Portal Creek Campsite - Near Big Sky, Montana

This small and remote tent campsite feels completely hidden, yet it’s less than 30 minutes from the heart of Big Sky, Montana! You’ll find it tucked away in the small but deep Portal Creek Canyon that branches east from the Gallatin River Canyon. We were there in late July and it was still lush and green, and the drive along the road offered interesting views of rock formations peeking out from the pine trees high above us, and the creek was deep in the canyon below us for most of the drive to the campsite. Having a high-clearance vehicle is wise to get to this campsite because Portal Creek Road was bumpy and washboard at some points. To get to the campsite, turn east from U.S. Hwy 191 (Gallatin Road) to Portal Creek Road. Follow Portal Creek Road #984 for 3 miles. Next you’ll cross a little bridge over Portal Creek. (This is the first time you drive over the creek, and the creek will be on your left now.) Keep driving a little further. (Less than 0.3 miles) and turn left on the next tiny road you find. There will be one campground on your left and the campground we liked best on the end of this short road. The road had some big, deep mud puddles here, so we were happy to have our high-clearance vehicle! There is also a second spot higher than ours where you can fit a couple more tents. We felt completely hidden away from the rest of the world in this spot!