Slough Creek Campground

Overview

If you want Yellowstone camping that actually feels wild, Slough Creek delivers. Tucked at the end of a 2‑mile dirt road in the park’s Northern Range (6,250 ft), this tiny, quiet campground (16 sites) sits along its namesake creek with frequent wildlife in the neighborhood and star‑filled skies. On still nights, you may even hear wolves.

Campsites & Facilities

• 16 individual sites; best for tents and small rigs. Pads may fit up to ~30 ft, but vehicles longer than ~25 ft aren’t recommended because the turnaround is very tight. No hookups and no showers.
• 2025 season note: potable water is shut off—arrive fully supplied with drinking, cooking, and cleaning water. Vault toilets are available (seasonal), along with trash/recycling, food‑storage lockers, and a seasonal host. Generators are not allowed; quiet hours 10 pm–6 am.

Reservations & Season

• Typically open roughly June 15–Oct 13, with a modest nightly fee (around $20). Reservations are through Recreation.gov on a rolling 6‑month window and go fast due to the tiny site count—book as early as you can.

Location & Access

• About 7 miles from the Tower–Roosevelt junction, roughly 30 miles from the North Entrance (Gardiner) and ~26 miles from the Northeast Entrance (near Cooke City). The final approach is a bumpy, potholed dirt road—take it slow.

What You’ll See & Do

• Wildlife: This is prime country for bison, elk, and predators (wolves and bears). Your best odds are early morning and late afternoon; use pullouts and keep your distance.
• Hiking: The nearby Slough Creek Trail (a historic wagon route) rolls into broad meadows with big views. Expect bugs in summer—flies and mosquitoes can be persistent.
• Fishing: Slough Creek is a classic spot; anglers 16+ need a Yellowstone fishing permit and must follow park regulations.

Best Time to Visit

• For wildlife, be out at dawn and dusk on weekdays to dodge traffic and catch soft light. Summer brings long evenings and lively animal activity; fall can be spectacular for elk and clearer night skies. Mid‑season dates are popular—shoulder periods (just after opening and before closing) are quieter but can be chilly.

Rules & Safety Essentials

• Bear country protocols are strictly enforced—store all food and scented items in your vehicle or the provided lockers, and dispose of trash in bear‑resistant cans.
• Fires only in established grates; drown them completely. Restrictions can kick in during high fire danger.
• Don’t wash at spigots; pack gray water to the vault toilets for disposal.
• RV delivery is prohibited. If you’re bringing a trailer or small RV, double‑check your length and be comfortable maneuvering on tight, uneven gravel.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re here to chase wildlife, fish a storied creek, and savor a quiet, creekside camp, it’s one of the best spots in the park. If you want amenities or easy access to the rest of Yellowstone, the location and lack of water in 2025 can be a deal‑breaker.