Crazy Creek Campground
4.5413 reviews.
Crazy Creek Campground
$15.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
The fee is $15 per night without water and $20 per night for a single unit if potable water becomes available. Payment is accepted via cash or check only.
About this campground
Perched on a dramatic bluff overlooking the rushing waters of Crazy Creek, this recently renovated mountain retreat offers 16 thoughtfully designed campsites that serve as your gateway to the wild heart of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Each site provides a perfect balance of accessibility and wilderness immersion, where the sound of cascading water mingles with the whisper of mountain winds through towering pines. Day hikers will discover a network of trails leading to hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas that showcase the raw beauty of Montana's high country.
Crazy Creek Campground caters primarily to tent and small RV campers within its 15 combined campsites. The sites are first-come, first-serve and there are no reservations.
Historical SignificanceThese storied grounds hold echoes of literary legend, as Ernest Hemingway himself once wandered these very trails, finding inspiration in the rugged wilderness that surrounds Crazy Creek. The celebrated author's connection to this landscape lives on in local lore and in the pages of 'Hemingway in the Yellowstone High Country,' a fascinating read that brings depth to your camping experience. As you explore the same paths and fish the same streams that captivated one of America's greatest writers, you'll understand why this place has drawn adventurous souls for generations.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through September, Crazy Creek awakens from its winter slumber to reveal a landscape of endless possibility. Summer days bring refreshingly cool mornings perfect for coffee by the campfire, while mild afternoons invite exploration of nearby trails. Mountain weather keeps things interesting – you might experience all four seasons in a single day, with surprise snow flurries possible even in early summer. Pack layers and embrace the ever-changing moods of this high-altitude paradise, where dramatic cloud formations and sudden rain showers only add to the adventure.
ElevationAt 6,900 feet above sea level, Crazy Creek Campground offers a true high-country experience where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly, and every breath fills your lungs with the pure essence of mountain wilderness. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning system that provides welcome relief from summer heat, while the thin mountain air adds an exhilarating edge to every hike and outdoor adventure.
Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry unfolds in every direction from Crazy Creek Campground, where emerald meadows dotted with wildflowers meet dense forests of pine and fir. The namesake creek carves its way through the landscape, creating a natural soundtrack that lulls campers to sleep each night. Dramatic waterfalls plunge from rocky cliffs within easy hiking distance, while the surrounding wilderness presents an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow. Morning mist rises from the meadow like nature's own theatrical performance, while evening alpenglow paints the distant peaks in shades of rose and gold.
Geological RegionNestled at the southern threshold of the legendary Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Crazy Creek Campground occupies a unique ecological niche where mountain meadows transition into dense coniferous forests. The landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, with ancient volcanic peaks and glacier-carved valleys creating a dramatic backdrop. A soft grass understory cushions your tent while maintaining the intimate feel of individual sites, each offering its own pocket of solitude within this grand geological tapestry. Here, where Crazy Creek has carved its path through countless centuries, you'll camp in the embrace of one of America's most spectacular wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThis campground is not accessible to persons with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeThe campground has a maximum spur length of 28 feet, which limits the size of RVs or other vehicles that can be accommodated.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between sites is described as fair. The campground is noted for its picturesque meadow setting with some sites offering a good amount of seclusion.
Total Campsites16 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with shade and privacy. Sites near the creek offer scenic background noise.
Best CampsitesCampsite 4 is specifically praised by a user as an excellent site for families due to its spaciousness and privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
.
Stay Limit
16 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes 16 campsites with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire grilles. Sites are spaced to provide fair privacy, and two RV pull-through spaces are available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from late May through early/mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-served with no reservation system in place. Reviews suggest it can fill up quickly during peak times.
Cancellation Policy.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Crazy Creek Campground offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can enjoy short hikes to nearby waterfalls or embark on longer trails that provide access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Hiking
Two trails are available: Falls Trail, a short 0.1-mile hike leading to waterfalls, and Crazy Creek Trail #568, a 7-mile trail that extends into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a notable activity here, with visitors encouraged to observe local fauna safely.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted, but firewood must be 'dead and down.'
- Quiet hours are .
Hazards
General hazardsThis is grizzly bear territory, so proper food storage techniques must be practiced. Mosquitoes and biting flies can be nuisances during warmer months.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
76
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 13.3 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 details are unavailable.
Good to know
Peak season dates.
Trash and recyclingBear-proof food storage boxes are provided to facilitate safe trash storage in this grizzly bear country.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near Crazy Creek, which features a dramatic waterfall that can be heard throughout the campground.
Common complaintsUsers have noted the lack of potable water and difficulty finding firewood as drawbacks.
HostMultiple reviewers praise the campground hosts for being helpful and friendly. Hosts also maintain clean facilities.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Cody, take State Highway 120 north for 16 miles. Turn left onto State Highway 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. Proceed about 46 miles to the junction with U.S. Highway 212. Turn left onto Highway 212, which is the Beartooth All-American Highway, and continue about 3.5 miles to the Crazy Creek Campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads along State Routes 120, 296, and Highway 212. However, no information is available indicating challenges related to seasonal closures or road conditions.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
Detailed information about grocery, camping supplies, or fuel availability is not provided in the data.
Camper Reviews
4.5
13 reviews
Crazy Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Campers frequently describe Crazy Creek Campground as "beautiful," "peaceful," and "picturesque," emphasizing its scenic views, proximity to a waterfall, and clean facilities. The campground hosts receive consistent praise for their helpfulness and friendliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the spacious and private campsites, and the stunning nearby scenery. One reviewer called it "one of the most picturesque campgrounds I have...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The lack of potable water and cell phone service are common issues noted by campers. Additionally, some reviews mention bugs, such as mosquitoes and biting flies, as a drawback.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers strongly recommend bringing bug repellent, as well as sufficient drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site. A short hike to Crazy Creek Falls is highly recommended.
Based on 13 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews highlight that this campground is most enjoyable during the summer months when trails and scenery are most accessible. Cooler temperatures and snow in the early spring or late fall can limit...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The bathrooms were the cleanest I have ever seen and the host were wonderful," said by Tim Daniels. Another camper, Erica Szeyller, said, "This is one of the most picturesque campgrounds I have ever...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 4 received specific praise for its spaciousness and privacy. A family stayed there for three nights and appreciated its convenience for exploring Yellowstone.
Based on 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features, but official sources note that the campground is not wheelchair accessible.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mentioned experiences with pets.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025