Moose Creek Group Site
4.697 reviewsP.O. BOX 1015, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA 59758, UNITED STATES
Moose Creek Group Site
$115.00 - $115.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$115.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group site fee is $115 per night during peak season. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Montana's stunning Gallatin Canyon, Moose Creek Group Site offers an authentic wilderness experience for large gatherings of up to 90 adventurers. This spacious group camping area provides the perfect basecamp for family reunions, scout troops, or outdoor clubs seeking to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Northern Rockies. While you'll find essential amenities like sturdy picnic tables, campfire rings for evening storytelling, and vault toilets, the site maintains its rustic charm—visitors should come prepared with their own drinking water and plan to pack out all trash, embracing the leave-no-trace ethos of backcountry camping.
Moose Creek Group Site is designed for group camping, accommodating up to 90 people. It does not offer RV camping, tent camping, or other individual site options.
Historical SignificanceThe Gallatin Canyon has long served as a corridor between valleys, witnessing centuries of travelers from Native American tribes to fur trappers and modern-day adventurers seeking connection with the untamed wilderness of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings gloriously dry days with dramatic cloud formations painting the big Montana sky, creating perfect conditions for hiking, fishing, and stargazing. The peak season offers warm days and cool, crisp nights that demand a cozy sleeping bag. As autumn arrives, the canyon transforms into a golden tapestry before winter's embrace brings snow and sub-freezing temperatures. During these colder months, the campground becomes a snow-covered wonderland, though accessibility can be challenging—making it a destination best enjoyed by those with winter camping experience and proper four-wheel drive vehicles.
ElevationPerched at 5,700 feet above sea level, Moose Creek Group Site offers a refreshing mountain climate where summer temperatures rarely climb above the comfortable 70s. This elevation provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks while keeping you cool during daytime adventures. The thin mountain air adds an extra sparkle to the countless stars visible on clear nights, and morning mists often blanket the valley below, creating an ethereal landscape that photographers dream about.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pines and aromatic firs create a natural cathedral around the campsite, their branches whispering ancient forest secrets in the mountain breeze. The melodic rush of both the Gallatin River and Moose Creek provides a constant soundtrack to your stay, offering pristine waters for fishing enthusiasts and refreshing spots for summer wading. This pristine habitat serves as a wildlife corridor where lucky visitors might glimpse majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, bighorn sheep navigating rocky outcrops, or moose grazing in marshy meadows. Elk bugle during autumn evenings, while mountain goats traverse distant cliffsides. More common sightings include deer at dusk, coyotes calling at night, and the occasional thrilling (though distant) encounter with black or grizzly bears—reminding all visitors to practice proper food storage and bear safety.
Geological RegionMoose Creek Group Site sits within the dramatic landscape of Gallatin Canyon, carved over millennia by the persistent flow of the Gallatin River through the heart of Gallatin National Forest. This remarkable geological showcase features towering canyon walls that reveal millions of years of Earth's history in their stratified layers. The interplay between ancient mountainous terrain and fertile river valleys creates diverse ecosystems where dense coniferous forests give way to meadows and riparian zones. The surrounding peaks, part of the greater Rocky Mountain system, stand as sentinels over this pristine wilderness, their slopes clothed in evergreen forests of pine and fir that have adapted to thrive in this rugged, high-altitude environment.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed accessibility features are specified in the provided materials.
Sites SizeThe campground can accommodate up to 90 people at its group site.
Sites PrivacyThe site offers some privacy, partly surrounded by pine and fir trees, but user reviews also mention limited shade in parts: 'The upper part of this site is beautiful...the lower grassy part has little shade.'
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and shade, campers recommend the upper part of the site. Lower grassy areas have limited shade.
Best CampsitesUser reviews indicate campsite 001 is well-rated for family reunions and close proximity to activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Standard check-in times are not explicitly stated in the documentation.
Check-out
Standard check-out times are not explicitly stated in the documentation.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 16 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The site accommodates up to 90 people.
