Outdoors
Boating and kayaking near Bozeman
Lakes, reservoirs and rivers near Bozeman for boating, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
17places to boat and paddle
0 mito the closest
7within 30 miles
June–Septemberbest months
Good to know: Life jackets are required for children on most waters, and many lakes require an invasive-species inspection or a launch fee.
Closest picks
Lower Hyalite Group
9 mi south · USDA Forest Service
Lower Hyalite Group Site is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is just nine miles south of Bozeman, MT.
Hood Creek Campground
14 mi south · USDA Forest Service
Hood Creek Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is 17 miles south of the city of Bozeman, Mont.
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Within 30 miles (7)
Custer Gallatin National Forest
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Off-highway vehicles
Lower Hyalite Group
Lower Hyalite Group Site is located in scenic Hyalite Canyon on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is just nine miles south of Bozeman, MT.
- Backpacking
- Berry Picking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Climbing
- Fishing
- Hiking
Hood Creek Campground
Hood Creek Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir, on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is 17 miles south of the city of Bozeman, Mont.
- Backpacking
- Berry Picking
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Hyalite Pavilion
The Hyalite Pavilion is a day use picnicking area located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Gallatin National Forest. It is 15 miles south of the city of Bozeman, MT.
- Backpacking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
Chisholm Campground
Chisholm Campground is located next to scenic Hyalite Reservoir in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest, 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana.
- Berry Picking
- Biking
- Birding
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
Greek Creek Campground
Greek Creek Campground is located in scenic Gallatin Canyon, in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Gallatin National Forest. It is 30 miles south of the city of Bozeman, Montana.
- Birding
- Camping
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Photography
- Rafting
- Star Gazing
- Water Access
Lee Metcalf Wilderness
The Bear Trap Wilderness is one of the four units of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The Bear Trap is the first wilderness areas to be managed by the BLM.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wilderness
- Wildlife viewing
30 to 75 miles (1)
Canyon Ferry Lake
Canyon Ferry Dam and reservoir are located in Montana about 50 miles downstream from where the Gallatin, Madison, and Jefferson Rivers join to form the Missouri River.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
75 miles and farther (9)
Helena Valley Reservoir
The Helena Valley Unit is in central Montana, adjoining the city of Helena, Montana, and 3.5 miles west of Canyon Ferry Dam on the Missouri River.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Winter sports
Yellowstone National Park
On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal wonders. Today, millions of people come here each year to camp, hike, and enjoy the majesty of the park.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- History
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge has often been called the most beautiful National Wildlife Refuge in the United States.
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fire Lookouts/Cabins Overnight
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback riding
Island Park Reservoir
Island Park Reservoir which is formed by Island Park Dam is a major feature of the Mindoka Project. Recreation on this 11 square mile (7,000-acre) reservoir with 64 miles of shoreline is administered by the Targhee National Forest .
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
Dickie Bridge Campground
Dickie Bridge Campground provides visitors with a shaded, rustic place for tents and RVs up to 24 feet in length, as well as direct access to world-class trout fishing and seasonal floating.
- Boating
- Camping
- Wildlife viewing
Clark Canyon Reservoir
Recreation on Clark Canyon Reservoir and Barrett's Diversion Dam, located on the Beaverhead River south of Dillon, Montana, is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- History
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Recreational Vehicles
- Water sports
Clarks Fork of The Yellowstone
The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone flows through the Shoshone National Forest through the awesome Clarks Fork Canyon into BLM-administered public lands, located just inside the mouth of the canyon.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Hunting
- Nature education
- Off-highway vehicles
- Photography
Grassy Lake
Grassy Lake which is formed by Grassy Lake Dam is a major feature on the Mindoka Project. This 1,477-acre reservoir is located near the Wyoming-Idaho border between Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Water sports
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Bozeman. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
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More outdoors near Bozeman
- Hiking near Bozeman
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- Wildlife viewing and birding near Bozeman
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- Off-roading and OHV areas near Bozeman
- Snow play and winter sports near Bozeman
- Parks in Bozeman
- Day trips
- Weather by month
Questions
Where is the closest place for boating & paddling near Bozeman?
Custer Gallatin National Forest (USDA Forest Service), about 0 miles south of Bozeman as the crow flies. Next are Lower Hyalite Group (9 mi) and Hood Creek Campground (14 mi).
When is the best time for boating & paddling near Bozeman?
Based on Bozeman’s average highs, June–September. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.