About HOOD CREEK CAMPGROUND
Overview Hood Creek Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is 17 miles south of the city of Bozeman, Mont. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking and climbing.Recreation Hyalite Reservoir offers many recreational activities, including boating, canoeing and fishing. Anglers fish for Yellowstone cutthroat, Arctic grayling and brook trout. Hyalite Creek offers fishing as well. Many hiking trails are found in Hyalite Canyon, including the popular Hyalite Peak Trail. This 7.5-mile one-way trail gains 3,450 feet in elevation as is climbs past numerous waterfalls to the beautiful Hyalite Lake and Hyalite Peak.Facilities The campground offers sites for both overnight camping and day-use picnicking. A GROUP AREA (SITE 28) for overnight camping is also available for reservation, and can accommodate up to 80 people. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection. A boat ramp is located on-site. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel. Natural Features The campground is situated on the banks of scenic Hyalite Reservoir, 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. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
How to Get There
From Main Street in Bozeman, travel south on 19th Avenue for 7 miles, to the paved Hyalite Canyon Road. Turn left and continue 10 miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to HOOD CREEK CAMPGROUND
Heading to HOOD CREEK CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for HOOD CREEK CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for HOOD CREEK CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233744) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to HOOD CREEK CAMPGROUND?
From Main Street in Bozeman, travel south on 19th Avenue for 7 miles, to the paved Hyalite Canyon Road. Turn left and continue 10 miles to the campground.
How do I contact HOOD CREEK CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: (406)646-1012 or email: dhagey@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources
