Managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Miles City Field Office, BLM Mathews Recreation Area sits along the Tongue River just outside Miles City, giving campers a riverside setting without the drive into remote backcountry. The area has three or four first-come, first-served sites, none of them directly on the river, though trees provide shade across most of the grounds. A large covered pavilion with barbecues accommodates group gatherings, and a boat launch gives anglers and paddlers direct water access.
Sites are not numbered but each includes a picnic table and fire ring, with some adding a grill. The grounds are consistently described as well-maintained across multiple reviews. Concrete walkways make the area ADA accessible, and vault toilets are kept clean. One detail worth knowing: there is no potable water on site, so campers need to bring their own supply. The nearest Big Sky Camp & RV Park is a few miles southwest for those who want hookups instead.
Noise is a real consideration here. A rail line runs roughly a quarter mile from camp, and trains pass through at night. Steve S. sums it up plainly: "Other than the occasional train was nice and quiet." Cell service is available, and the campground is listed as big-rig friendly, though most reviewers suggest the layout works best for tents and smaller vehicles. Pets are welcome. If the Tongue River corridor fits your route, this is a functional and well-kept overnight stop.
Description
Matthews Recreation Area is accessed by gravel road and features a number of picnic tables, grills and a covered dining area. The Yellowstone River can be accessed by canoe or kayak; however no improved boat launch facilities are present. Fishing, bird watching and wildlife viewing are frequent activities at this site. Overnight camping is permitted. This is a 'Pack In, Pack Out' area and all garbage must be removed. No fireworks are allowed. Be mindful of seasonal and area fire restrictions.
Individuals or organizations wishing to use the site for group activities maybe required to get a Special Recreation Permit. This depends on the type ofactivity planned, the number of participants and the duration of use.Do yourself and your guests a favor and contact the field office beforehand to check for other scheduled events orcalendaring conflicts. BLM staff need some lead time to prepare the paperwork if a permit is needed. For event scheduling details, contact us at (406) 233-2800.
Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, standing grills, covered picnic area, interpretive kiosk, handicap accessible fishing platform and cement walking path. While there are no dumpsters, there are a few city-maintained garbage bins on site. Please remove your own garbage and do not leave any trash outside of the designated bins.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBLM Mathews Recreation Area is located in Montana near Miles City
Public CampgroundDirections
Travel 9 miles northeast of Miles City on Valley Drive East. At the sign for Matthews Recreation Area, turn left (Tusler Road), go across the railroad tracks. Follow the road and take a left at the BLM Matthews Recreation Area sign.
Coordinates
46.50230253916269 N
105.73455335941588 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/28/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/28/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 7 min from Billings, MT
- 3 hrs 31 min from Bismarck, ND
- 3 hrs 36 min from Rapid City, SD
- 4 hrs 26 min from Minot, ND
