Slough Creek Campground

How often do you find a camping destination where the wilderness itself seems to invite you into its embrace? Slough Creek Campground, tucked away in Yellowstone National Park's Northern Range, offers an unmatched blend of serene seclusion, striking natural beauty, and world-class wildlife viewing. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, this backcountry gem provides a rare opportunity to experience Yellowstone's raw, untouched landscape.

This 16-site tent-only campground is accessible via a 2.5-mile dirt road and is surrounded by the stunning Lamar Valley, often called the "Serengeti of North America" due to its incredible concentration of wildlife. Elk, bison, wolves, grizzly bears, and pronghorns roam freely, and at night, the howl of wolves or the quiet, star-studded sky might be your only companions. Campsites offer essentials like picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-proof food storage lockers, along with seasonal potable water and vault toilets. The setting ranges from open meadows to secluded spots along the creek, catering to varied preferences for privacy and scenery.

Slough Creek also serves as a gateway to its namesake trail, a historic path that winds through lush meadows into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. The creek is a legendary fishing spot, particularly for anglers pursuing native cutthroat trout. Meanwhile, the nearby Lamar Valley provides unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, and all of these experiences are within a 30-minute drive of park highlights like Tower-Roosevelt and the Yellowstone River.

If your camping ideals revolve around quiet immersion in nature, close encounters with wildlife, and a sense of adventure, Slough Creek Campground is the perfect destination. While it lacks modern conveniences like showers or hookups, it provides an authentic escape into one of Yellowstone’s most pristine areas.