Soda Butte Campground
4.4223 reviewsSoda Butte Campground
$8.00 - $9.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
"Camping fees are $9 if made through the contact center and $8 if made online. Fees may vary by location and activity."
About this campground
Escape to the untamed beauty of Beartooth Country at Soda Butte Campground, where 27 secluded sites await adventurous souls seeking an authentic mountain retreat. Perched within the Gardiner District, this hard-sided camping haven opens its gates from late June through Labor Day, weather permitting. Here, the wilderness doesn't just surround you—it embraces you, offering a rare chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's raw magnificence.
Soda Butte Campground accommodates hard-sided camping only, and tents or pop-ups are strictly prohibited. The campground has 27 sites and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle embrace of mountain summers where temperatures rarely climb above a comfortable 78°F, creating perfect conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing. While the warm months bring their share of mosquitoes—nature's reminder that you're truly in the wild—the crisp mountain air and cool evenings provide natural relief from these tiny companions.
ElevationSet high in the dramatic mountainous terrain of the Beartooth wilderness, this campground offers the thin, pure air and sweeping vistas that only come with altitude. Though specific elevation details aren't documented, visitors will feel the exhilarating effects of camping in the clouds, where every breath connects you to the pristine alpine environment.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through towering evergreens or stepping from your camper to panoramic mountain vistas that stretch endlessly into the horizon. Soda Butte's thoughtfully positioned sites offer the best of both worlds—some tucked intimately among protective forest groves where wildlife might wander past your window, others positioned in meadow clearings where the Beartooth peaks paint an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow across the sky.
Geological RegionNestled in the legendary Beartooth Country within the Gardiner District, this campground sits at the crossroads of geological wonder. This rugged landscape tells the story of millions of years of mountain building, where ancient forces sculpted peaks, valleys, and alpine meadows into one of North America's most spectacular wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is hard-sided camping only, meaning tents and pop-ups are not allowed. Accessible facilities include fire grates, food boxes, tables, tent pads, toilets, and trash cans.
Sites SizeCampers have noted that the sites provide adequate space, with some capable of accommodating trailers up to 32 feet. "Sites were level and required minimal blocking," shared a review.
Sites PrivacySites are described as private and quiet. "The sites are super private and quiet," one camper shared. Others noted, "Camp sites are far enough apart that you don't hear your neighbors" and "Some sites were nestled into the trees and others were out in the open with views of the surrounding mountains."
Total Campsites27 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Arrive early during weekends and holidays to secure a campsite. Sites vary in length; longer RVs may not fit in smaller sites. For privacy and tranquility, select a site nestled into the trees. For scenic views, choose an open site."
Best Campsites"User reviews suggest that campsites are well-spaced, some nestled among trees for privacy, others open for mountain views."
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No specific information about group sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"The campground offers 27 sites, some nestled among trees for privacy and others in open spaces with scenic views. Sites are well-spaced, allowing for quietness and privacy."
Open and Closed Season"Open late June - Labor Day, weather dependent."
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availability"This campground operates on a walk-up, first-come, first-served basis. Campers are advised to arrive early in the afternoon during weekends or holidays as the campground fills quickly."
Cancellation Policy"No reservations are allowed for this campground, therefore cancellation policies do not apply."
Amenities available
Potable water
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Soda Butte Campground offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, wildlife spotting, and exploring nearby attractions like Yellowstone and Lamar Valley. "Activities in the area include Motorcycling, Horseback riding, 4x4 trails, Hiking, Fishing & wildlife spotting," according to one reviewer.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, with trails in the vicinity offering picturesque views. The campground is also located near Lamar Valley, Chief Joseph, and The Beartooth.Fishing
Fishing is mentioned as an activity in the area, with options for anglers to enjoy nearby streams and rivers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted as a popular activity given the campground's proximity to Lamar Valley and Soda Butte Creek. "Wildlife spotting" is specifically mentioned in reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Campfires are allowed within designated fire grates."
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"The area is frequented by bears, so campers must follow bear safety guidelines strictly. Mosquitoes are reported to be extremely abundant in summer."
Active alerts"No active alerts have been reported in the provided data."
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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 can be found in Cooke City, MT, which is approximately 1 mile away. This includes access to basic medical assistance and law enforcement services."
Good to know
Peak season dates"Peak season is from late June through Labor Day."
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are provided, but there is no trash pickup service. Campers are expected to manage their waste disposal accordingly.
Proximity to water features"Soda Butte Creek is nearby and can be seen and heard from some campsites."
Common complaints"Mosquitoes are reported as a major issue during summer months."
Host"Campground hosts Roy & Susan are praised for their helpfulness and friendliness. Hosts are essential for guiding campers to suitable sites."
Campground Map
Driving directions"1 mi E of Cooke City on US 212"
"The campground is accessible via paved roadways. However, due to its proximity to mountainous terrain, visitors are advised to drive with caution especially during adverse weather conditions. Seasonal closures can affect driving accessibility."Nearby places
"Cooke City (1 mile, approximately 5 minutes driving)."
Nearby supplies
"Cooke City provides access to groceries, fuel, camping supplies, and other essentials."
Camper Reviews
4.4
23 reviews
Soda Butte Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews suggest Soda Butte Campground is a well-loved and frequently visited destination near Yellowstone. Common themes include its proximity to Lamar Valley, clean vault toilets, and helpful hosts. Negative feedback includes issues with mosquitoes and an instance of a rude campground host.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlighted positives include private and well-spaced sites, cleanliness, helpful hosts, and scenic views. "Lovely little campground with the most helpful hosts and clean vault toilets!" shared one...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Mosquitoes were described as "absolutely horrendous" by one reviewer, who noted, "I have NEVER in my life experienced mosquitoes like we did at this campsite." Another camper reported an unpleasant...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early during peak season to secure a spot, as the campground fills up quickly. Use bear boxes for food storage and avoid bringing tents or pop-ups as they are not permitted. Bring bug...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews generally emphasize the campground's proximity to Yellowstone and Lamar Valley. Campers have reported high mosquito activity during mid-year months. Winter conditions are not...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Stayed here the 2nd week of August 2020 for 2 nights. Lovely campground. It provides a true feeling of camping in the mountains." "Roy & Susan are the best campground hosts ever!!" "Spent one night...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback indicates some spaces can accommodate large trailers, while others are more suited for smaller campers. Sites are described as level and private; "Camp sites are far enough...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is good, with facilities like food boxes and tent pads provided. However, the campground is strictly hard-sided camping, which may exclude tent campers.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific information about pet policies or experiences is provided.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025