The campground is situated on a hillside above the Madison River and Earthquake Lake. Hebgen Lake is also nearby. A forest of pine, Douglas fir and aspen forest the campground. Plentiful grasses and summer wildflowers cover the forest floor.
Bears frequent the area; all food must be stored in approved containers and secured when campsite is unoccupied. No RV Dump Station is located in any of the USFS campgrounds managed by ExplorUS in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest. There are NO Shower facilities available at this campground.
This is a Custer Gallatin NF campground—one of the Forest Service camps that define Montana camping for travelers who want a fire ring, a picnic table, and quiet timber rather than full-hookup convenience. Amenities are modest by design. Confirm water, trash, and fire restrictions with the local ranger district before you drive in.
Nearest town: West Yellowstone. Elevation about 6600 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: USFS — Custer Gallatin NF
- Sites: 64
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $26.00
- Season: May-Sep
- Reservations: Recreation.gov, FCFS
- Access road: Paved
- Best for: Quake Lake Madison River
Amenities
Campfire Rings, Drinking Water, Firewood, Food Storage Locker, Host, Paved Roads, Pets Allowed, Picnic Tables, Recycling, Self Pay Station, Trash Collection, Vault Toilets, Table & Benches, Shade
How to book
Reservations and site details typically run through Recreation.gov, FCFS. Many Forest Service camps keep first-come, first-served loops; remote camps may be entirely FCFS. Confirm current fees, water status, and fire restrictions before arrival. Official listing: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233181.
Bear country & campcraft
This stop sits in classic Montana bear country. Store all attractants—food, trash, toiletries, cookware, and pet food—in a hard-sided vehicle, an IGBC-approved container, a provided bear box, or a proper hang. Never bring food or cooking clothes into the tent.
Campfires belong only in provided metal rings when restrictions allow. Drown, stir, and feel the ashes with the back of your hand before leaving or sleeping. In Stage II restrictions, open fires are banned even in developed sites—use a shut-off stove only.
Follow Leave No Trace: camp on durable surfaces, pack out everything you pack in, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Plan the rest of the trip
- Camping reference: reservations, bears, and fire rules
- Open this stop on the Backroads Guided Trails map
- Campgrounds directory
Visitor Access
- Nearest town: West Yellowstone
- Focus: National Forest
- Coordinates: 44.8631, -111.3789
- Road note: Paved
- Access note: Confirm road conditions, water availability, and fire restrictions before arrival. Mountain weather can drop below freezing even in midsummer.
- Legal reminder: Follow agency food-storage orders, stay within designated sites in developed camps, and respect private land and tribal boundaries.