Hood Creek Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, at an elevation of 6,700 feet. Some campsites lie in open meadows along the shoreline, while others are located among scattered pine and fir trees.
Bears frequent the area, all food must be stored in approved containers and secured when campsite is unoccupied. Firewood is available for $10.00/bundle. Camping fee covers the first two vehicles; an extra vehicle fee of $9.00 is charged for the third vehicle. Check in 2:00 PM - Check Out 12:00 PM/Noon. Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. 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 located 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: Bozeman. Elevation about 6000 feet.
Campground snapshot
- Agency / unit: USFS — Custer Gallatin NF
- Sites: 24
- Type: Tent/RV
- Fee range: $26 - $185
- Season: May-Sep
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
- Access road: Gravel
- Best for: Gallatin Canyon
Amenities
Picnic tables, Campfire rings, Vault toilets, Drinking water, Trash collection, Boat ramp
How to book
Reservations and site details typically run through Recreation.gov. 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/233744.
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: Bozeman
- Focus: National Forest
- Coordinates: 45.3636, -111.1833
- Road note: Gravel
- 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.