Campground

Slough Creek Campground

Campground★ 4.8
Slough Creek Campground area along a rocky creek with tall pines in Yellowstone National Park.

Slough Creek Campground offers a remote, wildlife-forward experience in Yellowstone National Park. The 2-mile dirt approach leads to 16 campsites, with 14 RV sites maxing at 30 feet and no hookups. Water is limited (bring your own for 2025), and showers aren’t available, but bear-proof storage and vault toilets keep things practical. It’s quiet at night with possible wolf howls and excellent stargazing, plus access to the Slough Creek Trail for superb wildlife viewing and fishing.

Near some of the best wildlife watching opportunities in the park. Located at the end of a two-mile dirt road, this campground is best suited for tents and small RVs. There are plenty of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area, including the Slough Creek Trail which begins nearby. Nighttime offers a quiet, unimpeded view of the stars and the possibility of hearing wolves howl. Elevation: 6,250 ft (1905 m). This is a reservable campground run by the National Park Service.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Reservations are highly competitive and sell out instantly; check frequently for cancellations; walk-up potential very limited.
Reservation Tips
Set an alarm for 6 months out; reservations via Recreation.gov; cancellations can open spots
Season Dates
Mid-June through early October (June 15 - October 13, 2025)

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Reservations are highly competitive and sell out instantly; check frequently for cancellations; walk-up potential very limited.
Reservation Tips
Set an alarm for 6 months out; reservations via Recreation.gov; cancellations can open spots
Season Dates
Mid-June through early October (June 15 - October 13, 2025)
Fills Up Speed
Extremely high demand; sold out within seconds of release
Per Night Cost
$20/night
Extra Vehicle Fees
Varies
Day Use Fees
Not applicable for overnight camping
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful passholders receive a 50% discount on the nightly rate

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
16
Site Types
Tent sites; RV sites (up to 30 ft)
Site Type Breakdown
14 RV sites, 2 tent sites
RV Max Length
30 feet
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
Dry camping only; no hookups
Site Features
Picnic tables, fire rings with grates, bear-proof food storage boxes at each campsite
Ground Type
Dirt pads and gravel areas
Site Privacy
Sites are spacious with some privacy; southwest-side sites more secluded

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Vault toilets (non-flush, pit-style)
Showers Available
No showers
Potable Water
Potable water via hand pump; water shut off in 2025; bring all water
Dump Station
No dump station on-site; nearest services ~8 miles away
Trash Service
Bear-proof dumpsters and recycling canisters
Camp Store
No
Firewood Availability
Gather dead and down wood; fires subject to restrictions
Cell Service
None for AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile; some spotty Verizon reports
Nearby Facilities
Nearest services about 8 miles away

Access

Road Type
2- to 2.5-mile dirt road
Road Conditions
Rough dirt road with potholes when dry; very muddy when wet; small hill at the beginning
Vehicle Restrictions
Vehicles longer than 25 feet not recommended due to tight turnarounds
Clearance Needed
Sedan friendly, but drive with caution
Gate Hours
Open year-round entrances; campground seasonal
Distance From Entrance
North Entrance (Gardiner, MT): ~30 miles; Northeast Entrance (Cooke City area): ~26 miles
Nearest Gas Services
Nearest services ~8 miles away
Elevation
6,250 ft (1905 m)
Accessibility
One ADA campsite; dirt road access; remote setup
ADA Accessible Sites
1 accessible campsite

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Bear-proof lockers provided; strict food storage rules
Fire Restrictions
Fires permitted in established fire rings; may be restricted during fire danger; only dead, down, detached wood may be gathered
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Follow park pet policies
Generator Hours
Generators prohibited
Quiet Hours
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Max Stay Limit
14 days (July 1 - Labor Day); 30 days otherwise
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Hiking, fishing, photography, wildlife viewing
Trailheads Nearby
Slough Creek Trail begins nearby
Fishing Details
Slough Creek is renowned for fly fishing
Wildlife Viewing
Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities; Lamar Valley nearby; wolves possible at night
Stargazing Quality
Excellent, unobstructed night skies
Shade Coverage
Some sites shaded by trees
Scenic Views
Open meadows with wildlife potential and forested edges
Noise Level
Quiet; creek sounds; potential wolf howls at night
Best Time To Visit
Late May to early September; watch for wildlife activity and road conditions
Vibe Check
This is a rustic, wildlife-forward campground, not a resort. Expect a quiet, star-filled night with potential wildlife sounds and limited services. You’re here for the experience, not the conveniences.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: You want a remote, wildlife-rich Yellowstone site that handles tent camping or small RVs (30 ft max). ❌ SKIP IF: You need full hookups, reliable cell service, or abundant on-site amenities; you want a lot of privacy and modern conveniences.
Tips Advice
  • Book via Recreation.gov; reservations sell out instantly.
  • Arrive very early for potential walk-up availability.
  • Bring all water; 2025 shutoff means no on-site water.
  • Bear lockers are provided—use them and store food properly.
  • No showers—plan accordingly and pack extra layers for cool nights.

More details

Park Area
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Reservation Info
All sites are reservable on Recreation.gov.
Family Friendly Notes
Best for families who want wildlife viewing and quiet nights; vault toilets; no showers; bring water and be prepared for rustic conditions
Senior Access Discounts
Discounts apply
Nearby Attractions
Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing; distant shoreline trails and park vistas
Terrain Type
Meadows and wooded areas near creek with mountain backdrop
Temperature Ranges
Summer highs 70s F; nights 30s–40s F
Snow Season
Typically snow possible into late spring; heavy snow often October–May
Monsoon Season
July–August thunderstorms possible
Wind Exposure
Open valley exposure; wind can pick up
Bug Season
Mosquitoes common in early summer; bring repellent
Setup Strategy
Access via a 2- to 2.5-mile dirt road; 14 RV sites up to 30 ft; several sites may not be level; plan to back in where possible; ensure you have maneuvering room for tight turns; sedan-friendly with caution. No pull-throughs are indicated; internal roads are rough
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers; water is limited (bring your own) and 2025 water shutoff affects supply; vault toilets available; plan for sanitation and hydration accordingly
Review Summary
Campers describe Slough Creek as a primitive, wildlife-rich retreat with excellent night skies and proximity to Lamar Valley. Demand is brutal; plan ahead or be prepared for offline options or morning walk-ups. Facilities are basic, but bear safety gear and basic fixtures keep it functional.

Location

A moose browses along Slough Creek at Slough Creek Campground, Yellowstone National Park.Slough Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park, with a bright green tent beside a shallow river and forested hills in the distance.Bison in the grasses near Slough Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park.Slough Creek Campground at sunset in Yellowstone National Park, with a winding river and dramatic orange sky.

Frequently asked questions

Is there water on-site at Slough Creek Campground?

Potable water is available via hand pump under normal conditions, but the 2025 season will see water shut off; bring all you need.

Will my RV fit at Slough Creek?

There are 14 RV sites up to 30 feet; turnarounds can be tight and some sites may not be level. Longer rigs are not recommended; plan for back-in parking where possible.

Are there bears and how should I store food?

Yes, it’s bear country. Bear-proof lockers are provided at each campsite and strict food storage rules apply; use the lockers and avoid leaving food unattended.

Are showers available at Slough Creek?

No showers. Plan accordingly and bring ample water for drinking and cleaning.

What is the best time to visit for wildlife viewing?

Late spring to early fall offers prime wildlife activity; nights are quiet with the chance of wolves howling; plan around weather and road conditions.

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.