Timber Camp Campground

For those who live in Montana, or for those who want to experience its true wilderness, Timber Camp Campground offers a perfect, no-frills escape. Located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this small, rustic campground provides a quiet and intimate setting that is a world away from the crowded RV parks and bustling tourist centers. With only three designated campsites, it’s a place that prioritizes peace and solitude, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

Timber Camp is a Forest Service campground that operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous travelers or those who prefer a more authentic, primitive camping experience. It’s the kind of place that feels like a hidden secret, tucked away from the main roads. Despite its remoteness, it is still conveniently located to serve as an excellent basecamp for exploring the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding wilderness. The campground is known for its well-maintained facilities and a clean, safe environment that is great for families looking to get off the beaten path without compromising on a pleasant camping experience.

Timber Camp Campground is located near the town of Gardiner, Montana, at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet. Its address, listed simply as Gardiner, MT 59030, hints at its secluded nature. To get there, you must take Jardine Rd from Gardiner for about 5 miles, followed by 4 miles on a forest road (Forest Rd 493). This journey is part of the experience, as the road is described as being a bit rough, with some potholes and narrow stretches. However, as one camper noted, the drive is manageable, even when pulling a camper, and is well worth the effort. A truck or a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, and caution should be exercised on some of the more rugged sections.

Despite the rustic road, the campground’s location is a major plus. It is approximately a 35-minute drive from the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park, making it a viable and peaceful alternative to staying directly in the park or in the busier areas of Gardiner. The seclusion means that you can enjoy a quiet evening and a sky full of stars without the light pollution that plagues more developed areas. It’s a perfect location for those who want to combine a back-country feel with the ability to easily access one of the world's most famous national parks.

• Tent Sites: Timber Camp is a tent-friendly campground with three large, designated campsites. These sites are equipped with basic amenities to ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining a primitive feel. They are perfect for campers who prefer to sleep under the stars in a quiet, natural setting.

• Picnic Tables: Each of the three campsites is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient and clean surface for meals, games, and gathering with your group. These tables are a key amenity that adds to the comfort of the primitive camping experience.

• Public Restroom: A significant and often praised feature of this rustic campground is the presence of a clean vault toilet. While primitive, having an on-site outhouse is a major convenience for campers and adds to the overall comfort of the stay. Guests have noted that it is well-maintained and does not have any unpleasant odors, which is a testament to the care given to the site.

• On-site Parking: The campground offers ample space for on-site parking. The large sites and wide areas for turning around make it easy to park your vehicle or a smaller camper. This ensures that your vehicle is secure and easily accessible, even in a secluded location.

• Intimate and Secluded: With only three campsites, Timber Camp is a very quiet and secluded campground. The limited number of sites means you won't be dealing with crowds, noise, or light pollution. This intimate setting is perfect for those who truly want to unplug and enjoy the sounds of nature, from the babbling creek to the rustling trees.

• Natural Beauty: The campground is set in a picturesque location with a nice creek running next to the campsites. It's surrounded by beautiful woodlands and has stunning mountain views in the distance. The scenery is a major draw, offering a tranquil and beautiful backdrop for your stay. It's a fantastic spot for nature photography and simply relaxing.

• Ideal Basecamp for Yellowstone: Timber Camp provides an excellent, less crowded alternative for a basecamp to explore Yellowstone National Park. The short drive to the north entrance, which is open year-round, makes it a convenient spot for day trips. You can spend your days exploring the park’s wildlife and geothermal features and return to a peaceful, secluded campsite in the evening.

• Good for Kids: The campground is a great option for families. The large open areas provide space for kids to run around and play, and the natural environment offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. The safety and peacefulness of the site make it a comfortable place for families to camp.

• First-Come, First-Served: Unlike campgrounds that require advanced reservations months in advance, Timber Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This flexibility is a great feature for spontaneous trips and for those who may not have been able to secure a reservation elsewhere. It is important to note that since there are only three sites, it is a gamble, but one that can be well worth it.

Given that Timber Camp Campground is a primitive, first-come, first-served site, there is no direct reservation line. However, for general inquiries about the Custer Gallatin National Forest or the surrounding area, you can contact the local forest service office.

Address: Gardiner, MT 59030, USA

Phone: (406) 587-6701

For Montanans and visitors to the region, Timber Camp Campground is an excellent choice for a number of compelling reasons. It offers a camping experience that is becoming increasingly rare: a true, quiet escape into nature without an overwhelming amount of modern interference.

The most significant reason to choose Timber Camp is its unparalleled sense of peace and solitude. With just three campsites, it is a world apart from the packed campgrounds found in and around Yellowstone National Park. This lack of crowds allows for a deeply restorative experience, where the sounds of the creek and the wind in the trees are the only background noise. It is an ideal setting for those who seek genuine quiet and a chance to truly disconnect. This is a camping trip for those who value the "off the beaten path" experience over convenience.

Furthermore, the location is a hidden strategic advantage. While the drive in requires some effort, the reward is a tranquil basecamp just minutes from the north entrance of Yellowstone. This means you get the best of both worlds: easy access to one of the country's most spectacular national parks and a peaceful retreat to return to at the end of the day. You can avoid the high prices and crowded conditions of lodges and commercial campgrounds while still being close to the action. It's a value proposition that is hard to beat for a Yellowstone adventure.

Finally, the authentic, rustic feel of the campground, combined with the presence of basic amenities like picnic tables and a clean outhouse, makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of campers. It’s an accessible way to experience primitive camping, with just enough comfort to make it enjoyable for families and those who are new to camping. The large, spacious sites allow for plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your private space. For a camping trip that feels like a real getaway, where you can see the stars, hear the wildlife, and truly relax, Timber Camp Campground is a fantastic choice that delivers on its promise of a fantastic, secluded experience.

Timber Camp Campground

Gardiner, MT 59030, USA