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Facilities

Established Camping

Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park

Vigilante Campground, near Dillon, Montana, is a unique spot that offers a blend of history and nature right next to the Bannack State Park. With its proximity to the historic Bannack ghost town, you can easily step back in time while enjoying the great outdoors.

This campground features sites that are spacious enough for families, with plenty of room for kids to run around and play. Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere, with Grasshopper Creek flowing nearby, making it a perfect backdrop for fishing or just relaxing by the water. One camper mentioned, “Awesome little campground next to Grasshopper Creek,” highlighting the charm of the location.

Amenities include vault toilets and a community water faucet, but keep in mind there are no electric hookups or showers. Campers appreciate the shaded areas provided by large cottonwood trees, which offer a nice respite from the sun. As one reviewer pointed out, “Just empty your tanks and fill up on water, food, and supplies in Dillon.”

For those looking to explore, the ghost town is just a short walk away, and the park often hosts reenactments that bring history to life. Whether you’re camping in a tent, RV, or even a tipi, Vigilante Campground is a great base for enjoying both the natural beauty and rich history of the area.

Description

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Region 3

Bannack State Park

Bannack State Park is a National Historic Landmark and the site of Montana's first major gold discovery on July 28, 1862. This strike set off a massive gold rush that swelled Bannack's population to over 3,000 by 1863. As the easy to mine gold steadily dwindled, Bannack's bustling population slowly declined till no one was left. Over 50 buildings line Main Street; their historic log and frame structures recall Montana's formative years.

A walk down the deserted streets of Bannack evokes a feeling of the realities faced in the 'Old West.' Bannack is the best preserved of all Montana ghost towns -- being preserved rather than restored, protected rather than exploited.

Bannack Days, with historic displays, re-enactors, and activities, is held the third weekend in July each year. Tours are conducted from the visitor center, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Bannack has one wall tent and two campgrounds; Vigilante and Road Agent offering a total of 24 campsites, 8 of which are available on a first come, first served basis.

Bannack also has several group day use facilities for special events and occasions. Inquire with park staff regarding their availability.

<font>ADA designated campsites may only be reserved and occupied by a party who can provide proof of disability upon arrival. Proof of eligibility for at least one member of your party will be required in the form of a DMV (or other states equivalent) issued person with disabilities placard or disabilities motor vehicle license plate. The eligible member of your party must be an occupant of the site for the entire reserved period. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your reservation fee. Additional cancellation fees will be applied. </font>

Some yurts, cabins and group facilities are ADA accessible and do not require proof of disability upon arrival.

Camping is allowed in designated areas only. All boats, trailers, rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided. Any equipment that does not fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur must be parked outside the campground in an area designated by the park manager.

Open fires are allowed only in established iron fire rings and grills. Propane and LPG camp stoves are allowed. Smoking is not allowed except in enclosed vehicles or developed sites at least 3 feet in diameter and cleared of all flammable materials.

Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.

Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites and 3:00pm for yurts, cabins and wall tent's (local time).

The maximum capacity at each individually signed or numbered campsite is eight (8) people. This typically involves a single camping unit, which includes, but not limited to, a tent, motor home, camping bus, truck mounted camper shell, pull-type camper, or other device designed and commonly used for sleeping. In the event the site is designated as Double Site, the site capacity for that site is doubled to allow for sixteen (16) people and two camping units.

Campfires are allowed in designated areas only!

Pets must be kept on a leash. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions.

Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am.

Fireworks are prohibited in all parks at all times. No Exceptions..

In case of an emergency when visiting Montana State Parks, please dial 911. You may also wish to notify park staff for additional assistance if necessary.

For non-emergency assistance please contact park staff.

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Location

Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Directions

**Bannack State Park is located in the southwestern area of Montana.** Take I-15 south of Dillon to exit #59 (Highway 278 exit.) Drive west on Highway 278 for 17 miles. Turn south onto the Bannack Road and travel four miles. Park entrance road will be on the left hand side.

