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Facilities

Dispersed Camping

Captain Clark

Captain Clark, near Custer, Montana, is a unique camping spot that offers a peaceful escape right by the Yellowstone River. With a few well-spaced sites, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, it’s a solid choice for those looking to unwind in nature.

This location is perfect for fishing and enjoying the river views, though be prepared for some pesky mosquitoes—bring your repellent! Visitors have noted the serene atmosphere, with one camper mentioning, “It’s quiet even with other campers.” The area is also home to various wildlife, including geese and wild turkeys, adding to the natural charm.

Accessing Captain Clark is straightforward, and while it’s close enough to I94 for convenience, the noise from the highway is minimal. Just remember, a Montana Conservation License is required to camp here, which can be easily obtained online. Whether you're stopping for a night or planning a longer stay, Captain Clark offers a relaxing retreat with beautiful scenery and a touch of history.

Description

State Park

Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

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Location

Captain Clark is located in Montana

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

46.07500098 N
107.72200027 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Captain Clark needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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12 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 6, 2024

Convenient overnight near the interstate

We needed an easy stop crossing from WA to the Midwest. When we arrived, a number of sites were being used, but they were just there for the day. We loved our spacious spot with an amazing view of the river. Few bugs in September. We backtracked the next morning to explore Pompey's Pillar National Monument.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Dorothy J., November 6, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2024

Nice spot for fishing

Didnt camp but stopped to cook lunch, seems fine for tent or car camp, theres a few old picknick tables and an outhouse toilet. A few boaters at the boat ramp and one small area to get down to the river for dip (beware fast rapid spots), or use pier for fishing. No bites after a few casts but wasnt planning to stay as it was 92 degrees with not much shade.

SiteN/A
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2024

Convenient, views, swimming hole

There are only four spots to camp here but they are large and grassy. Each of them faces the river with a firepit and a table. There is a vault toilet near the boat launch. The spots are relatively secluded. The Yellowstone River is a fast moving and dangerous ricer but there is a great swimming hole on the other side of the boat launch. It’s easy to get to the campsites. There is a train track near by. LOTS of cool bird activity.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Morgan B., August 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Morgan B., August 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Morgan B., August 17, 2024
Reviewed May. 16, 2024

Hidden gem convenient location

Fortunately, there is good signage guiding you in here from the frontage road. If there wasn’t, one would almost feel as though they were driving onto someone’s property as opposed to public land.

I loved this place because it was close enough to I94 to feel convenient but far enough away that the noise from the freeway wasn’t bothersome although it’s so peaceful here, you can still hear the road. But you’re hearing it from a distance. It’s far from overpowering.

We were lucky enough to get the site under this truly massive tree that was likely here when captain clark was on his expedition. The pics don’t do justice to its size but use my camper for comparison. Haha

Sites are well spread apart. Fire rings and picnic tables at each. FYI, there is no place nearby to purchase firewood. Stop in Miles City or Billings on your way in depending on the direction you’re coming from if you need it.

You do have to have a MT Conservation License to stay here. They out of state variety that I had to purchase was $10 and is good for an entire year at this and any other location in the state that requires it. The good news is that the sign board at the campground has a QR code on it and I had three bars of Verizon to do it from the campsite.

No one ever came through to check if I had it, but one would have to understand that they do maintain these places to some degree and that maintenance has a cost.

We saw several geese. Heard several wild turkeys but never saw them. And we were greeted with an amazing sunrise right before we set out on our way.

Definitely recommend this place if you’re traveling I94. Would most definitely stay again.

Sitemassive tree site no number
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Kevin C., May 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Kevin C., May 16, 2024
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Kevin C., May 16, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 14, 2024

Montana Conservation License Required!

A Montana State Parks Conservation Permit is now required to camp here. Don't know if they enforce that requirement. Here's the link. Your permit is good all year.

https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/landing_input

This is a great spot. I was here on a week night very quiet. Only one other couple. Lots of birds. You can see where the beavers have been at work felling trees on they way in. Wild turkeys were pretty vocal last evening.

Easy to imagine Capt. William Clark floating past in 1806 in his lashed together canoes on his way to the Missouri to rejoin Capt. Merriweather Lewis.

It is actually a fishing access point with boat ramp. A little slow going in on the dirt road. Could be slick if rainy. There are 4 campsites with fire rings and a pit toilet at the far end.

Length limit on vehicles is 20 feet. They clarify 20 ft tow vehicle and 20 ft trailer. Don't know how strict they are on this. It would be tough to get anything big in here anyway. You can stay here up to 7 days.

SiteNot numbered. Stayed across from boat ramp.
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Mike C., May 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Mike C., May 14, 2024
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Mike C., May 14, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2023

Right on the Yellowstone River

Approx 4 spots right on the Yellowstone River. Pretty buggy. Bring your mosquito repellent. The. site is experiencing some river bank erosion due to runoff. Fire grates at each site. Some overflow make due sites that could work at the boat ramp.

Sitesecond one as you pull in right on the river.
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Sep. 18, 2021

Great place to stop for a night

Beautiful spot by the river. Kind of crowded for how secluded it was, but we got a good camp site by a gorgeous old cottonwood tree that provided some privacy. Downside is people come in and out all night long to load boats in and out, which got obnoxious, but overall we had a really nice night there.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2021

Great spot along river

This spot is a hidden gem. If you like a view along the river where it’s quiet even with other campers this is the spot! Some nice tall trees, but up against the river and some bluffs off on the other side of the river

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2021

Loved it

Dirt road to get to, keep going all the way back past train tracks and houses. Sites are nice, everyone dispersed pretty well. Vault toilet super clean. Right on the river, so silent.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2021

Good views and easy to get too.

Great spot right next to the river. Has toilet and boat ramp. Shade is good. Not too many things to do around the area unless a boat is brought in, but great for quick one night camping.

Siteopen
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Robert B., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Robert B., June 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Robert B., June 12, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2020

Nice spot with boat launch

A few miles off of the highway and you will find this nice camping area along the Yellowstone River. Very windy the day we were there, but the campsites were nice with fire rings and the scenery was exceptional. This is close to Pompey’s Pillar(which is currently closed for repair), and the Little Bighorn battlefield. Also not far from Billings.

  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Chad L., September 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Chad L., September 5, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2019

River camping

Jam up camp site by the river. Off the main highway and doesn’t look like too many people know about it. A small tow behind camper would fit in here. There is a boat launch too.

  • Review photo of Captain Clark by Luke H., July 26, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Captain Clark?

    Captain Clark allows vehicles up to 20 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Captain Clark?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Captain Clark, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Captain Clark have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Captain Clark does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Captain Clark?

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