Pros & cons
PROS
- Short walk to Crazy Creek Falls
- Big mountain views and the soothing rush of the creek
CONS
- No potable water
- Little to no cell service
Overview
Perched above its namesake stream, Crazy Creek Campground is a small, first‑come Forest Service spot right off the Beartooth Highway. With 16 simple sites and knockout views toward peaks like Pilot, it’s the kind of place where the soundtrack is flowing water and wind in the pines.
Campsites and Amenities
Expect basic but well‑kept facilities: vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and a bear box at each site. There’s no potable water—plan to pack it in or treat creek water. Sites work well for tents and smaller rigs; the reported maximum spur length is about 28 feet. Don’t count on cell coverage for AT&T, Verizon, or T‑Mobile.
Things to Do
- Crazy Creek Falls sits just across the highway via a short stroll (roughly 0.1–0.25 miles). Spring runoff is thundering; late summer is gentler and great for photos.
- Wet a line in Crazy Creek or nearby waters; anglers report cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout in the area (license required).
- Use camp as a quiet base for scenic driving on the Beartooth and Chief Joseph Highways, or for quick access to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance.
Wildlife and Safety
This corridor is classic bear country. Use the provided food‑storage boxes for everything with a scent—food, coolers, cookware, toiletries—whenever you’re not actively using them. Keep a clean camp, cook and store food away from your sleeping area, and carry bear spray.
Season and Closures
Typical season runs late May to mid‑September, weather dependent. As of September 10, 2025, the Forest Service lists Crazy Creek Campground as closed for the 2025 season: no services and no fees, with walk‑in camping permitted. When closed, don’t expect trash service—pack out everything.
Best Time to Visit
In a normal year, arrive on summer weekdays before mid‑afternoon to nab a first‑come site. Morning and evening bring the best light on the surrounding peaks, and the falls photograph well in soft light or on overcast days. Mosquitoes can pop after storms; bring repellent.
Getting There
From Cody, take WY‑120 north, then WY‑296 (Chief Joseph Highway), and finally US‑212 (Beartooth Highway); the campground is about 3.5 miles west of that junction. It’s roughly 11 miles east of Cooke City and about 15 miles from Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance.
If It’s Full or Closed
Nearby options include Fox Creek Campground and dispersed spots along Pilot Creek; check current Forest Service advisories before you go.
Where it is
44.9426, -109.7751Tips for Crazy Creek Campground
- 01Bring all the drinking water you’ll need; there’s no potable water on site.
- 02Arrive early in peak season—16 first‑come sites fill fast.
- 03Store every scented item in the bear boxes, not your tent or vehicle.
- 04Download offline maps; there’s essentially no cell coverage here.
- 05If it’s closed or full, try Fox Creek Campground or Pilot Creek dispersed sites.
Amenities
Near Crazy Creek Campground
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayCrazy Creek Falls TrailShort, punchy climb to a cascade—best during spring runoffModerate · 1.6 mi · 51 min
0.1 mi awayCrazy Creek FallsShort walk to a roaring granite slide with big viewsTrailhead · Parking
5.7 mi awayPilot PeakRoadside panorama of craggy Pilot and Index PeaksPullout · Parking
6.7 mi awayPilot and Index Peaks Overlook (Yellowstone Overlook)Big roadside view of spired Pilot and hulking Index PeaksPullout · Parking
7 mi awayClark's Fork OverlookBig-window view into the Clark's Fork canyon from the highwayPullout · Parking
7.3 mi awayClay Butte Lookout TrailWalk the gravel road to big Beartooth views from a historic lookoutModerate · 5.2 mi · 2.5 hr
8.5 mi awayLady of the Lake TrailQuiet alpine lake hike with stream fords and big mountain payoffsModerate · 8.2 mi · 3.5 hr
8.7 mi awayRepublic Pass TrailSteep, scenic push to a remote pass on Yellowstone’s boundary.Challenging · 11.5 mi · 6.5 hr
