Canyon Campground
4.1931 reviewsUS Rt 89 North, 12.9 miles from Gardiner, MT
Canyon Campground
$7.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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 costs $10 per night for a single campsite, with an additional $5 fee per vehicle. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsites they occupy. Payment is by cash or check only.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the dramatic Yankee Jim Canyon, just 12.9 miles north of Gardiner, Montana, Canyon Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. This intimate National Forest campground features 15 thoughtfully spaced sites, each naturally separated by massive boulders that create private sanctuaries among the rugged landscape. While embracing its primitive nature with fire pits, grills, picnic tables, and vault toilets, the campground invites you to disconnect from modern amenities—there's no potable water or electricity here, just pure Montana wilderness and the nearby rush of the legendary Yellowstone River.
Canyon Campground provides varied camping options with a rustic, primitive setting. It features a mix of tent and combined-use sites. RVs and larger vehicles may face challenges due to limited space and rough terrain.
Historical SignificanceCanyon Campground sits in the shadow of history as a storied gateway to Yellowstone National Park, where countless pioneers, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts have passed through over the generations. The surrounding Yankee Jim Canyon tells its own tale through ancient rock formations and diverse ecosystems that have witnessed millennia of geological transformation and human passage, making every campsite a connection to the American West's rich heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasons of the Northern Rockies at Canyon Campground, which welcomes adventurers year-round. Winter transforms the canyon into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the landscape and temperatures that demand warm gear and hardy spirits. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs into the pleasant 70s and 80s, creating perfect conditions for hiking and riverside exploration under Montana's famously clear, dry skies.
ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet above sea level, Canyon Campground offers that quintessential mountain experience where the air feels crisp and clean, though noticeably thinner than at lower elevations. This elevated position brings refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings and star-gazing, while reminding visitors to stay hydrated and pace themselves as they adjust to the altitude.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering Douglas firs and gnarled junipers create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across your campsite. The terrain tells a story of ancient geological forces, with massive boulders scattered throughout like nature's own sculpture garden, providing both privacy between sites and endless opportunities for exploration. This rugged canyon environment, carved by time and the nearby Yellowstone River, offers a spectacular backdrop where every view seems worthy of a photograph.
Geological RegionSet within the remarkable Yankee Jim Canyon, the campground occupies a geological wonderland where the powerful Yellowstone River has carved its way through ancient rock over countless centuries. The landscape showcases nature's artistry with its distinctive combination of weathered canyon walls, scattered boulders, and a thriving ecosystem of Douglas firs and junipers that have adapted to this rugged terrain, creating a living testament to the dynamic forces that shaped the Greater Yellowstone region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides some accessible facilities, including fire grates, tables, and a toilet. However, no wheelchair-accessible toilets are available.
Sites SizeParking spurs average 12’ x 50’.
Sites PrivacySites are separated by large boulders, providing a high degree of privacy. However, one section of the campground is more open and sunny with fewer trees.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campsites provide the most shade and privacy. Larger RVs should avoid the loop section.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest sites near large boulders for privacy. Tent-only sites in the loop section may offer more shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours.
Check-out
Open 24 hours.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutTwo sections: a spur with a tight turnaround and a loop area designated for tent-only sites. Sites are separated by large boulders.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable as the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable year-round with no reservation needed, first-come, first-serve policy applies.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not required; the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and rafting. The campground is situated in a scenic location near the Yellowstone River and offers access to nearby wilderness areas.
Hiking
The Joe Brown trail #381, a 14-mile foot and horse trail, is located nearby and provides access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing is available in the Yellowstone River, which features Brown, Rainbow, and Cutthroat trout as well as Whitefish.Wildlife viewing
User reviews frequently mention sightings of bighorn sheep, elk, and bison near the campground.Winter Activities
No information specifically about winter activities is provided, although the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
Rafting is supported, with outfitters available in Gardiner for whitewater trips.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed; each site has a fire pit with a grill cover. Firewood is not provided.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBear encounters are possible; food storage practices are necessary. Rocky terrain may make some sites difficult for tents. Proximity to the highway may result in some traffic noise.
Active alertsNo current alerts or advisories explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 10%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 14.9 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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
Closest emergency services are in Gardiner, MT, approximately 12.9 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates mentioned.
Trash and recyclingThis is a 'pack it in, pack it out' campground. There are no trash pickup services on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated across the highway from the Yellowstone River, which is a steep 40-foot descent.
Common complaintsTraffic noise due to proximity to US Rt 89. Lack of potable water or flush toilets. Uneven and rocky ground at some sites.
HostNo campground host is mentioned, but rangers patrol to check tags.
Campground Map
US Rt 89 North, 12.9 miles from Gardiner, MT
Driving directionsFrom Gardiner, MT take US Rt 89 north 12.9 miles to the campground on the right. Campground roads are not suitable for vehicles longer than 48’.
Campground is accessible year-round via US Rt 89, but roads within the campground are not suitable for vehicles longer than 48 feet.Nearby places
Gardiner, MT: 12.9 miles
Livingston, MT: null
Yellowstone National Park North Entrance: 19.8 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, potable water, and camping essentials, can be found in Gardiner, MT.
Camper Reviews
4.2
31 reviews
Canyon Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight the campground's beautiful setting, privacy, and affordability. However, critiques include its proximity to the highway, lack of amenities like potable water, and rocky terrain.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
"Sites are curtained by massive boulders, providing privacy." (Kate Best) "Very quiet and beautiful scenery." (Mike Costner) "Affordable rates at $7 per night." (Jillian Gilbey)
Based on 31 reviewsCommon Concerns
Proximity to the highway leading to noise concerns (several reviews). Lack of potable water and flush toilets. Some users found vault toilets in poor condition.
Based on 31 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and firewood. Be prepared for rocky and uneven terrain at some campsites. Smaller RVs and tents are more suitable due to site size limitations.
Based on 31 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Several users mention that traffic noise decreases significantly at night, making the campground quieter. Mosquito presence was noted in the summer months (e.g., July).
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Quotes
"We loved being nestled into the rocks." (Shasta Langenbacher) "Bathrooms were good though, and you can use your generator." (Jillian Gilbey) "Lots of shade, tight for larger RVs." (Gary Williamson)
Based on 31 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers were highlighted as better or worse, but users frequently noted that some sites are rocky and uneven.
Based on 31 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not extensively reviewed, but no wheelchair-friendly toilets are available.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025