Pine Creek Campground
4.5127 reviews5242 Highway 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047
Pine Creek Campground
$15.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$26.00 includes two driving vehicles; $9.00 for each additional vehicle. Interagency passes are not applicable toward additional vehicle fees.
About this campground
Nestled beneath towering Douglas-fir and spruce giants, Pine Creek Campground invites you to experience camping as it was meant to be. This 26-site haven, lovingly crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, spreads across two intimate loops where privacy isn't just promised—it's guaranteed by nature itself. Here, the whisper of Pine Creek mingles with wind-swept branches, creating a soundtrack that has remained unchanged since those hardworking CCC crews first cleared these sites nearly a century ago.
Pine Creek Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, including tent camping, hike-in/bike-in primitive camping, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to the 1930s, when young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps carved this campground from the wilderness, leaving a legacy that continues to welcome travelers today. Their handiwork serves as your basecamp for exploring the legendary Pine Creek Trail, a gateway that winds upward to the thundering Pine Creek Falls and the mirror-like Pine Creek Lake, both jewels nestled deep within the untamed Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Pine Creek into a camper's paradise, with gentle temperatures hovering between 70°F and 80°F under brilliantly clear Montana skies. These warm, dry months offer perfect conditions for everything from morning hikes to evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the landscape erupts in gold and amber before winter blankets the campground in pristine snow, turning this summer retreat into a frozen wonderland where only the heartiest adventurers venture forth.
ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet where the air tastes crisp and clean, Pine Creek Campground offers a natural respite from summer's heat. This elevated sanctuary rewards visitors with sweeping vistas and star-filled nights so clear you'll swear you can touch the Milky Way. The altitude creates a microclimate where morning mist dances through the trees and afternoon breezes carry the scent of pine and wild mountain flowers.
Natural Features and SceneryParadise lives up to its name at Pine Creek, where ancient Douglas-firs and spruce create a living cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight through branches that shade 60% of the campsites in dappled green light. Wild berry bushes dot the understory, offering sweet surprises for observant hikers while serving as nature's buffet for the local wildlife. Keep your camera ready—black bears lumber through in search of berries, deer graze in the early morning mist, and if you're particularly fortunate, you might glimpse the elusive mountain lion padding silently through the shadows.
Geological RegionWelcome to Montana's legendary Paradise Valley, where Pine Creek Campground sits cradled between the dramatic peaks of the West Absaroka Mountains within the vast embrace of Gallatin National Forest. This geological wonderland tells a story millions of years in the making, where ancient volcanic forces and patient glaciers sculpted a landscape so breathtaking that early settlers could think of no better name than Paradise itself.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground accommodates individuals with disabilities through wheelchair-friendly vault toilets and trails such as the 0.5-mile Creekside Trail. Additionally, 17 sites are accessible.
Sites SizeAverage parking spurs for trailers/RVs measure 16'x50'.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is described as excellent due to the mature Douglas-fir and spruce trees providing separation between sites.
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites offer varying privacy and proximity to water features. 'Some sites support 26-foot trailers, but most accommodate truck-trailer combos of 42 feet or less.'
Best CampsitesUser reviews recommend campsite #11 as the best for its amenities, including wood-burning stoves.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 16 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site accommodates up to 8 guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is arranged in two loops, offering well-maintained sites with excellent privacy. Some sites include large stone fire rings with benches.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 15 through September 20.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability; reports indicate the campground often fills up during peak times.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are managed through the reservation service platform.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Pine Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Popular activities include hiking to Pine Creek Falls, creek fishing, wildlife viewing, and enjoying scenic trails. Limited educational programs focusing on nature and local ecology are also available.
Hiking
Three trails are accessible from the campground: the wheelchair-friendly Creekside Trail (0.5 miles), the Pine Creek Trail (5.2 miles to Pine Creek Lake), and the Pine Creek Falls trail (1.5 miles). The hike to Pine Creek Falls is described as suitable for families and less experienced hikers.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include creek fishing for species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and whitefish.Biking
Biking is possible on the nearby trails, but specific biking trails or detailed terrain descriptions are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Campers frequently encounter wildlife, including deer, and are cautioned about occasional visits from mountain lions and bears.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during winter, and no specific winter recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not applicable as there are no suitable water bodies nearby.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated stone fire rings at campsites. Firewood available for $8 per bundle.
- Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear and mountain lion sightings necessitate bear spray and safe food storage practices. The steep, narrow access road poses driving challenges.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 13.2 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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 located in Livingston, MT, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season spans mid-May to mid-September.
Trash and recyclingTrash pickup is available. Visitors are reminded to practice bear-safe food storage techniques to avoid penalties of up to $5,000 or six months imprisonment.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Pine Creek, which offers fishing opportunities for rainbow and brown trout, and whitefish.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include the narrow access road and lack of signage regarding road conditions. 'No way two trailers could pass on narrow road, not enough turnouts.'
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, providing bear warnings and selling firewood.
Campground Map
5242 Highway 89 South, Livingston, MT 59047
Driving directionsAt the intersection of I-90 and US Rt. 89, take Rt. 89 south 3.2 miles to State Rt. 540 (East River Rd.). Turn left onto East River Rd and go 7.7 miles to campground sign (Luccock Park Rd.). Turn left onto Luccock Park Rd (paved, single-lane with switchbacks) and go 2.7 miles to campground.
The campground is accessible via paved, single-lane roads with switchbacks. User reviews highlight challenges on narrow access roads: 'The road up to the camp is about 2.8 miles from the highway... very steep and narrow. There are a few pull offs but it was a white knuckle driving experience going up.'Nearby places
Livingston (approx. 9 miles, 15 min), Yellowstone National Park North Entrance (approx. 48 miles, 1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Livingston, MT, approximately 9 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
27 reviews
Pine Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, privacy, and accessibility to trails, but note challenges with the steep and narrow access road.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciate the shaded sites, cleanliness of the vault toilets, and proximity to scenic trails. Many praise the friendly and helpful camp hosts.
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the challenging access road, limited signage, and issues with availability during peak seasons.
Based on 27 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Travelers recommend bringing bear spray and being prepared for steep, narrow roads. Reserving in advance is advised due to high demand.
Based on 27 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews point to high summer demand, with quieter experiences during the shoulder seasons. Fall foliage enhances the scenic appeal.
Based on 27 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This is the most scenic location we have ever camped." – Jim Price. "Vault toilets were some of the nicest and best maintained I've seen." – Henry Kloepper.
Based on 27 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Campsites near the creek are noted for their tranquility. Site #11 is particularly praised for its wood-burning stove.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible trails and toilets receive positive mentions for accommodating individuals with disabilities.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and no significant issues regarding pet policies have been reported.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025