Coal Banks Landing

Coal Banks Landing is located along the Upper Missouri River Breaks at river mile 41.5. The campground serves as a major access point to the Missouri River. While specific driving directions aren't detailed, the site is accessible by road and designed to accommodate various camping vehicles and boat trailers. For precise directions, it's advisable to check with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) which manages the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, or use GPS coordinates to navigate to this river access point.

Coal Banks Landing Campground offers basic but sufficient amenities for campers. The site features multiple vault toilets, 13 picnic tables, and 9 fire rings spread throughout the campground. There's plenty of open space for camping rigs of various sizes. A visitor center at the campground provides free WiFi, which is particularly useful for finishing up work before heading out on the river. Water access is available as this is a major river launch point, though campers should note that bugs can become quite intense in late summer months.

Reservations do not appear to be required at Coal Banks Landing Campground. The campground often has plenty of space available, even during summer months. Visitors have reported finding the campground mostly empty even on weekend nights in August, suggesting it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, since this is a popular launch point for river trips, the campground can get busy during peak floating seasons. To ensure availability during high-traffic periods, contact the BLM office that manages the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument for the most current information.

Coal Banks Landing serves primarily as a launch point for floating and boating adventures on the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The site offers excellent access to the Wild and Scenic Missouri River, particularly for those planning trips past the famous White Cliffs and Hole-in-the-Wall formations. Beyond river activities, visitors can enjoy riverside camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The natural setting provides opportunities for photography and stargazing. The campground's location on this scenic stretch of river makes it ideal for both day trips and as the starting point for multi-day floating expeditions through the monument.