. Each site has bear-proof food storage boxes; store all scented items there and keep a clean camp.

Are there showers at Indian Creek?

No on-site showers. Pay showers are available at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel about 8 miles away.

Is water available on-site?

Water is seasonal; bring enough for your stay and refill from seasonal spigots if available.

Mammoth Campground

Water spigots; no on-site showers; bear-country camping near Mammoth Hot Springs.

Tower Fall Campground

Tent sites, some small RV spots; 30' max; no hookups; bear country; showers nearby at Roosevelt Lodge.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.