Boaters and anglers find direct access to Holter Lake at this Bureau of Land Management campground located just below Holter Dam. The 15 sites sit along the edge of a large parking area, with 13 offering flat grassy areas suitable for tents. Two sites have limited tent space due to their proximity to each other. All sites include covered picnic tables and fire rings, with an ADA-accessible site positioned near the vault toilets featuring a concrete pad that extends around the fire ring.
"Most sites are large that will accommodate a camper and boat trailer," notes nancy H.. The campground accommodates RVs up to 68 feet with water and sewer hookups available, though no electrical service means generators run frequently during busy periods. Multiple water stations provide potable water throughout the area. The boat launch sits adjacent to the camping area, making it convenient for those bringing watercraft.
Swimming occurs in a designated beach area where pets are not allowed, while other water access points feature large rocks for erosion control. The fish cleaning station remains closed due to vandalism. Z S. found "a lot of water stations" and noted that "all other water access has large rocks for erosion mitigation." Wildlife viewing opportunities include bighorn sheep on the surrounding hills.
Access involves narrow paved roads that can make maneuvering challenging, particularly when backing into sites lined with wooden rails. The campground fills up most spring and summer weekends but sees lighter use on weekdays. Reservations are available for some sites, while others operate on a first-come basis. Limited services exist in nearby Wolf Creek and Craig, so campers should arrive prepared. For those wanting additional amenities, Holter Lake State Rec Area provides an alternative one mile north.
Description
Overview
Holter Lake Campground is situated on the picturesque Holter Lake in west central Montana. The site is located approximately 45 miles north of Helena, Montana, along the Missouri River. The area offers stunning views of the Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area. Gates of the Mountains Historic Site is in close proximity of the campground, which is accessible via a watercraft. The area is overflowing with outdoor adventure opportunities. Whether you're into fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, boating, water skiing, or all of the above, all of these activities are in close proximity to Holter Lake Campground. There is surely an activity for everyone!
Recreation
Holter Lake Campground offers excellent recreational opportunities. Activities in the area include camping, boating (motorized and non-motorized), fishing, water skiing, hiking, scenic/wildlife photography, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. There are trails within the general vicinity, as well as multiple fishing access sites and hunting access points. The recreation opportunities in the area are truly boundless.
Facilities
Holter Lake Campground offers several amenities that will make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Holter Lake Campground is a 52-site campground that has spacious and level gravel parking pads that accommodate RVs, camper trailers, and tents. There are 9 tent-only sites. Most of the campsites can accomodate up to 2 RVs or tents per site. Of the 52 sites, all are reservation only. First come first serve sites may be avaible on a daily basis after 2pm but are not guaranteed. Holter lake Campground features a large concrete boat launch with a courtesy dock, as well as day-use and overnight dock slips for those camping in the campground. The docks are first-come, first-served, with no assigned slips. There is potable water provided throughout the campground and day-use areas, as well as garbage dumpsters. There are no hook-ups available. The A loop and tent area sites contain a fire ring with a grill grate in addition to a picnic table. There are also picnic tables and benches along the lake to take in the views.
Natural Features
Every campsite has a view of the lake and mountains. The campground and day-use area has poplar and green ash trees throughout the campground, which provide shade during the height of the summer. The site is situated in a shrub-steppe landscape, mostly comprised of sage brush and bunch grasses. The campground is surrounded by sparsely wooded hills.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (406) 233-1098 or call (406) 318-8100 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
Holter Lake Campground is located in a prime location to get out and recreate outdoors. There is access to public lands, where multiple recreation opportunities and experiences are available. The campground is adjacent to the Missouri River, which was also the historical travel corridor for The Lewis and Clark Trail. Holter Lake Campground is situated between Helena and Great Falls. In Helena, there are great restaurants, museums, the capitol building, old mining settlements, Last Chance Gulch, Reeder's Alley, and a vibrant downtown area. In or near Great Falls, there is the First People's Buffalo Jump and Interpretive Center, Charlie Russell museum, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Giant Springs Fish Hatchery and State Park, and Tower Rock State Park. The Continental Divide Trail is nearby.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. The recreation.gov cancellation policy can be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies
Fee Info
Each RV/trailer/tent costs $25 with a max of two of any combination per site.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Holter Lake will undergo water system replacement August 20September 4 and September 812, requiring temporary closure during these periods. Once complete, the upgraded system will deliver improved water quality and reliability, supporting the longterm sustainability of this highly used recreation site. Alternative camping is available at Devils Elbow, White Sandy, or Log Gulch. For more information, call (406) 2331098.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHolter Lake Campground is located in Montana near Wolf Creek
Directions
From Great Falls, Montana take Interstate-15 South towards Helena. Take exit 234 to Craig. Turn left heading to Craig and cross the Missouri River. Come to a \"T\" and then take a right on Recreation Road. Travel approximately 5 miles. Before crossing the Missouri River/steel bridge, turn left onto Beartooth Road. Continue 2.3 miles to Holter Lake Campground. The Campground will be on your right. From Helena, Montana take Interstate-15 north towards Great Falls. Take exit 226 to Wolf Creek. Turn right towards Recreation Road and cross the railroad tracks. Turn left onto Recreation Road. After crossing the Missouri River/steel bridge, turn right onto Beartooth Road. Continue 2.3 miles to Holter Lake Campground. The Campground will be on your right.
Address
1380 BEARTOOTH ROAD
Wolf creek, MT 59648
Coordinates
46.995022 N
111.990513 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageLast on 9/15/25
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/10/26- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 5/10/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageLast on 9/15/25
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/10/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 5/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 35 min from Helena, MT
- 45 min from Great Falls, MT
- 1 hr 55 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 58 min from Missoula, MT
