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Clark Canyon Recreation Area

7 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Clark Canyon Recreation Area, near Dillon, Montana, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. With free camping for up to 14 nights, you can set up camp right by the reservoir, where the views of the snow-capped mountains are nothing short of breathtaking.

The campground offers picnic tables under shelters and fire pits at each site, making it a cozy place to gather with friends or family. Visitors have noted that the sites are spacious and well-kept, with clean vault toilets and drinking water available. One camper mentioned, “You can stay in this great campground which has clean toilet, drinking water, fire pit, a shelter style cabin, boat ramp, small sandy beach for swimming, and beautiful water/lake view.”

For those who enjoy water activities, the lake is perfect for boating and kayaking. Just be sure to bring bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be quite persistent. The area is also great for fishing, and with multiple loops to choose from, you can find a spot that suits your needs.

While the campground is conveniently located just off the highway, it still offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great stopover or a longer retreat. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, Clark Canyon has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.

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Location

Clark Canyon Recreation Area is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.98471311 N
112.8699 W

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
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5 min away

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1 hr 17 min away

Drive Time

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

L
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2023

Free and Comfortable

We’ve stayed at Clark Canyon a few times. It’s right off the highway, on the reservoir, and pretty quiet. Most sites are open and can get very hot. Some sites have picnic shelters, some just tables. Not a lot of trees.

Trash and bathrooms available.

SiteNear reservoir, but not at the water
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Clark Canyon Recreation Area by Lisa C., July 24, 2023
  • Clark Canyon neighbors
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  • Review photo of Clark Canyon Recreation Area by Lisa C., July 24, 2023
C
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2023

Just off the highway

Just south of Dillon, Montana on the west side of the highway is the Clark Canyon Reservoir. Free camping up to 14 nights. Everyone gets there own picnic table under a shelter and a firepit. The sites are far apart and flat. The mountains are right here! Full of snow and it can be windy but it’s a nice quick stopover as we head south.

Month of VisitApril
SThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 12, 2022

Beautiful scenery

The back drop of the snow capped mountains across the reservoir was spectacular. Prepare for wind. Very clean and well kept spot for boondocking

Sitethe sites are not numbered, however free
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Clark Canyon Recreation Area by Sue Y., May 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Clark Canyon Recreation Area by Sue Y., May 12, 2022
Angela G.
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2021

Beautiful views good cell coverage

Beautiful lake! Perfect for boating and kayaking. There is a designated camping area that looked to have electric hook ups, further into the canyon are more dispersed sites. The sites are large and level with vault toilets. There were multiple loops you could choose from. I had great cell coverage with Verizon. The mosquitos were out of control so be sure to bring bug spray and netting. Watch for snakes. The sites had their own covered picnic areas and fire pits.

Month of VisitJuly
A
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2021

Unbelievable facilities for free

You can stay in this great campground which has clean toilet, drinking water, fire pit, a shelter style cabin, boat ramp, small sandy beach for swimming, and beautiful water/lake view, plus handicap accessible for 14 days and it won’t cost you anything, FREE !!!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Clark Canyon Recreation Area by Alex T., June 1, 2021
Cheryl E.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2020

Horse Prairie Campground

on the Clark canyon resivour. Great place to camp. picnic tables are in a shelter for each camping space, vault toilets are clean, there is garbage cans available, and pump up water. There is also a boat ramp but lake is low right now.

  • Review photo of Clark Canyon Recreation Area by Cheryl E., October 10, 2020
smittie The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 24, 2020

beautiful high desert camping

camping all around this huge reservoir as well as great fishing. there are six campgrounds here. camping is first come, first served and free at all except for lewis and clark campground which has full rv hook-ups. the price there is $30 per night and half price with senior pass.

Sitelook
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Clark Canyon Recreation Area by smittie , September 24, 2020
Showing results 1-7 of 7 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreation activities are available at Clark Canyon Recreation Area besides camping?

Clark Canyon Recreation Area offers numerous activities centered around its beautiful reservoir. Water activities dominate with excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, and swimming at the small sandy beach area. The stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains creates a scenic setting for photography and wildlife viewing. Hiking options are available in the surrounding area. The wide-open spaces are perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature, though visitors should prepare for potentially windy conditions. The recreation area's proximity to Dillon, Montana also makes it convenient for day trips.

How do I make reservations for camping at Clark Canyon Reservoir?

Clark Canyon Reservoir operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations required for most camping areas. Camping is free at most of the six campgrounds around the reservoir, with a 14-day maximum stay limit. The exception is Lewis and Clark Campground, which offers full RV hookups for $30 per night (half price for senior pass holders). No reservation system is mentioned for this area either, so it's best to arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot. For current reservation policies, contact the campground or managing agency.

Is fishing allowed at Clark Canyon Reservoir and what species can I catch?

Yes, fishing is absolutely allowed at Clark Canyon Reservoir, and it's known as a great fishing destination. The reservoir is a popular spot for anglers, with convenient boat ramps available for easier access to fishing spots (though water levels can fluctuate seasonally). While specific fish species aren't detailed in available information, Montana reservoirs typically offer trout fishing opportunities, which may include rainbow, brown, and brook trout. For the most current information on fish species, limits, and licensing requirements, check with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before your visit.

What amenities are available at Clark Canyon Reservoir Campground?

Clark Canyon Reservoir Campground offers several convenient amenities for campers. Each site includes a picnic table (many under shelters), fire pits, and flat, spacious camping areas. The campground provides clean vault toilets, trash receptacles, and drinking water via pump. Some areas have picnic shelters that resemble cabin-style structures. The Lewis and Clark Campground section offers full RV hookups for a fee, while most other camping areas around the reservoir are more basic. The campground is also handicap accessible and features boat ramps for easy water access.

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