Hells Canyon Campground
02 reviewsHells Canyon Campground
$5.00 - $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
A $10 site fee is charged per night, and an additional $5 per night fee is charged for extra vehicles.
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About this campground
Tucked away at 5,840 feet in the heart of Gallatin National Forest, Hells Canyon Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's pristine wilderness. This cozy 5-acre haven features just 11 carefully placed campsites, each sheltered beneath a canopy of towering pines that whisper ancient forest secrets. While the melodic rush of Boulder Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, the creek itself remains hidden from view, adding an element of mystery to this enchanting retreat.
Hells Canyon offers a range of camping accommodations including tent camping and combined sites that support both tents and smaller RVs. Primitive camping is the primary style, with minimal facilities available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Montana's mountain majesty at this year-round destination. Summer visitors bask in perfect 70-degree days ideal for hiking and exploration, while winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland where freezing temperatures and fresh powder create opportunities for snowshoeing and winter camping adventures. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflower blooms and golden aspen displays painting the landscape in seasonal splendor.
ElevationPerched at 5,840 feet above sea level, this mountain campground offers the crisp, clean air and refreshing coolness that only high-altitude camping can provide. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer days remain pleasantly mild and winter nights transform the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, making every season a distinct adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your ridgetop perch among majestic pines, you'll discover a landscape that captures the essence of Montana's wild beauty. The towering evergreens create natural cathedral ceilings above each campsite, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Though Boulder Creek remains tantalizingly out of sight, its constant murmur serves as nature's white noise machine, lulling campers into peaceful slumber and providing the perfect backdrop for contemplative mornings with coffee in hand.
Geological RegionNestled in the rugged terrain of south-central Montana's Gallatin National Forest, this campground occupies a scenic ridge where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of pine-covered slopes and hidden waterways. The surrounding forest represents millions of years of natural history, with Boulder Creek carving its secretive course through the valley below, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports abundant wildlife and offers endless opportunities for discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly toilets are not available at this campground.
Sites SizeTrailer/RV parking spurs are approximately 10' x 25'.
Sites PrivacySites are located among tall pines, providing a high degree of privacy and a picturesque environment.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid vehicles longer than 20 feet due to challenging road conditions.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 16 consecutive nights.
Groups
Group camping sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 11 sites, with 9 combined tent/RV sites and 2 tent-only sites. Each site includes a picnic table and grill.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, contingent on weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up/first-come, first-served. The campground has 11 total sites consisting of 9 combined tent/RV sites and 2 tent-only sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not permitted; therefore, no cancellation policies are applicable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational options at Hells Canyon Campground are limited to fishing in nearby streams or rivers. Activities such as hunting and shooting are also mentioned in the authoritative sources. User reviews note the absence of hiking trails or visible water bodies near the campsites.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are present in nearby streams or rivers but specific details about fish types or fishing conditions are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned; however, the campground is open year-round depending on weather conditions.Water Sports
No water sports activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, but campers must bring their own firewood.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife and challenging road conditions for larger vehicles.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.4 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
Emergency services are available in Big Timber, Montana, 40.5 miles away. A waste station is located behind CM Russell Motel on Interstate 90 (Business) in Big Timber.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available at the campground, adhering to the 'pack it in, pack it out' principle.
Proximity to water featuresBoulder Creek is nearby but cannot be seen from the campground.
Common complaintsSome user reviews have noted that 'there is NO river close enough to this campground to see or hear from the campsites.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Big Timber, MT, take State Rt. 298 south 25 miles to end of paved roadway. Continue south on gravel road for 15.5 miles to campground. NOTE: For last 15.5 miles, road is dirt, rocky and full of potholes. Some parts are single lane with turnouts.
The access road is not suitable for vehicles longer than 20 feet. Some parts are single lane with turnouts, rocky, and full of potholes.Nearby places
Big Timber, Montana: 40.5 miles (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, such as fuel, groceries, and camping gear, are available in Big Timber, Montana, approximately 40.5 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Hells Canyon Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the tranquility and natural surroundings while others note limitations such as the lack of visible water bodies and minimal amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users commend the campground's picturesque setting, tall pines, and peaceful environment. One user described their experience as 'an amazing camping trip.'
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include the absence of a visible or accessible river, contrary to expectations set by some photographs. Another reviewer stated, 'Don't be misled by the photos, there is NO river close...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own drinking water and firewood due to the lack of on-site provisions. Additionally, vehicles longer than 20 feet are unsuitable for the access road.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round, weather permitting. However, winter conditions may impact accessibility and usability.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Amazing camping trip.' - David Willoughby
2. 'Don't be misled by the photos, there is NO river close enough to this campground to see or hear from the campsites.' - Jason TX
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific details regarding individual campsites are provided in the reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are available.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no specific reviews are available regarding pet-related experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025