Groups
The group site can accommodate up to 90 people, making it suitable for large gatherings, such as family reunions. 'Perfect spot for a family reunion. Close to everything, yet very secluded.'
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe site is divided into shaded upper areas and grassy lower areas with limited shade.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 16–September 27. Closed season: September 28–June 4 (no booking available).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov. Fees apply depending on the booking method: $8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo indication of walk-up availability; reservations are recommended.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 14 days before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with the forfeiture of the first night’s fee for late cancellations. No-shows incur a $20 fee and loss of the first night’s fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Moose Creek Group Site provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving, rafting, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Fishing on the Gallatin River targets species like rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout, as well as whitefish and Arctic grayling. Trails in the area include Swan Creek Trail and Golden Trout Lakes Trail, with user reviews emphasizing the site's proximity to diverse recreational options.
Hiking
The surrounding area offers excellent hiking opportunities, including the Swan Creek Trail and Golden Trout Lakes Trail, the latter located approximately 15 minutes away. 'Many trails can be found in Gallatin Canyon.'Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Moose Creek Group Site, with anglers targeting rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and Arctic grayling in the Gallatin River.Boating
Rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the nearby Gallatin River.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with bald eagles, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, deer, coyotes, and both black and grizzly bears frequently seen. 'A variety of wildlife makes its home in this scenic canyon.'Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
Rafting and kayaking are popular water sports on the Gallatin River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed within established fire rings. Firewood can be purchased nearby at Greek Creek Campground for $10 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with black and grizzly bears. The gravel road leading to the site may require caution during travel.
Active alertsNo current alerts or advisories are explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely to be located in nearby towns of Bozeman or West Yellowstone. Details about hospitals, police, and ranger stations are not explicitly provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16–September 27 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is not available at the site, as explicitly noted in the official description.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Gallatin River and Moose Creek, providing opportunities for fishing, rafting, and kayaking.
Common complaintsUser reviews note issues such as limited shaded areas in the lower part of the site and the gravel road requiring maintenance.
HostNo specific host information provided.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 1015, WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA 59758, UNITED STATES
Driving directionsFrom Bozeman, travel south on Highway 191 for 32 miles to the turnoff, a quarter-mile south of the main Moose Creek Flat Campground. Turn left onto a gravel road that leads 200 yards to the group site. From West Yellowstone, take Highway 191 north for 57 miles. The group area is on the east side of the highway across from the campground.
The site is accessed via a gravel road off Highway 191, which is a major route in the area. The road leading to the site is gravel and could use some maintenance, as noted in user reviews. Seasonal closures are not explicitly indicated.Nearby places
Bozeman (32 miles, approximately 40–50 minutes drive), West Yellowstone (57 miles, approximately 1–1.5 hours drive).
Nearby supplies
Firewood is available at Greek Creek Campground for $10 per bundle. No other nearby grocery, fuel, or camping supply locations are explicitly mentioned.
Camper Reviews
4.7
7 reviews
Moose Creek Group Site is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the site's natural beauty, proximity to recreational activities, and suitability for large groups. However, some complaints include limited shaded areas, road maintenance issues, and lack of facilities like drinking water.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects highlighted by users include the clean vault toilets, proximity to the creek, and overall location suitability for group activities. 'Great group site and so close to Big Sky.'
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include limited shade in some areas, road maintenance issues, and the absence of drinking water or trash collection. 'The lower grassy part has little shade and the road leading up to the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend booking for family reunions or group events due to the site's spaciousness and proximity to attractions like Yellowstone and Big Sky. 'Perfect spot for a family reunion.'
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest summer as the most favorable season due to access to the creek, shade, and recreational activities like rafting and hiking.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Trash and pit toilet on site. Well-maintained.' 2. 'The upper part of this site is beautiful! The creek is close by and gorgeous, there is a lot of shade and the restrooms are clean.' 3. 'Perfect...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight campsite 001 in loop MCGS as an excellent choice: 'Awesome!' (Loop: MCGS, rating: 5).
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews addressing pet policies or pet-related features.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025