Sportsman Lake is a remote backcountry camping destination in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, situated within the Gallatin Bear Management Area. The lake is accessed via the Sportsman Lake Trail, which begins at the Glen Creek Trailhead approximately 4.7 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs at Golden Gate (Kingman Pass). The approach from the east covers roughly 13 miles, while the western approach from the Specimen Creek or Bacon Rind Trailheads is approximately 11 miles. Two designated campsites are located near the lake: WD2 (stock camp) and WD3 (backpacker camp). A pit toilet is available at the site near the patrol cabin. A Backcountry Use Permit is required year-round for all overnight stays; the fee is $5 per person per night plus a $10 reservation fee. Permits can be reserved through Recreation.gov during peak season (May 15–October 31) or obtained as walk-up permits at park backcountry offices. Pets are prohibited in the backcountry. Wildlife such as moose and deer are commonly sighted in the surrounding meadows.
All overnight stays require a backcountry permit year-round. Recreation fees are $5 per person, per night plus a $10 reservation fee. The prime backpacking period is late June through the end of September.
Near the lake sit a lone stock camp (WD2) and backpacker camp (WD3). A pit toilet is at the site closer to the patrol cabin.
If you approach from the east near Mammoth Hot Springs, it's nearly a 13-mile trek to reach it. From the west, it's roughly an 11-mile trek from either the Specimen Creek or Bacon Rind Trailhead.
Email: yell_backcountry_office@nps.gov - contact for the Central Backcountry Office at Yellowstone National Park.
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.
Sportsman Lake is a remote backcountry camping destination in the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park, situated within the Gallatin Bear Management Area. The lake is accessed via the Sportsman Lake Trail, which begins at the Glen Creek Trailhead approximately 4.7 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs at Golden Gate (Kingman Pass). The approach from the east covers roughly 13 miles, while the western approach from the Specimen Creek or Bacon Rind Trailheads is approximately 11 miles. Two designated campsites are located near the lake: WD2 (stock camp) and WD3 (backpacker camp). A pit toilet is available at the site near the patrol cabin. A Backcountry Use Permit is required year-round for all overnight stays; the fee is $5 per person per night plus a $10 reservation fee. Permits can be reserved through Recreation.gov during peak season (May 15–October 31) or obtained as walk-up permits at park backcountry offices. Pets are prohibited in the backcountry. Wildlife such as moose and deer are commonly sighted in the surrounding meadows.
All overnight stays require a backcountry permit year-round. Recreation fees are $5 per person, per night plus a $10 reservation fee. The prime backpacking period is late June through the end of September.
Near the lake sit a lone stock camp (WD2) and backpacker camp (WD3). A pit toilet is at the site closer to the patrol cabin.
If you approach from the east near Mammoth Hot Springs, it's nearly a 13-mile trek to reach it. From the west, it's roughly an 11-mile trek from either the Specimen Creek or Bacon Rind Trailhead.
Email: yell_backcountry_office@nps.gov - contact for the Central Backcountry Office at Yellowstone National Park.
CampgroundTour strives to provide accurate campground information but cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Information is subject to change — please confirm details with the agency managing this facility before booking or making travel decisions. See our Terms of Use.