Tom Miner Campground: A Secluded Montana Getaway

31 reviews

Tom Miner Campground Introduce

Tucked away in the heart of Montana's wilderness, Tom Miner Campground offers a unique and unforgettable camping experience for nature enthusiasts. Located just 10 miles down a dirt road, this hidden gem is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Nestled near Yankee Jim Canyon and close to Yellowstone National Park, Tom Miner Campground provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, crystal-clear creeks, and abundant wildlife.

This campground is ideal for those seeking an authentic outdoor adventure away from modern conveniences. With 16 well-spaced sites, each offering privacy and seclusion, campers can enjoy the natural sounds of the nearby creek while staying connected with nature. The lack of electricity and limited phone service creates a truly immersive wilderness experience, though generators are permitted for essential needs.

Tom Miner Campground is more than just a place to pitch your tent; it's a gateway to exploration and discovery. The area offers numerous hiking trails that lead to stunning natural attractions, including an ancient petrified forest and the Sky Rim Trail, which connects directly to Yellowstone National Park. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking to enjoy nature at a leisurely pace, there are trails for all skill levels. The campground also provides access to Buffalo Horn Pass, offering breathtaking views of Ramshorn Peak and the surrounding landscape.

For those who appreciate the beauty of Montana's wildflowers and wildlife, Tom Miner Campground is a haven. Mountain goats and bears frequent the area, making it essential for visitors to practice bear safety and carry bear spray. The cooler temperatures at over 7,000 feet provide a refreshing escape from the heat, while the lack of direct sunlight ensures a peaceful camping experience.

While the campground is remote, it's not entirely isolated. Gardiner, MT, is just a 27-mile drive away for those seeking basic amenities, and Livingston is about 43 miles from the site. For those looking to unplug and immerse themselves in nature, Tom Miner Campground is an ideal choice.

Secluded Location: Nestled in the Montana wilderness, offering privacy and a true escape from modern life.
Natural Beauty: Surrounded by mountains, creeks, wildflowers, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Hiking and Exploration: Access to trails leading to petrified forests, Yellowstone National Park, and other natural wonders.
Amenities: Basic facilities including outhouses (with limited supplies) and a water source (note: water well is out of service). No electricity available, but generators are permitted.
Wildlife: Spot mountain goats, bears, and other wildlife; bear safety is essential.

Tom Miner Campground is more than just a camping destination—it's an experience. For those seeking an authentic connection with nature, this campground offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Montana's wilderness. With its rugged beauty, abundant trails, and secluded atmosphere, Tom Miner Campground is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Details

Highlights
Picnics

Activities
Hiking

Amenities
Public restroom
Running water
Tent sites

Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes

Parking
On-site parking

Pets
Dogs allowed

Location

Montana Gallatin County Emigrant

Customer Reviews

4.0

31 reviews

Jim Macdonald

Jun 04, 2018

I love this campground with its seclusion, beautiful creek that snakes through it, and access to trails and mountains. Tom Miner Campground is 10 miles down a dirt road, the last three miles somewhat rough, off of the Paradise Valley near Yankee Jim Canyon ... the turnoff being 17 miles north of Yellowstone's North Entrance in Gardiner, Mont. There are 16 sites, with sites far enough apart to get privacy. The sound of the creek helps with that, too. There are two outhouses (one did not have toilet paper in it). There was a well for water, but it was actually out of service. Obviously, there is no electricity, though I saw people running a generator. And you largely do not get phone service, though you can occasionally get a signal. So, do not come here if you want modern comforts. But if you want a nice camping experience away from all that, this is perfect. You have access to trails that go to an ancient petrified forest. There is an interpretive trail explaining what you see on your hike up to these caves where you find a lot of the wood turned to stone. There is also a trail up to Buffalo Horn Pass, from which you can access a hike up Ramshorn Peak (10,200+ feet). Or, from there, you can even go less than two miles more and enter Yellowstone National Park on its Sky Rim Trail. The mountain views are beautiful here, plenty of wildflowers. You may spot mountain goats. There can also be bears, and so be bear safe with your food and carry bear spray. It also tends to be cooler here ... you are at over 7,000 feet and hidden from a lot of the sun. If you must reach civilization, Gardiner is about 27 miles from here and Livingston is about 43 miles. It costs $7 a night. You can pay by cash or check.

Robin Roberts

Aug 05, 2023

Everyone's idea of Heaven on Earth is here. An almost secret hideaway place with all the beauty people long for without the crowds!

Crystal

Jul 02, 2022

One of my favorites! Grizzlies are abundant so bear spray and proper bear procedures are necessary!

Keith Gammel

Jun 13, 2021

While we were staying in a local Cabin. I traveled here from just down the road one morning in hopes of seeing some grizzly bears. I however didn't see any while driving in or out. I did however see numerous Elk and 2 adult and 3 yearling Moose. Looks like a great place to hike. I was by myself and didn't want to chance it by hiking alone. Even though I had my bear spray. I read where the bear are very active here in the fall. The camping facilities look great for being a primitive area w/ bear boxes. There was restroom facilities.

Stefanie Cravens

Jun 20, 2023

Secluded, quiet, peaceful, restful campground. Quite a drive to it, but worth it. Outhouse was clean, beautiful stream running through camp. Worth it!!

Katherine D. Roberts

Jul 27, 2020

This campground is spectacular. If you want quiet beauty and feel like you're alone in the forest than Tom Miner is your place. It's one of my favorite!