Map showing campground location near Pompeys Pillar, Montana

Manuel Lisa

A gravel road leads down to Manuel Lisa, a fishing access campground positioned beside the I-94 bridge over the Bighorn River. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks manages this free site, which provides basic amenities including a vault toilet, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campers can access the area by vehicle or boat, with sites scattered along the riverbank among cottonwood trees.

The campground offers two main fire ring locations about 100 feet apart, with additional space available under the bridge. Traffic noise from I-94 remains light, while morning boat activity adds some sound. Eagles frequent the area across the river. The site works well for [campgrounds near Pompeys Pillar] travelers seeking an overnight stop, though campers should pack out all garbage as no collection service operates here.

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Map & DirectionsManuel Lisa is located in Montana near Pompeys Pillar

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.14458732 N
107.46466755 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/20/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/20/26

Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

52 min from Billings, MT
2 hrs 41 min from Bozeman, MT
4 hrs 4 min from Helena, MT
4 hrs 11 min from Great Falls, MT

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Manuel Lisa

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Chaz C.

Scout

Reviewed Jan. 8, 2023

Sweet Little Spot

If you’re just staying for the night, it’s great. It’s FREE! Go down a short gravel road and pass a semi-maintained pit toilet. It looked great when I visited!

Further down the road there are two fire rings on your left. About 100 ft from each other. If you’re using just one tent there is a spot right on the river bank! I wish I had seen it the night before. There’s also some room on the right under the bridge.

The noise from the cars & the boats in the morning is the only bad thing. But it’s not terrible and I slept fine.

Saw a huge eagle looming over everything across the river.

Have fun

Month of VisitSeptember

Judy T.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 25, 2020

Montana FAS campground

This was down a gravel road situated by the I94 bridge over the Bighorn River. We took what looked to be the main site with picnic table and fire ring. There may have been more sites especially under the bridge. There was a small but clean vault toilet but no garbage. Thankfully, the traffic on I-94 is light so the noise was negligible. We had a view of the river nestled against the ubiquitous cottonwoods. The site is free. We were there in late September 2020 in a pop up truck camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Manuel Lisa Campground from Pompeys Pillar National Monument?

While specific mileage isn't detailed, Manuel Lisa Campground is relatively close to Pompeys Pillar National Monument, making it a convenient base for visiting this historical landmark in the region. The campground's position near I-94 provides good access for travelers exploring historical sites in this part of Montana. Consider using this free campground as an economical overnight option when visiting the monument.

Where is Manuel Lisa Campground located in Custer County, Montana?

Manuel Lisa Campground is situated along the Bighorn River in Custer County, Montana, positioned near the I-94 bridge that crosses the river. The campground is accessed via a gravel road that leads down to the riverside area. Its location provides convenient highway access while offering a scenic riverside camping experience.

What facilities and amenities are available at Manuel Lisa Campground?

Manuel Lisa Campground offers basic facilities including a small vault toilet that's generally well-maintained. The campground features at least two designated camping areas with fire rings and a picnic table at the main site. No garbage service is available, so campers should plan to pack out all trash. This is a FREE campground with minimal amenities, perfect for self-sufficient campers looking for a simple overnight stay. The campground appears to have multiple potential sites, including some possibly located under the bridge.

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