Map showing campground location near Havre, Montana

Camper submitted image from Fresno Tailwater

Fresno Tailwater

Located about 2.5 miles from Highway 2 via a washboard dirt road, Fresno Tailwater provides boondocking options directly below the Fresno Reservoir dam. The state-managed site features several camping spots, including areas with shade under cottonwood trees and a flat concrete pad suitable for larger RVs. Tent camping works here as well.

The dam outflow creates strong currents that make swimming inadvisable, but anglers target pike, walleye, and crappie in these waters. Verizon cell service reaches the area reliably. Campers can find additional options at Kiehns Bay, located nearby on the reservoir. The site tends to see light use on weeknights, offering solitude for those comfortable with primitive camping conditions.

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Location

Public Campground

Fresno Tailwater is located in Montana

Coordinates

48.59796594 N
109.94241567 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 4/22/26
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Good Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 4/22/26
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

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General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 54 min from Great Falls, MT
3 hrs 8 min from Helena, MT
4 hrs 1 min from Billings, MT
4 hrs 30 min from Bozeman, MT

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out of 5

2 Reviews

Thomas B.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2021

Nice spot for a quick overnight

This is the best of several boondocking options around the Fresno Reservoir. We were the only ones here on a weeknight (right before the 4th of July). There are several choices, including some with shade under the cottonwood trees you so often find near rivers. There’s also a flat concrete pad that would work well for a big RV. You could pitch a tent here if you wanted to. The access is good - about 2.5 miles from Hwy. 2. The dirt road is a little washboard but no big potholes. Verizon phone service was excellent. You’re right next to the dam outflow so not really a good place for swimming, but it looks like people like to fish here.

Month of VisitJune