Specimen Creek Junction is a designated backcountry campsite within Yellowstone National Park's northwest corner, set in the Gallatin Mountain Area along the Specimen Creek drainage. Reached on foot via the Specimen Creek Trail, which departs from a trailhead off US Highway 191, the site sits in a landscape of subalpine meadows and forest recovering from past fires. A backcountry use permit is required year-round for overnight stays; reservations for peak-season permits (May 15–October 31) are available through Recreation.gov, while walk-up permits may be obtained in person at a park Backcountry Permit Office within 48 hours of your trip. Grizzly bears are active throughout this region — visitors must carry bear spray, travel in groups of three or more, and store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers. Contact the Central Backcountry Office at (307) 344-2160 for current conditions, site availability, and permit details.
The Specimen Creek Trailhead is situated on the northwest side of Yellowstone near U.S. Highway 191 in the Gallatin Mountain Area. Permits required for overnight camping. Grizzly bears frequent this region — carry bear spray and travel in parties of 3+.
A backcountry permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in Yellowstone's backcountry. Peak season runs May 15 through October 31. The prime backpacking season is late June through the end of September.
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