🐻
Grizzly Bear Country — Food Storage Required
This campground is in grizzly bear habitat. Food storage regulations are strictly enforced — violations may result in fines or campground closure.
- Store all food, trash, and scented items in bear-resistant containers or hang at least 10 ft high
- Never leave food unattended — even for a few minutes
- Carry bear spray and know how to deploy it (aim for the face at 20–30 ft)
- Cook and store food 200+ ft from your sleeping area
- Verify current food storage orders with the managing agency before arrival
Source: Montana FWP, USFS Bear Awareness Program. Bear activity May–October.
⚠️ No maintained facilities — dispersed camping. Pack in everything, pack out all trash. No water source guaranteed. Conditions vary significantly — verify access roads are passable before departure. No reservation system. Check for any seasonal travel restrictions (mud season closures, snow gates) before heading out.
Overview
📋 About This Campground
Dispersed camping throughout Hyalite Canyon below the reservoir. Popular Bozeman area free camping. Pack in/pack out. Grizzly country — food storage required.
Campground availability subject to change. Verify reservation status directly with Recreation.gov or the managing agency before travel. PeakScout provides this information for planning purposes only and does not guarantee availability.
Seasonal Conditions
📅 Seasonal Access & Status
📅
Open year-round (weather permitting)
📆
Access: April 15 – October 31
Cost & Fees
💰 Fee Structure
FREE
No fee — dispersed camping
Permit
Usually not required — verify with agency
First-come, first-served — arrive early on weekends during peak season (June–August) for best availability.
Maximum stay: 16 nights.
Planning
🗓️ Best Time to Visit — Montana
🌡️ Best Time to Visit
June – September
Shoulder: May, October
📍 Current Conditions
June
Standard season conditions
Montana camping season peaks July–August at lower elevations; Beartooth/Absaroka routes open late June.
Always check road conditions with the managing agency before planning a trip, especially for high-elevation destinations.
Facility Details
📊 Campground Details
| Agency | USFS |
| Type | dispersed |
| Reservations | First come, first served |
| Max Stay | 16 nights |
| Elevation | 5,500 ft |
| RV Access | ❌ No |
| Fee | $0/night |
| Coordinates | 45.5400, -111.0600 |
Activities
🏃 Available Activities
🥾
Hiking
Trail access varies by season. Check for trail closures before departure.
🎣
Fishing
Check fishing regulations and obtain necessary licenses before heading out.
🚵
MTB
Trail conditions vary by season and recent weather. Check current status.
🥾
Hyalite Canyon Loop
6.3 mi away
🥾
Sacagawea Peak via Bridger Bowl
23.5 mi away
🥾
Beehive Basin Trail
31.5 mi away
Safety
⚠️ Local Hazards & Conditions
🌫️
Wildfire Smoke low
MT experiences wildfire smoke July–September. Check AQI before outdoor activities. The go score accounts for smoke in its computation.
On-Site Facilities
🛠️ Amenities & Facilities
No amenity data available — verify with managing agency.
Recreation
🏕️ Recreation Activities
hikingfishingmountain bikingrock climbing
Directions
🗺️ Getting There
South Hyalite Canyon Road off Hyalite Canyon Road, Bozeman. Free dispersed camping.
📍 Open in Google Maps →
Questions Answered
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I reserve a campsite at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping in Montana?
Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis — no reservations are available. Arrive early on Fridays and Saturdays during peak season (June–August) for the best chance of securing a site.
What is the fee per night at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping?
Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping is free dispersed camping with no fee charged. No reservation system. Pack in everything, pack out all trash. Check for any permit requirements with the managing agency before visiting.
When is Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping open? What are the seasonal access dates?
Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping Verify current access status with USFS before planning your trip.
What are the fire restrictions at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping in Montana?
Fire restrictions apply at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping — verify current restrictions with USFS before starting any campfire, charcoal grill, or flame. Restrictions are most common June–September during peak fire season. Check
NIFC Predictive Services for current fire danger levels in the Gallatin National Forest — Dispersed area.
Can I bring my RV or trailer to Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping?
Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping is primarily designed for tent camping. RVs and trailers may not be accommodated — contact USFS to confirm vehicle access before visiting.
Is there cell service at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping?
Cell service at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping is generally unreliable to unavailable in this area. Plan accordingly — download offline maps, notify someone of your itinerary, and carry a personal locator beacon if venturing further into the backcountry. No Wi-Fi is available at this campground.
What amenities are available at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping?
Amenity information for Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping was not available at time of publication. Contact USFS directly to confirm available facilities before visiting.
What is the best time to camp at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping in Montana?
Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping is best visited May through October. Shoulder season (May, October) offers fewer crowds and lower fees. Peak season (June–August) has the warmest weather and most reliable access, but campsites fill fast — especially on weekends. Fall colors in Montana are stunning in September–October at mid-elevations.
Are there bear safety requirements at Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping?
Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping is in bear country — food storage requirements are in effect. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store all food, trash, and scented items in bear-resistant containers (provided on-site: bear boxes available) or hang at least 10 ft high and 4 ft from the trunk. Never leave food unattended, even briefly. Verify current food storage orders with USFS — violations result in fines and possible closure.
What nearby trails can I access from Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping?
Hyalite Canyon Dispersed Camping near the Gallatin Range provides access to trails in the Gallatin National Forest. Check with the Belgrade Ranger Station for current conditions. River fishing and mountain biking are popular activities from this base.
🎯 Go Score
🌐 Open-Meteo🗺️ ArcGIS🌲 USFS
🏕️ Reservations
🏕️ FREE Dispersed Camping
No reservation required. First-come, first-served. Check with managing agency for permit requirements.
Campground availability subject to change. Verify reservation status directly with Recreation.gov or the managing agency before travel. PeakScout provides this information for planning purposes only and does not guarantee availability.
🌤️ Today's Weather
At 5,500 ft elevation