About SPIRE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Overview Spire Rock Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, in southwestern Montana. It is 26 miles south of Bozeman. The surrounding area offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, rafting, hiking and viewing local wildlife.Recreation Great opportunities for hiking, fishing, scenic driving and wildlife viewing are available around the campground. Anglers cast for rainbow, brown, brook and cutthroat trout, whitefish and Arctic grayling on the Gallatin River. Rafting and kayaking are popular activities as well. The popular Storm Castle Trail begins nearby. This steep, 3-mile one-way trail climbs to Storm Castle Rock, with excellent views of the canyon below. Garnet Mountain Lookout Trail also begins near the campground. The 3.5-mile trail climbs 2,800 feet in elevation, to the lookout.Facilities The campground offers single-family campsites and an overnight, GROUP AREA (SITE 12), that can be used for overnight camping or day-use picnicking. Picnic tables and campfire rings are provided, as are vault toilets. No drinking water is available in the campground. Campers must bring their own water. Roads and parking spurs within the campground are gravel. Natural Features The campground sits next to Storm Castle Creek, a tributary of the Gallatin River, at an elevation of 5,600 feet. Most campsites are located along the creek and are surrounded by spruce and fir trees. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area. Visitors can often glimpse bald eagles, bighorn sheep, moose, elk, mountain goats, deer and coyotes. Black bears and grizzly bears also live in the canyon. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (661) 702-1420.
How to Get There
From Bozeman, travel south on Highway 191 for 23 miles to the Storm Castle turnoff. Turn left and go 3 miles to the campground. The last 3 miles are on a gravel road. From West Yellowstone, go 66 miles north on Highway 191 to the Storm Castle turnoff. Turn right at the intersection after the bridge and continue 3 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 SPIRE ROCK CAMPGROUND
Heading to SPIRE ROCK 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 SPIRE ROCK CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for SPIRE ROCK CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233746) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SPIRE ROCK CAMPGROUND?
From Bozeman, travel south on Highway 191 for 23 miles to the Storm Castle turnoff. Turn left and go 3 miles to the campground. The last 3 miles are on a gravel road. From West Yellowstone, go 66 miles north on Highway 191 to the Storm Castle turnoff. Turn right at the intersection after the bridge and continue 3 miles to the campground.
How do I contact SPIRE ROCK CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 406-646-1012 or email: dhagey@goexplorus.com.
References & Official Resources
