Campground

Eagle Creek Campground

CampgroundOPERATIONAL★ 4.4
Eagle Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park sits along the winding Yellowstone River with grassy hills and trees nearby.

Here's the plan: Eagle Creek Campground sits near Yellowstone’s North Entrance with 20 sites spread across mostly rustic, gravel-paved lots. There are no hookups or showers, but bear boxes and vault toilets keep things simple and safe. Bring water if you’re unsure about availability and plan to pack out what you pack in; the roads are rough and space is tight for big rigs.

CLOSED IN 2025 and likely for the foreseeable future. Pebble Creek closed after being significantly impacted by the 2022 flood. The water system and several campsites were destroyed, and roads damaged. It will remain closed for the 2025 season and likely for the foreseeable future to complete flood recovery work. Pebble Creek Campground may be rehabilitated as part of the proposal to improve the Northeast Entrance Road.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Advanced booking recommended
Reservation Tips
Book via Recreation.gov; plan well in advance; if visiting for a group, consider Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site
Season Dates
Open year-round; peak May 1–Sept 30

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Advanced booking recommended
Reservation Tips
Book via Recreation.gov; plan well in advance; if visiting for a group, consider Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site
Season Dates
Open year-round; peak May 1–Sept 30
Fills Up Speed
Fills on weekends/holidays; arrive early for walk-in potential; reservations required in advance
Per Night Cost
$7/night standard site; peak-season standard nonelectric sites around $15/night
Extra Vehicle Fees
$3.00 per additional vehicle
Day Use Fees
Day-use access and separate day-use fees are not published. The campground lists 20 overnight sites with per-site rates, and pricing applies to stays rather than day-use visits.
Passes Accepted
Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior, Interagency Access

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
20 single-family sites + 2 equestrian sites
Site Types
18 single-family sites, 2 double sites; tent and RV sites; some unpaved
Site Type Breakdown
18 single-family, 2 double sites; tent and RV sites; some unpaved
RV Max Length
Varies; up to 48 feet on some sites; 20 ft trailer limit on the access road
Group Sites Available
1
Group Site Capacity
Up to 90 people and 40 vehicles
Hookups
No hookups; generators allowed
Site Features
Fire rings with grates, picnic tables, bear boxes at every site; vault toilets
Ground Type
Gravel and dirt; some unpaved pads
Site Privacy
Moderate privacy; some sites closer to neighbors; group site more exposed

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets
Showers Available
No showers
Potable Water
Potable water spigots available; some sources indicate no water
Dump Station
No dump station on-site
Trash Service
Pack-it-out; trash and recycling receptacles available
Camp Store
No
Firewood Availability
No firewood provided; may be available near host site; gathering firewood prohibited
Cell Service
Fair in the area; some campground locations with limited service
Nearby Facilities
Gardiner, MT; basic services about 2 miles away

Access

Road Type
Gravel roads
Road Conditions
Steep, rough, washboarded access; tight switchbacks; 20-ft trailer limit
Vehicle Restrictions
20-ft trailer limit; high-clearance recommended
Clearance Needed
High clearance recommended
Gate Hours
Gate hours are not published. The campground follows a seasonal pattern: reservations are accepted through Recreation.gov from late May to early September; after that, some sites may be first-come, first-served until the season ends.
Distance From Entrance
Approximately 3 miles from the North Entrance
Nearest Gas Services
Gardiner, MT — about 2 miles away
Elevation
Varies
Accessibility
All sites described as accessible; conflicting note about a handicapped vault toilet
ADA Accessible Sites
All sites described as accessible; one source notes a handicapped-accessible vault toilet

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear lockers provided; food must be stored in approved containers
Fire Restrictions
Campfires in rings; extinguish unattended; seasonal fire bans possible
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Leashed at all times
Quiet Hours
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Max Stay Limit
14 days
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, birding, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, road biking, horseback riding; Yellowstone River Trailhead within campground
Trailheads Nearby
Yellowstone River Trailhead inside; access to Eagle Creek Trail and other regional trails
Fishing Details
Fishing allowed; local rules apply
Wildlife Viewing
Bear country; watch for wildlife like bears and other standard park fauna
Stargazing Quality
No formal stargazing program; the remote, forested setting typically yields dark skies on clear nights, away from city lights.
Shade Coverage
Partial shade; some sites under pines
Scenic Views
Forested hills and a nearby creek define the scenery, with the campground located in the Gallatin National Forest near Yellowstone's North Entrance.
Noise Level
Typically quiet; some road noise in certain spots
Best Time To Visit
Peak summer (July–August) busy; May or September shoulder seasons quieter
Vibe Check
This is a rugged, forested campground used as a practical basecamp near the park entrance. No hookups, bear country, and basic facilities; it’s functional, not luxurious
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a very affordable Yellowstone basecamp with bear safety and space for a group; you have a rig around 20 ft or high clearance and you can live with vault toilets. ❌ SKIP IF: You require electricity, showers, or a paved RV park experience; you need a location with more privacy and modern amenities
Tips Advice
  • Bring water if unsure
  • Bear safety: store food properly in bear boxes
  • RVs: watch for tight turns and keep to 20 ft if needed
  • Roads are gravel; drive slowly and be prepared for washboard

More details

Camp Types
  • tent
  • cabin
Park Area
Yellowstone National Park (Gardiner, MT area)
Reservation Info
Pebble Creek Campground will be closed in 2025 and likely for the foreseeable future to complete flood recovery work.
Family Friendly Notes
Vault toilets; no showers; plan for basic amenities in Gardiner; group site available for larger families
Senior Access Discounts
50% discount with eligible passes
Amphitheater
No amphitheater on-site
Boat Launch
No boat launch
Nearby Attractions
Gardiner, MT; Mammoth Hot Springs; various Yellowstone access points
Terrain Type
Gravel roads; uneven pads; some slopes
Temperature Ranges
Summer daytime highs typically reach the 60s–70s °F, with nights in the 30s–50s °F. Spring and fall are cooler, and winter access is usually limited due to snow.
Snow Season
Seasonal snowfall varies
Monsoon Season
No defined monsoon season; summer weather can bring isolated thunderstorms, with rainfall patterns varying by year.
Wind Exposure
Variable; open areas can feel windier
Bug Season
Variable by month; bring repellent as needed
Setup Strategy
Internal roads are gravel and can be steep with tight turns; plan for a 20-ft trailer or higher clearance; back-in spots preferred where possible; group site can accommodate large gatherings near the river trail
Bath Laundry Recon
Showers are not available; laundry not on-site; plan to use Gardiner facilities or town services
Review Summary
Reviews reflect a rustic, affordable setup with bear lockers and straightforward vault toilets. Expect basic amenities and rough roads; weekends fill fast, so plan ahead and arrive early for a chance at walk-ins. Most appreciate the proximity to the North Entrance and the rugged Yellowstone experience.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Are there bears in the campground?

Yes. Bear lockers are provided and food must be secured; stay alert and keep a clean site.

Is there water or hookups at Eagle Creek?

Potable water spigots exist, but there are no hookups; bring water if you’re unsure.

Can I bring an RV longer than 20 feet?

Rigs up to 20 feet are ideal on some routes; certain sites allow up to 48 feet, but expect tight turns and high-clearance requirements.

Is there a dump station?

No dump station on-site; plan to use Gardiner or other facilities.

What are the checkout rules and stay limits?

Quiet hours are 10 pm–6 am; maximum stay is 14 days.

Mammoth Campground

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

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.