Itch-Kep-Pe Park

Right next to Yellowstone River and in the town of Columbus is a free campground. There are a lot of sites that are well spread out. If the front is full, follow the road next to the golf course and there are more. We camped right next to the restrooms so it wasn’t the quiet spot. However it was the only one left with shade- it seems pretty full today. I agree with the other reviews. This is a nice spot but it’s not exactly what we’re looking for. There are a lot of dogs(some loose) and a lot of people. Traffic noise is higher and campers arrive late and leave early. It’s a great thing that this town offers. Mosquitoes are a bit of a nuisance. The river is beautiful and the river access is all around. 

  

If the crowd thinned out our stay would have been better. We got one of the last few sites and others filled in later. 

  

Near the entrance is a donation post so your contribution can help this continue.

Donation based camping right on the Yellowstone River

Arrive at around 11pm on a Saturday night. The good spots were taken but still plenty of room for our 4Runner + RTT.    We used as a single night stop over driving up to Glacier.   Some of the grass is well kept and mowed and other spots unmanaged.  A lot of tent sites toward the back in a quieter dark area.  Overall for a free site it was really nice.  There were definitely some very sweet spots right on the Yellowstone river.  

Easy decent camp spot

Lovely sounds of the river and beautiful sunsets over the mountains! This dry camp was an excellent 2 night escape from our normal stops in RV parks. Level sites and easy pull through for our 36’ rv and toad. We were able to find a cozy spot right next to the river. The bugs and the dust are a bit much, but we had a blast with the dogs in the river, and enjoyed the peace and quite. Bring your bug spray and sunscreen! 

Beautiful view 

Stayed one night, got here 8:30 pm and got the last designated campsite. One restroom with water, 2 or 3 big family gatherings with kids and dogs. Police drove through, which gave a safe feeling. Caretaker
 here this morning. Aging site but nice. Quiet,  some tents, rvs  car camping. 
Free but place for donations. 
Place is 5 min off the highway.

City owned right on the Yellowstone 

Free camping along the Yellowstone River! Beware, the coordinates that existed on the original listing took me to the wrong place. I used Google to find the right spot. 

There are two loops - I found plenty of open spots in the second loop during my travels. 


Primo Location

I really enjoyed this free campsite I think it’s a great place to regroup on a road trip. All my camp neighbors were friendly and the bathroom was not to bad. They had flushing toilets so that was nice. If I camp there again I would stay off the main road that takes you to the boat ramp. People went fast and kicked up a lot of dust. Besides that it was a positive experience.  

The price is right

Easy to navigate roads. Arrived on a Monday afternoon and was able to find a waterfront site. Nice boondocking. Did not use bathroom so facilities so I can't comment. Will leave donation on the way out. Thanks Columbus!

Great site on Yellowstone River

Pretty crowded campsite but the sites are nicely spaced. Lots of vans and RVs, not a ton of tent campers. Quick little walk to the river for gorgeous views. A bit loud at night but not too bad. Clean Bathrooms with running water. No showers. Great spot for the price (free lol). 

Beautiful river views and autumn leaves 

If you removed all other humans and never walked into the bathrooms? It’s pretty nice. Buggy (mosquitoes and ticks) and the train tracks are loud at times. But it’s gorgeous if you go down to the river. My big complaint is something not everyone will experience hopefully but the people, specifically the ones next to me, were massive vibe kills. Yelling at their puppy, threatening to beat it, threatening to leave it behind. Borderline considered calling the cops or animal control or someone. They were not the classiest individuals. I don’t know if that’s the type of crowd that comes here normally but i hope it isn’t for everyone else’s sake. But in the end, it’s free. Won’t be as relaxing and nice as a site that costs $25+. 

Wanna like it but just don’t 

This is a decent spot for a quick overnight if you're passing through the area. We stayed here in July 2023 in our truck camper and there were plenty of spots available in the far section, near the boat put-in. Very buggy and the bathrooms are not the best. Right on the Yellowstone river which is cool.

good for a quick overnight free camping.

Right off I 90, this spot is easy access and well maintained. The camping spots have good separation with a table and fire ring. Close to the Yellowstone. We camped on the second loop and at the end near the boat dock is a trail that follows the river. We enjoyed the walk with our dogs. Lots of folks fishing. The only draw back is the highway on the opposite bank is noisey, as well as neardy airport and train tracks. Other than that, it's a pleasant experience  