Get to Know Slough Creek Campground.
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Lamar Valley / Photo by Nhung Botkin
Slough Creek Campground in Yellowstone National Park is a remote and picturesque camping area in the northeastern section. It's known for offering a primitive and natural camping experience. The campground is nestled near the scenic Lamar Valley, providing a serene setting for visitors seeking a more primitive camping experience.
What Are the Fees?
Slough Creek Campground is operated and managed by the National Park Service. The campground is designated for tent camping and does not accommodate RVs or trailers, making it an ideal choice for a more traditional camping experience. Please check the Slough Creek Campground website for the latest fees.
Standard Campsite Fee: $15 per night
Senior/Access Passholder Fee: $7.50 per night
The Amenities Available at Slough Creek Are Listed Below.
Remember that Slough Creek Campground offers a real, authentic camping experience. The amenities are not as premium as those at some other campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park.
Vault Toilets: Non-flush, pit-style restrooms.
Potable Water: Hand pump available.
Campfire Rings/Grills: Each campsite has a campfire ring or grill for cooking. Note any fire regulations in effect.
Picnic Tables: Each campsite usually comes with a picnic table.
No Hookups: Tent-only campground with no facilities to accommodate RVs or trailers. There are no RV hookups.
No Showers or Electric Hookups: This campground is more primitive and does not offer amenities like showers or electrical hookups.
Best Time to Visit Slough Creek Campground.
The best time to visit Slough Creek Campground is during the summer months, from late June to early September. The weather is more favorable during this period, and most of the park's facilities and roads are open. However, be prepared for cooler nights, even in summer.
How Far Are the Main Attractions from Slough Creek Campground?
Old Faithful - Approximately 68 miles from Slough Creek Campground. This famous geyser is known for its regular eruptions.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - Approximately 28 miles from the campground. This area features stunning viewpoints of the Yellowstone River and its dramatic canyon.
Mammoth Hot Springs - Approximately 26 miles from Slough Creek. This area showcases incredible terraces of hot springs.
Norris Geyser Basin - Approximately 38.5 miles from Slough Creek. It's one of Yellowstone's hottest and most active thermal areas.
Hayden Valley - Approximately 35 miles from the campground. It's known for its abundant wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
This is an image of the start of Old Faithful erupting. The geyser is located in Yellowstone National Park.
Nearby Attractions Closer to Slough Creek Campground.
Lamar Valley - Known for its exceptional wildlife viewing, including wolves, bison, and bears. It's essentially right at your doorstep.
Pebble Creek Trailhead - Access to scenic hiking routes, about 2.5 miles from the campground.
Soda Butte - Geological feature and popular stopping point, approximately 5 miles away.
Cooke City, Montana - A gateway town to the park with amenities like restaurants and lodging, approximately 12 miles from Slough Creek.
Beartooth Highway - A stunning scenic drive through the Beartooth Mountains, starting in Cooke City and located about 20 miles from Slough Creek.
Tower Fall - Known for its striking waterfall, approximately 28 miles from the campground.
Pros of Slough Creek Campground.
Secluded Setting: Slough Creek Campground offers a more remote and tranquil camping experience compared to some of the busier campgrounds in Yellowstone. It provides a sense of solitude and immersion in nature.
Proximity to Lamar Valley: It's located near Lamar Valley, known for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including wolves, bison, elk, and grizzly bears.
Excellent Fishing: Slough Creek is renowned for its superb fly fishing opportunities, making it a popular destination for anglers.
First-Come, First-Served: Unlike many other campgrounds in Yellowstone, Slough Creek operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a more flexible camping schedule.
Cons of Slough Creek Campground.
Basic Amenities: The campground provides basic amenities such as vault toilets and hand-pumped potable water. It lacks some of the more modern conveniences found in other campgrounds.
No Reservations: Slough Creek Campground does not accept reservations.
Limited RV Accessibility: Slough Creek is a tent-only campground and does not accommodate RVs or trailers. This may be a drawback for those who prefer RV camping.
Distance to Major Attractions: It's relatively far from some of the park's most famous attractions, like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Travel times to these areas can be significant.
No Showers or Hookups: Slough Creek does not have showers or RV hookups, which may be a consideration for some campers.
Wildlife Safety Tips.
Camping in Yellowstone means being in bear country. Follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:
Store Food Properly: Use bear-proof food storage containers or hang your food high in a tree.
Keep a Clean Camp: Dispose garbage properly and clean your campsite to avoid attracting wildlife. Don’t bring food into your tent.
Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals.
Packing List for Primitive Camping.
For a successful primitive camping experience at Slough Creek, consider bringing the following items:
Tent and Sleeping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
Cooking Supplies: Portable stove, cookware, and utensils.
Food and Water: Enough food and a way to purify water.
Clothing: Layers to accommodate varying temperatures.
Safety Gear: Bear spray, first aid kit, and a map of the area.
Lighting: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
Please check out our blogs on the best camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook sets, attachable cook stems, cook stem fuel, and camping tips for beginner campers.
How to Get There.
Slough Creek Campground is accessible via the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Follow signs for Lamar Valley and continue towards Slough Creek. The campground is located approximately 2 miles off the main road.
Nearby Services and Supplies.
While Slough Creek offers a primitive camping experience, you can find services and supplies in Cooke City, Montana, about 12 miles from the campground. Cooke City has restaurants, lodging, and stores for any last-minute needs.
In Conclusion.
Whether Slough Creek is the right choice depends on your camping preferences. It can be an excellent choice if you value seclusion, wildlife viewing, and a more rustic camping experience. However, other campgrounds may be a better fit if you prefer more amenities or closer proximity to major attractions.
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