Cooke City Area Recreation – Backpacking

Maybe you're ready to try backcountry camping after an inspiring visit to a national park. Maybe you want to introduce your kids to the great outdoors or maybe you're a longtime hiker. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Gallatin and Custer National Forests are here for you!  Lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, vistas, fishing, animals, flowers and so much more is here for you.

Nothing says Montana like a backcountry camping experience. Please practice Leave No Trace principles, Be Bear Aware, and familiarize yourself with the following required permits:

• State Trust Land Overnight Horseback Use —A Special Recreational Use License, available only from Department of Natural Resources and Conservation  offices, is required for an overnight stay with horses on State Trust Land. Learn more
• U.S. Forest Service —Please refer to the specific national forest website for information on backcountry camping. Learn more
• Yellowstone National Park —A Backcountry Use Permit is required for all overnight camping in Yellowstone National Park. Learn more 

                     Camp site after a day of hiking 

                                Fields of flowers

                              

                              Tent set up safely away from food area         

Hikers, backpackers and campers are reminded to keep food, garbage, grills and other attractants stored in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof food storage boxes. 

Bear safety information is available on the Yellowstone Park bear safety web page at Click here and in the park newsletter.  Yellowstone also recently produced a new video on the proper use of bear spray, which will be available soon. 

Yellowstone Park trail closure information can be found at Click here.