Lonesomehurst Campground
4.44145 reviewsLonesomehurst Campground
$26.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$35.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard electric sites cost $35 per night during peak season, while non-electric sites cost $26. Additional vehicles incur an $8/night fee, collected by the campground host. Firewood bundles are sold for $10 each.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Hebgen Lake, Lonesomehurst Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's wilderness just 12 miles from the gateway town of West Yellowstone. This peaceful haven serves as the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking world-class fishing, serene boating experiences, and endless hiking trails. Wake up to breathtaking lake views and the knowledge that Yellowstone National Park's wonders await just a short drive away.
Lonesomehurst Campground supports a mix of tent camping, RV camping with electric hookups, and lakeside camping. Group sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsSummer at Lonesomehurst brings crisp mountain mornings at 41°F that warm to comfortable 64°F afternoons, with refreshing mountain showers that keep the landscape lush and vibrant. For those seeking solitude and tranquility, the shoulder seasons offer a special reward – fewer visitors mean more intimate wildlife encounters and peaceful waters perfect for paddling without the summer boat traffic.
ElevationPerched at 6,240 feet in Montana's high country, the campground offers that perfect mountain altitude where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath feels refreshingly pure.
Natural Features and SceneryHebgen Lake stretches before you like a sapphire jewel, its waters framed by towering lodgepole pines that whisper in the mountain breeze. This enchanting landscape comes alive with wildlife – majestic moose wade through marshy shorelines at dawn, graceful deer emerge from forest shadows at dusk, and the haunting calls of Sandhill cranes echo across the water, creating an unforgettable symphony of wilderness.
Geological RegionLonesomehurst sits in the heart of the South Fork Arm, where the legendary Madison River feeds into Hebgen Lake, creating a rich ecosystem beneath towering lodgepole pine forests. This remarkable convergence of water and wilderness attracts an incredible array of wildlife – from soaring bald and golden eagles patrolling the skies to mighty bison grazing nearby meadows and moose browsing along the water's edge. It's a living testament to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's magnificent biodiversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityBear-proof food containers are provided at each site, enhancing safety for campers in a region frequented by bears. Specific details on ADA accessibility are not available.
Sites SizeCampground sites are described as generally spacious. Site-specific reviews indicate sizes accommodating setups like large fifth-wheel RVs or rooftop tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Some reviews highlight close proximity between sites, while others praise secluded spots like lakeside sites.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLakefront sites such as 15 and 19 are ideal for water views, while interior sites with electric hookups are recommended for convenience.
Best CampsitesSite 19 is highlighted for privacy and lake views, while site 12 is noted for its lakefront location.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum 16 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles included in camping fees, with additional vehicles costing $8.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of one-way loops with interior and lakefront sites. Some sites require maneuvering for larger rigs due to narrow lanes and wooden posts.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 - September 27 during the peak season. Closed out-of-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability for sites not reserved. No specific details about number of walk-up sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of reservation fees. Late cancellations (less than one day before arrival) result in the loss of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Lonesomehurst Campground include hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Hebgen Lake makes it ideal for water-based recreation such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Hiking
There are hiking trails in the surrounding area, although no trails directly accessible from the campground according to a user review.Fishing
Hebgen Lake is known as Montana's premier stillwater fishing lake, with healthy populations of brown, cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Some reviews noted slow fishing during their stays.Swimming
Swimming is available in Hebgen Lake, although one review mentioned algae near the shore.Biking
Biking opportunities exist in the surrounding area, but specific trails or conditions were not detailed in user reviews.Boating
A boat ramp is available within the campground, providing opportunities for boating on Hebgen Lake. Motorized boat traffic can be loud, as noted by several reviewers.Wildlife viewing
The area supports a variety of wildlife, including Sandhill cranes, bald eagles, deer, moose, and bison. Some users reported seeing foxes and pelicans near campsites.Beach activities
Beach-related activities such as paddleboarding are popular. Some campsites offer direct lakefront access, including sandy beaches.Winter Activities
No winter activities are specifically mentioned in provided materials.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are popular among campers, with some campsites offering direct lakefront access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated rings. Firewood is sold on-site for $10 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are Generators are allowed until 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as bears and mosquitoes are prominent. Reviews mention "mosquito swarms" being a significant downside.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 10%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 1.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services in West Yellowstone, such as medical care and police, are approximately 12 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - September 27 (annual peak season).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available within the campground, including bear-proof food containers and dumpsters. Recycling options were mentioned in some user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Hebgen Lake, with some sites directly on the waterfront.
Common complaintsRecurring concerns include poor road conditions with potholes, mosquitoes, and noise from motorized boats.
HostCamp hosts are described as "friendly," "helpful," and "attentive."
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom West Yellowstone, travel west on Highway 20 for eight miles, then continue four miles north on Hebgen Lake Road (Denny Creek Road).
The main approach to the campground, Denny Creek Road, is described in reviews as transitioning from a decent paved road to a gravel road with potholes and washboarding near the campground. "The dirt road inside the campground had lots of potholes too."Nearby places
West Yellowstone (approx. 12 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in West Yellowstone. Reviews mention stocking up at Walmart in Billings for better prices.
Camper Reviews
4.4
145 reviews
Lonesomehurst Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Lonesomehurst Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.35. Common praises include the scenic location on Hebgen Lake, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts. Some negative comments highlighted issues like mosquitoes, rough roads, and close proximity between sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 145 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned by users include the clean and spacious campsites, helpful camp hosts, scenic lake views, availability of bear boxes, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park.
Based on 145 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include rough roads leading into the campground, an abundance of mosquitoes, limited privacy between campsites, and noise from motorized boats on Hebgen Lake.
Based on 145 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing mosquito repellent, using the lakefront sites for better views, and stocking up on groceries prior to arrival due to high prices in nearby towns like West Yellowstone.
Based on 145 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Mosquito numbers appear to be higher during warm weather seasons. Many users praise early-season visits for quieter, less crowded experiences. Late-season visitors have noted cooler weather and fewer...
Based on 145 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
Quotes from reviewers: 'The camp hosts were great! They were friendly & helpful!' - Angelia P. 'The bathrooms were very clean for a campground.' - April Cone. 'The lake is BEAUTIFUL!' - Amy Frasure.
Based on 145 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews identify favorites like site 19 for lakeside views and privacy, and site 15 for proximity to the lake. Site 20 was criticized for its closeness to the toilets, though the...
Based on 145 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No explicit reviews from users with disabilities were mentioned. Bear-proof food containers enhance safety for all campers.
Based on 145 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at Lonesomehurst Campground, but few reviews specifically addressed pet-friendly features.
Based on 145 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025