Aspen Campground
4.296 reviews25 mi south of Big Timber on US 298, 8.5 mi south on Main Boulder Rd (County Rd 212)
Aspen Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
Overnight use fee is $12 per single site, with an additional vehicle fee of $5. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on the single campsite fee for the pass holder only.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Custer Gallatin National Forest's Yellowstone District, Aspen Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This intimate collection of 8 rustic campsites strips away the complexities of modern camping, inviting you to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Despite its modest amenities, this hidden gem draws devoted outdoor enthusiasts throughout the summer months, who come for the soothing soundtrack of the Boulder River and panoramic vistas that seem to stretch endlessly across the Montana wilderness.
Aspen Campground offers multiple camping options, including tent and small RV sites. The campground emphasizes a back-to-basic, rustic experience with no modern hookups provided.
Weather and SeasonsWhile Aspen Campground welcomes adventurers year-round, each season paints a dramatically different portrait of this mountain retreat. Summer transforms the campground into a vibrant basecamp, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for campfire conversations. As autumn arrives, the landscape erupts in golden hues, though early snowfall may challenge access. Winter cloaks the area in pristine white, creating a serene but potentially inaccessible wonderland that tests even seasoned campers' resolve.
ElevationElevation specifications are missing.
Natural Features and SceneryAspen Campground immerses visitors in a living postcard of Montana's untamed beauty. Towering trees create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across the forest floor. Wild berry bushes dot the understory, offering sweet treasures to observant foragers. The star attraction remains the Boulder River, whose crystalline waters provide both a mesmerizing backdrop and a natural symphony that lulls campers to sleep each night. This gateway to the legendary Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness promises endless discoveries for those willing to venture beyond their tent flaps.
Geological RegionPositioned at the doorstep of the magnificent Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Aspen Campground occupies a privileged spot within the greater Yellowstone ecosystem. The surrounding landscape tells an ancient geological story, where volcanic peaks meet glacially carved valleys, creating a dramatic tapestry of ridgelines and river corridors. The Boulder River, carving its patient path through this rugged terrain, serves as both the campground's neighbor and nature's own highway, connecting visitors to the raw majesty of one of America's most spectacular wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include parking and access to restrooms, though no specific disability accommodations are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe average trailer/RV parking spur is 20’ x 32’. Sites 1-4 are noted to be longer than sites 5-8.
Sites Privacy"Clean, quiet, nice separation between sites" described by a user. Some sites, such as #7 and #8, have a private stream, while other sites provide a feeling of privacy with tall trees and berry bushes.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #7 and #8 are ideal for those seeking privacy and a stream view. Sites closer to the river are recommended for fishing enthusiasts.
Best CampsitesSites #7 and #8 are noted for their private streams. Sites #1-#4 are longer than sites #5-#8, accommodating larger setups.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times are not specified but open 24 hours/day.
Check-out
Check-out times are not specified.
Stay Limit
Stay limits safety at stored remain good
Guests Allowed Per Site
N/T
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes 8 campsites, with sites #1-#4 being longer and sites #7-#8 having private streams. Separation between sites is noted as good.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Seasonal weather may limit access in fall and winter.
Reservation Platformshttps:// store-discount
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst Come
Cancellation PolicyN/T
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Aspen Campground provides a blend of recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and enjoying scenic views. The Boulder River offers excellent fishing opportunities, and many hikers enjoy accessing trails leading to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Hiking
The campground offers "plenty of hiking trails" leading into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area as mentioned by a user. No specific trail difficulties or lengths are noted.Fishing
Fishing is readily accessible at the Boulder River, which flows alongside the campground. A user review highlights fishing "right outside of your camp."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires may be permitted, but specific rules are not noted.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife hazards include bears, as food must be stored in steel lockers. The fast-flowing Boulder River also poses water-related risks.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closet emergency services are not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer typically sees high demand.
Trash and recyclingNo trash bins are available, indicating campers must pack out their waste.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly adjacent to the Boulder River, with some campsites offering close access and private streams.
Common complaintsSome users have reported a lack of timely restroom maintenance, including toilet paper shortages.
HostLocal authorities regularly patrol the area. Specific information about campground hosts is not provided.
Campground Map
25 mi south of Big Timber on US 298, 8.5 mi south on Main Boulder Rd (County Rd 212)
Driving directions25 mi south of Big Timber on US 298, 8.5 mi south on Main Boulder Rd (County Rd 212). Campground road not suitable for vehicles longer than 32ft.
The access road is not suitable for vehicles longer than 32 feet. During fall and winter, snow may limit access. The road conditions are gravel, and some reviews note a semi-busy road nearby.Nearby places
Big Timber: 25 miles south
Nearby supplies
Closet supplies for fuel, groceries, or essentials in that nearby the town.
Camper Reviews
4.3
6 reviews
Aspen Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently praise the natural beauty, tranquility, and rustic atmosphere of Aspen Campground. The sound of the Boulder River, separation between sites, and proximity to nature are recurring highlights.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
- "Beautiful camp spots by the river."
- Sites are described as "quiet" and "well-separated" with "phenomenal views."
- Vault toilets are generally observed to be in good condition.
- Fishing and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Lack of trash bins and firewood on-site.
- "Went 2 days without them refilling toilet paper," noted by one user.
- No cell service.
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Sites #7 and #8 are mentioned for their private streams.
- Bring your own firewood and prepare for no cell service.
- Arrive early during the summer months to secure a site.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during the summer months, with users appreciating the accessible water and scenic views. Fall and winter accessibility are limited due to snow.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "Both site #7 & #8 have a little private stream going through them."
- "Beautiful campspots by the river."
- "Vault bathroom was in good shape."
- "Far enough from the road that you don't notice...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Sites #7 and #8 are highlighted for their private streams.
- Sites 1-4 are longer than 5-8, possibly better suited for RVs.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025