Moose Creek Flat Campground
4.5646 reviewsMoose Creek Flat Campground
$26.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
Peak Season rates for Standard Nonelectric sites are $26 per night, and Group Picnic Area rates are $60 daily. Dispersed camping nearby is free. Discounts apply for holders of Interagency Senior and Access passes.
About this campground
Tucked away in the breathtaking Gallatin Canyon, Moose Creek Flat Campground offers an intimate escape into Montana's wilderness. This charming, meticulously maintained campground provides peaceful single-family sites where the soothing sounds of the Gallatin River create nature's perfect soundtrack. Here, families and adventurers alike discover a pristine basecamp for exploring one of the region's most scenic corridors.
The campground supports tent camping and RV camping, including options for larger rigs up to 37 feet. It also offers a group picnic area for day use that can host up to 50 people.
Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, Moose Creek Flat comes alive under Montana's big sky, with pleasantly moderate temperatures that make for perfect camping weather. As autumn yields to winter, the landscape transforms into a snow-draped wonderland, bringing crisp mountain air and a serene, frosty beauty that appeals to the most adventurous cold-weather campers.
ElevationPerched at 5,700 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days. This elevation creates an ideal habitat for the region's remarkable wildlife, offering campers frequent opportunities to spot native creatures in their natural environment while enjoying the crisp, pine-scented atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking to sunlight filtering through towering pines and firs, with expansive meadows stretching toward mountain slopes that cradle the sky. The Gallatin River flows alongside the campground, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. This pristine ecosystem serves as home to majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, moose grazing in the meadows, elk moving through the forest shadows, and bears foraging in their ancestral territory—creating unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic landscapes of Gallatin Canyon in the Bozeman Ranger District, Moose Creek Flat Campground occupies a special place in the vast Gallatin National Forest. The campground's open meadow setting, framed by pine and fir-clad mountainsides, showcases the region's stunning geological diversity. Where Moose Creek meets the Gallatin River, nature has carved out this perfect camping sanctuary, offering visitors a front-row seat to Montana's raw, untamed beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is fully accessible, and an accessible fishing dock is available at the river's edge.
Sites SizeSpacious sites are available, accommodating rigs up to 37 feet and providing room for vehicles such as fifth wheels and trucks.
Sites PrivacySites are located in an open meadow with minimal privacy between them due to a lack of trees or foliage.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near the highway if traffic noise is a major concern; choose sites closer to the river for better views and ambiance.
Best CampsitesSite #4 is often praised for its proximity to the river, ease of access, and beauty.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 AM local time.
Check-out
Check-out time is 11:30 AM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit per site beyond standard capacity.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites grouped closely together with no foliage between individual campsites; spacious yet lacking privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 16, 2025, and closes September 27, 2025; reservations begin June 23, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAn employee marks campsites as reserved or available for the next night around 9am daily, so opportunities for first-come-first-served sites are possible but may be limited.
Cancellation PolicyIndividual campsite cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee if canceled less than 1 day before check-in. Group sites have stricter rules (penalties apply for cancellations within 14 days before arrival).
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, rafting, kayaking, scenic driving, wildlife viewing, photography, and birding. The Gallatin River offers angling for various fish species, including rainbow, brown, brook trout, and Arctic grayling.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available nearby, including the Swan Creek Trail at Swan Creek Campground and Golden Trout Lakes Trail, approximately three miles south of Moose Creek Flat Campground. The Lava Lake Trail is also highly recommended by users for its scenic beauty, located about 10 minutes away.Fishing
Anglers can fish for trout and Arctic grayling directly on the Gallatin River. A popular fishing dock is accessible at the river's edge.Swimming
Swimming is mentioned positively in user reviews, with the river being a good spot for water activities.Boating
Rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the Gallatin River.Wildlife viewing
Bald eagles, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, deer, coyotes, and both black and grizzly bears are often spotted near the campground.Beach activities
Visitors enjoy the sandy areas along the Gallatin River for picnics and family activities.Water Sports
Kayaking and rafting are popular water sports in the area, especially on the Gallatin River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted but must use locally obtained firewood to prevent the spread of pests.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsHighway noise; wildlife including black and grizzly bears; lack of cell service.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 14%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 are not explicitly detailed in the source. Null
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - September 27
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, and bear-proof trash bins are available; users are encouraged to pack out trash to maintain cleanliness.
Proximity to water featuresRight next to the Gallatin River, offering fishing and boating opportunities. Fence provides access for activities like fly fishing.
Common complaintsNoise from nearby Highway 191; lack of privacy between sites; no foliage within campsites; occasional locked bear-proof trash bins.
HostCamp hosts maintain multiple nearby campgrounds and provide clean facilities, regular garbage collection, and fire ring cleanings.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Bozeman, take Highway 191 south for 32 miles. From West Yellowstone, take Highway 191 north 57 miles. The campground is on the west side of the highway.
The campground is accessible directly from Highway 191, which has paved roads. However, some reviews mention it being right off the highway, which could result in noise during the day.Nearby places
Bozeman, Montana – 32 miles
West Yellowstone, Montana – 57 miles.
Nearby supplies
Supplies nearby are connected to neighboring campgrounds such as Greek Creek CG Host Site where firewood is available for $10.00/bundle. Additional supplies are accessible via a short drive to Bozeman or surrounding recreational centers.
Camper Reviews
4.6
46 reviews
Moose Creek Flat Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's proximity to the Gallatin River, scenic beauty, and cleanliness. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, and rafting. Some users note traffic noise from the nearby highway, while others appreciate the spaciousness and accessibility of the sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciate the clean facilities, scenic location along the Gallatin River, and spacious campsites that accommodate large rigs. Fishing, hiking, and rafting are frequently praised. The...
Based on 46 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Traffic noise from Highway 191 is a common concern. Lack of privacy between sites due to the open meadow and absence of trees is another drawback mentioned. Some users reported non-functional water...
Based on 46 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra trash bags to help maintain cleanliness. Use bear-proof food storage containers provided at each site. Consider dispersed camping across the road as an alternative. Pack earplugs to...
Based on 46 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Peak season reviews (May-September) frequently mention the campground's accessibility and its proximity to the river for fishing and water activities. Off-season reviews are limited due to closed...
Based on 46 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Super cute, great campground to pull off for the night or to fly fish for the day.' - Katie H. (2023)
2. 'Vault toilets were super clean and never low on supplies.' - Tudor G. (2021)
3....
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #4: Praised for its river proximity and peaceful atmosphere. Site #13: Noted for loud highway noise and lack of privacy. Site #14: Day-use group area with picnic tables, accommodating up to 50...
Based on 46 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
The campground is fully accessible, with an accessible fishing dock at the river. Users with specific needs mention the convenience of paved roads and clean vault toilets.
Based on 46 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some users caution about traffic safety due to the campground's proximity to Highway 191.
Based on 46 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025