Tom Miner Campground
4.3811 reviews.
Tom Miner Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / 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
Recreation fees vary by location and activity. Reservation fees add $8 online, $9 contact center, $3 in-person.
About this campground
Nestled deep in the heart of the Gallatin Mountains on the Gardiner District, this secluded wilderness campground offers 16 individual campsites and 2 spacious group sites for those seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This first-come, first-served destination provides essential amenities including bear-proof food storage boxes and vault toilets, while maintaining its wild character with a pack-it-out policy and no firewood sales. Equestrian adventurers will appreciate the convenient stock facilities, including a corral located adjacent to the trailhead, making this an ideal basecamp for horseback exploration of the surrounding wilderness.
Tom Miner Campground offers primitive camping opportunities with 16 individual sites and 2 group sites. RV accommodations and tent camping are available.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable corner of the Gallatin Mountains harbors one of nature's most fascinating time capsules—a spectacular petrified forest that has captivated visitors for generations. The area's wild heritage remains vibrantly alive, with grizzly bears frequently spotted just a half-mile from camp, reminding visitors that they're guests in one of North America's last great wilderness ecosystems. This rare combination of geological wonder and thriving wildlife habitat makes the campground a gateway to experiencing both ancient history and present-day wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms this mountain refuge into a crystalline wonderland, where nearly one in five days brings fresh snowfall, blanketing the landscape with an average of 2 inches of pristine powder. The campground earns its reputation for truly frigid conditions during the colder months, offering hardy winter campers an authentic high-country experience. Those prepared for the extreme cold will be rewarded with solitude and the stark beauty of the Gallatin Mountains dressed in winter white.
ElevationInformation not available
Natural Features and SceneryTucked away in the Gallatin Mountains, this campground has earned a devoted following among those who discover its 'spectacular quiet beauty.' The journey itself becomes part of the adventure, with a dramatic access road that showcases breathtaking mountain vistas at every turn. Once you arrive, you'll find campsites thoughtfully positioned along a babbling creek, where the soothing sounds of rushing water provide nature's soundtrack to your stay. Despite the rugged access, visitors consistently praise the well-maintained facilities and the pristine natural setting that makes every challenging mile worthwhile.
Geological RegionSet within the dramatic landscape of the Gallatin Mountains on the Gardiner District, this campground serves as your gateway to one of Montana's most geologically diverse regions. The surrounding peaks and valleys tell the story of millions of years of geological forces, creating a landscape that ranges from ancient petrified forests to active wildlife corridors where the drama of the natural world unfolds daily.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFood boxes and accessible toilet facilities are noted as available.
Sites SizeThe campground has 16 individual sites and 2 group sites.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews highlight well-spaced sites offering privacy, as one camper noted: "Well-spaced sites that back right up to the creek."
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCreekside sites offer views and proximity to water. Sites are well-spaced for privacy (User Garrett Graham).
Best CampsitesSites backing up to the creek are highly praised (User Garrett Graham).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
There are 2 group sites available, but details about group size limits and vehicles are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are well-spaced for privacy. Creekside locations are present.
Open and Closed SeasonNull
Reservation PlatformsNo Reservation platform
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served basis. "Campground may fill up on weekends & holidays during summer months" (Authoritative source).
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable to this campground; first-come-first-served basis.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tom Miner Campground provides opportunities for rustic recreation including hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
Hiking
User reviews and authoritative sources suggest hiking opportunities exist, with one reviewer noting: "Looks like a great place to hike."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include elk, moose, and grizzly bears, as one reviewer remarked: "I did however see numerous Elk and 2 adult and 3 yearling Moose."Winter Activities
The campground is located in bear country and experiences snowfall during winter. No specific winter recreation activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned in the sources provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No information on campfire restrictions or policies.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazards"Bear country/recent grizzly sighting...don't go up that dirt road if raining" (User Gaines B.). Users report "bear active in fall" (User Keith Gammel).
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Gardiner Office P.O. Box 5; 805 Scott St.; Gardiner, MT 59030 (406) 848-7375.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingTrash pickup is explicitly not available, as indicated in the authoritative source materials.
Proximity to water featuresCreekside proximity noted. "Beautiful stream running through the camp" (User Stefanie Cravens).
Common complaints"Odd group of people camping" (User Scot Lawrence); rough road access (User Eric Aschen); remote location (multiple users).
Host"Well maintained, friendly camp host" (User A Duck).
Campground Map
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Driving directions17 mi NW of Gardiner on US 89, 12 mi SW on Tom Miner Rd.
"10 miles off the highway in bear country/recent grizzly sighting" (User review Gaines B.), "20 miles of rough road to get there" (User review Eric Aschen), users warn against using the dirt road during rain conditions.Nearby places
Gardiner (17 miles NW)
Livingston and Bozeman are likely nearby population centers but distances/travel times are unavailable.
Nearby supplies
Gardiner (17 miles NW), no detailed grocery/camping supplies/fuel information for this campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
11 reviews
Tom Miner Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground generally receives positive reviews for its peaceful and secluded environment, although some reviewers highlight challenges such as rough access roads and a lack of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the campground for its natural beauty and tranquility. Quotes include: "Very peaceful," "Quiet beauty," and "Spectacular drive in."
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include the rustic nature of facilities and access challenges: "10 miles off the highway in bear country," "20 miles of rough road," and warnings about road conditions during rain.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include arriving early during weekends and holidays due to the first-come, first-served system. Reviewers also suggest hiking with bear spray and avoiding travel during rain.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall is noted as an active time for bears, as highlighted in user reviews. Summer weekends and holidays see higher popularity.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Looks like a great place to hike." "Quiet beauty, feel like you're alone in the forest." "Secluded, quiet, peaceful, restful campground." "Beautiful camp but the drive in is spectacular."
Based on 11 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sites are described as well-spaced for privacy: "Well-spaced sites that back right up to the creek."
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
Food boxes and accessible toilet facilities are noted as available but no reviews specifically address the experience of users with disabilities.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences are not mentioned in any of the sources provided.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025