Address

4200 Bannack Rd
Dillon, MT 59725

Coordinates

45.16492035 N
113.00419928 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2022

Just Awesome

Awesome little campground next to Grasshopper Creek. There aren’t many sites here but we were lucky enough to get two. Each space has plenty of room for the kids to run around and play. Caught a few fish on the fly too. Mosquitos were bad, no surprise there with the creek close by. The ghost town is a must see!

Site9 & 16
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Jeff W., August 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Jeff W., August 9, 2022
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Jeff W., August 9, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2020

Beautiful small camp

Nestled next to an old ghost town with a creek flowing around it. No att coverage, super quiet. No hook ups. Vault toilets, community water faucet. Plenty of room for our 30’ trailer and truck. Just empty your tanks and fill up on water, food and supplies in Dillon. Heavily shaded. Bring a generator to charge you bank, though I felt bad about running them because of the disruption in the serenity.

  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Richard M., December 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Richard M., December 7, 2020
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Richard M., December 7, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2019

Cool spot

Went on a last minute get away for the weekend. Loved the spot camped right on Grass Hopper Creek and its walking distance to Bannack Ghost Town. Friendly Camp host and you can buy firewood from him as well!

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2018

Great Historical State Park with two campgrounds

If you like history, ghost towns and camping then Bannack State Park is for you. Bannack Montana was the 1st Territorial Capital of Montana. The Ghost town allows you a look at how settlers and miners leaved in the early day of Montana. See the 1st Territorial Governors Manson (ok, small cabin). Almost all of building you can enter. The best times to visit is when reenactments are happening at the park. The state park has two small campgrounds, Vigilante Campground with 15 sites and one Tipi site. One of the sites at the Vigilante site is only for bikers. Vigilante campsites can be reserved. The other campground is Road Agent Campground. Road Agent has 8 sites. Both sites have Vault Toilets, water and trash bins.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Dexter I., September 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Dexter I., September 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Dexter I., September 17, 2018
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2018

Camp near a ghost town

Vigilante campground at Bannack State Park is perfect for those who like ghost towns. The Campground has 16 sites, one site is just for those arriving by bike. A tipi is available for $30 a night for Montana residents or $42 for non-residents. Sites are a little pricey starting at $18 for residents $28 for non-residents. Kids visiting the park can work on a Jr. Ranger program. Great time to visit is when they have volunteers dressed in period clothing. You can go in to and check out just about every building in the town. The state park has a second campground, Road Agent, near this one.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Dexter I., September 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Dexter I., September 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Dexter I., September 17, 2018
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2018

Awesome

You can stay in a teepee. Excellent campsite right next to a ghost town.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Kat S., August 10, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2018

Great for kids

Campgrounds are right by the creek, awesome 100+ year old buildings. Check out Bannack Days!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Megan B., July 23, 2018
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Megan B., July 23, 2018
  • Merry go round in the schoolhouse yard
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Reviewed Apr. 26, 2018

A Quiet Ghost Town

This town holds quite a lot of history. It's open to exploration by the public. Every building is a slowly fading time capsule of a long forgotten time. I enjoyed trekking up and down the single street - investigating at my leisure. The campground itself was clean and safe.

SiteSite 8
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Lindsey A., April 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Lindsey A., April 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Lindsey A., April 26, 2018
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2017

Camp next to a ghost town!

Bannack is a ghost town that has been designated as a MT State Park. The 1860s mining town's buildings have been stabilized but not restored. It's fascinating. The adjacent campground would be handy but is $28 for those who are not Montana residents. The sites are closely spaced but do offer a few large cottonwoods for shade. A creek runs through the campground, and all was well maintained.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Gretchen B., July 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Gretchen B., July 1, 2017
  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Gretchen B., July 1, 2017
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2015

Perfectly preserved ghost town

Bannack lies in a remote corner of Montana, but there is much to see and do at the Bannack State Park. The Bannack ghost town is extensive and well-preserved. They offer tours, gold panning and more. Great family stop on a road trip. Very interesting.

  • Review photo of Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park by Lindsay B., July 10, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Vigilante Campground — Bannack State Park?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.