Missouri Headwaters State Park sits at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers, the geographic point where three distinct waterways merge to form the Missouri. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks manages this 17-site campground within that park, and the history here is tangible: interpretive signs trace the Corps of Discovery's 1805 passage through the area, and a dugout canoe replica marks the entrance. Sites are flat, grassy, and spread apart enough to provide reasonable separation between neighbors.
Mosquitoes are the most consistent theme across reviews, and campers should plan accordingly. The campground sits adjacent to marshland rather than directly on the river, which surprises some visitors expecting waterfront sites. Sites 16 and 17, at the far end of the loop, are closest to standing water and draw the heaviest insect pressure during summer months. Reviewers note that mosquito activity typically drops off an hour or so after sunset, and that a campfire helps. September visits tend to sidestep the worst of it. Dexter I. notes that "most of the sites are of good size with nice grassy areas to set up your tent."
Activities give this campground more depth than a simple overnight stop. Anglers have access to four rivers within the park. A paved trail runs through the area and works well for both cycling and running. Short hiking routes lead to an elevated viewpoint overlooking the headwaters. Firewood is available from the camp host for around six dollars a bundle, delivered to your site. Vault toilets are well-maintained, and multiple reviewers specifically mention their cleanliness. T-Mobile 5G has been reported as reliable; Verizon and AT&T coverage is more variable.
The campground runs year-round, with nightly rates between $18 and $30. Full hookup sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet. One tipi is available to reserve for a more unusual overnight option. Reservations are accepted for all sites. Campers passing through the region can find places to camp near Three Forks if this campground is full, including Three Forks KOA Journey and Three Forks Rest Area a few miles west. Book ahead for summer weekends, and bring dedicated bug protection if arriving between June and August.
Description
Camp where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1805! This park encompasses the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers. The Lewis and Clark Expedition anticipated this important headwaters all the way up the Missouri River in 1804 and 1805.
An easy three-mile drive off Interstate 90 at Three Forks, this park provides outdoor interpretive signs, picnic spots, short hiking trails, a small campground, and a rental tipi. The Saturday night speaker series showcases top notch presenters for your learning enjoyment.
ADA designated campsites may only be reserved and occupied by a party who can provide proof of disability upon arrival. Proof of eligibility for at least one member of your party will be required in the form of a DMV (or other states equivalent) issued person with disabilities placard or disabilities motor vehicle license plate. The eligible member of your party must be an occupant of the site for the entire reserved period. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of your reservation fee. Additional cancellation fees will be applied.
Some group facilities are ADA accessible and do not require proof of disability upon arrival.
Camping is allowed in designated areas only. All boats, trailers, rigs and motorized vehicles must fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur provided. Any equipment that does not fit entirely within the campsite parking-spur must be parked outside the campground in an area designated by the park manager.
Open fires are allowed only in established iron fire rings and grills. Propane and LPG camp stoves are allowed. Smoking is not allowed except in enclosed vehicles or developed sites at least 3 feet in diameter and cleared of all flammable materials.
Reservations are non-transferable and cannot be sold, bartered, or traded. The primary occupant and/or their party are the only persons authorized to camp in the site during the duration of their reservation.
Check-in time is 2:00pm for campsites and 3:00pm for tipis's (local time).
Check-out time is 1:00pm for campsites and 12:00pm for tipis (local park time). Late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made with park staff.
The maximum capacity at each individually signed or numbered campsite is eight (8) people. This typically involves a single camping unit, which includes, but not limited to, a tent, motor home, camping bus, truck mounted camper shell, pull-type camper, or other device designed and commonly used for sleeping.
Campfires are allowed in designated areas only!
Pets must be kept on a leash. Please check with destination park staff for local restrictions.
Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00pm to 7:00am.
Fireworks are prohibited in all parks at all times. No Exceptions..
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launch and purchase Vessel AIS Prevention pass. For more information visit cleandraindrymt.com.
In case of an emergency when visiting Montana State Parks, please dial 911. You may also wish to notify park staff for additional assistance if necessary.
For non-emergency assistance please contact park staff.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
All watercraft entering Montana must be inspected before launching. Boaters must stop at all inspection stations. For more information visit cleandraindry.mt.gov
Self-check-in option is now available. If you arrive after hours, please sign into your account and let us know you arrived.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMissouri Headwaters State Park Campground is located in Montana near Three Forks
Public CampgroundDirections
Missouri Headwaters State Park is located 4 miles northeast of Three Forks, off of Hwy 205, then onto Hwy 286.
Address
1585 Trident Road
Three Forks, MT 59725
Coordinates
45.91979072 N
111.50082175 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/6/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 9/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/6/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 9/6/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 9/6/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 9/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 21 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 2 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 14 min from Great Falls, MT
- 2 hrs 22 min from Missoula, MT
