Coal Banks Landing, near Loma, Montana, is a prime spot for those looking to kick off their river adventures. This campground is a popular launch point for canoe trips on the Missouri River, making it a bustling hub during peak times, but it also offers a peaceful retreat when the crowds thin out.

The campground is clean and well-maintained, featuring picnic tables and fire rings for your outdoor cooking and gathering needs. Visitors have noted the friendly camp staff, who are always ready to share their knowledge about the river and surrounding area. One camper mentioned, “It was very quiet and comfortable,” highlighting the sheltered location that keeps you protected from the wind.

For those who need to stay connected, there’s free WiFi available at the visitor center, which is handy for wrapping up any last-minute work before diving into nature. And if you’re lucky, you might even get a visit from the camp’s friendly dog, who’s always up for some petting.

While the campground is mostly open with few trees, it offers direct access to the river, making it a great spot for floating and fishing. Just be prepared for some pesky bugs in late summer. Whether you’re here for a quick overnight or a longer stay, Coal Banks Landing is a solid choice for enjoying the great outdoors.

Coal Banks Landing Campground, situated along the Upper Missouri River, is open from April 1 to December 1, annually. This is a popular site for launching watercraft, as well as camping, picnicking and fishing. The potable water system at the campground becomes operational after the last freeze in the spring, typically by May 15th. Campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis NO RESERVATIONS. There are 20 sites, five (5) of which can accommodate trailers or recreational vehicles (RVs) up to 40 feet in length. There are no hookups available. Each site has a designated fire ring and picnic table. The campground is equipped with vault toilets and trash dumpsters. The boat launch use is dependent on water levels, typically 5,000-7,000 cfs is required to launch motorized watercraft.

Coal Banks Landing

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This site is used almost entirely for people floating the wild and scenic Missouri River past the White Cliffs and the Hole-in-the-Wall. The site has a vault toilet, lots of room for your rig and obviously has river-front access. Bugs can get horrendous here in late summer. It's in the open with few trees, but it is what it is. It's the spot to rest/put-in/take-out on a float. 

Floating that Mighty Mo?

This is an enjoyable campground along the Upper Missouri River Breaks on river mile 41.5\. Site has two vault toilets, 13 picnic table, and 9 firer rings. Visit Center provides WiFi. This is a major launch area for floating the Upper Missouri Rive Breaks National Monument. Very friendly camp staff with vast knowledge of the river.

Great camp along the Upper Missouri River Breaks 

It’s a nice clean campsite to begin your boating adventure on the river with lots of space. The cabin has free WiFi to finish up work before heading into nature. The bathrooms are pretty average for outhouses as well. Also, if your lucky, the camp’s doggo May visit you. He is free to pet!

Cool dog

I have been to Coal Banks Landing to put in on river trips. It can be a busy spot at times with people starting canoe trips on the Missouri River. But it is a great destination on its own. I arrived on a Saturday night in August looking for a place to camp. I found the campground mostly empty and very quiet. It was a stormy day with rain and strong winds up on the plateau above the river. But the campground is down by the river and sheltered from the wind. It was very quiet and comfortable. The campground is also clean and well tended. All in all, a great spot.

Photos of Coal Banks Landing

Real photos from real campers