Halfmoon Campground

Introduction / Overview: Gateway to the Rugged Crazy Mountains

For Montana adventurers seeking to explore one of the state's most iconic and geologically dramatic regions, Halfmoon Campground stands as the essential basecamp. Nestled at the foot of the magnificent, glacier-carved Crazy Mountains and situated alongside the picturesque Big Timber Creek, this U.S. Forest Service campground (within the Custer Gallatin National Forest) offers an authentic, high-country wilderness experience. It is the end of the road and the beginning of some of the best hiking, fishing, and backcountry exploration that Central Montana has to offer.

Halfmoon Campground is renowned for its stunning, panoramic views of the jagged, often snow-capped Crazy Mountain peaks. This is a destination for the dedicated outdoor enthusiast—the hiker, the angler, and the wildlife observer—who values natural beauty and solitude over extensive amenities. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis for its 12 single-family sites, fostering a community of respectful, self-sufficient campers. Visitors are drawn here to embark on popular trails, including the trek to the Big Timber Creek Falls and the longer haul to Twin Lakes or Blue Lake. As a secluded, high-mountain destination, guests must be prepared for a rustic experience, including a long drive on a dirt road, but the spectacular scenery and access to unparalleled Montana wilderness make the journey entirely worthwhile.

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Location and Accessibility: The End of the Canyon Road

Halfmoon Campground is deep within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, at the very end of the Big Timber Canyon access road, north of Big Timber, Montana. The general address is Big Timber Canyon Rd, Big Timber, MT 59011, USA.

Accessibility is a key part of the adventure. The campground is located approximately 23 miles from the town of Big Timber. The route involves driving about 11 miles north of Big Timber on US Highway 191 before turning west onto Big Timber Canyon Road. This road is a scenic, unpaved gravel road that runs for about 17 miles until it dead-ends at the Halfmoon Campground and the Big Timber Canyon Trailhead. Reviewers note that while the road is generally manageable, even for large vans and some RVs, it can be narrow in spots and bumpy near cattle guards, requiring careful driving. Important Montana Traveler Note: The Forest Service cautions that the access road is not suitable for vehicles or trailers longer than 32 feet due to the winding path and tight clearances. Campers should allocate ample time (approximately 45 minutes to an hour) for the final leg of the journey from the highway to the campground.

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Services Offered

As a remote, US Forest Service campground, Halfmoon offers essential, rustic services designed to support a self-contained camping experience:

• Campsites: 12 spacious, single-family campsites are available, accommodating both tents and smaller trailers/RVs.
• Sanitation: Vault toilets (outhouses) are provided and generally accessible.
• Water (Seasonal): Potable drinking water is often available during the summer season via a hand pump spigot, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, as with all primitive sites, campers are strongly advised to bring their own water or be prepared to filter/treat stream water.
• Site Amenities: Each site includes a sturdy picnic table and an established rock fire ring for campfires (firewood is not provided and campers must follow all local fire restrictions).
• Food Storage: Bear-proof food storage cabinets or lockers are provided at each site, which is mandatory for securing all food and scented items in this bear-active area.
• Trash Pickup: There is no trash pickup provided. This is a "pack it in, pack it out" facility, requiring guests to remove all waste.
• Equestrian Use: The area serves as a trailhead, and is suitable for those accessing the backcountry on horseback, with some potential for equestrian parking nearby.

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Features / Highlights

The primary highlights of Halfmoon Campground are its breathtaking scenery and unparalleled access to the Crazy Mountains wilderness:

• Spectacular Crazy Mountain Views: The campground offers immediate, stunning views of the jagged, high peaks of the Crazy Mountain Range, often considered one of Montana's most beautiful and remote "island mountain ranges."
• Twin Lakes Trailhead: The campground is the direct launching point for the popular Big Timber Creek Trail, which leads to Big Timber Creek Falls (an easy, short hike) and continues on to high alpine destinations like Twin Lakes and Blue Lake.
• Big Timber Creek Access: The campground is situated alongside the picturesque Big Timber Creek, offering excellent opportunities for fly fishing (primarily for rainbow and cutthroat trout) and enjoyment of the rushing mountain waters.
• Seclusion and Tranquility: The limited number of sites and the long, winding access road ensure a quiet, peaceful atmosphere where the sounds of the creek and the forest dominate.
• First-Come, First-Served: The lack of a reservation system offers spontaneity for Montana locals, though it does mean the campground can fill quickly, especially on summer weekends (arriving early in the week is advised).
• Wildlife Viewing: The secluded canyon location provides excellent opportunities for viewing local wildlife, including elk, deer, and potentially mountain goats high on the cliffs.

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Contact Information

For information on current road conditions, trail status, and fire restrictions in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Montana travelers should use the following contact:

Address: Big Timber Canyon Rd, Big Timber, MT 59011, USA

Yellowstone Ranger District Office Phone: (406) 222-1892

Mobile Phone: +1 406-222-1892

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What is Worth Choosing: The Ultimate Crazy Mountains Trailhead

For Montana residents dedicated to exploring the state's deep wilderness, choosing Halfmoon Campground is choosing the ultimate trailhead access to the formidable Crazy Mountains. What is truly worth selecting here is the combination of spectacular scenery, seclusion, and immediate proximity to the Big Timber Creek trail system.

The value of Halfmoon lies in its raw, natural state—it’s where the road ends and the adventure begins. Campers must be self-reliant, prepared for a rough access road, and comfortable without modern hookups. In return, they receive a secluded, spacious campsite on a rushing creek, with the dramatic peaks of the Crazies as their backdrop. For the angler who wants to cast into Big Timber Creek, the hiker pushing toward Twin Lakes, or anyone seeking to unplug and experience the pure, untamed beauty of Montana's "island mountain ranges," Halfmoon Campground is the premier, authentic choice.