Map showing campground location near Ovando, Montana

Camper submitted image from Russell Gates Memorial

Russell Gates Memorial

Fishing and wading draw most visitors to Russell Gates Memorial, a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks access site on the south shore of the Blackfoot River. Sites run directly alongside the water, and as Jay M. puts it, "You can walk right into the river from your campsite." The campground also accepts boat-in arrivals, making it a logical stop for float trips on the Blackfoot. Anglers, paddlers, and swimmers all find reasons to linger.

The layout follows the riverbank through a corridor of pine trees, which reviewers note cuts highway noise noticeably despite the campground sitting close to MT Hwy 200. Noise from the road is a real factor here, particularly for light sleepers. Sites accommodate rigs up to 25 feet, though no hookups are available. A hand-pump well provides drinking water, vault toilets are on-site, and trash service keeps the area tidy. The campground fills regularly, especially on summer weekends.

Nearby alternatives worth considering include Clearwater Crossing to the southwest and Monture Creek to the east, both along the same river corridor. For a broader search, campgrounds around Ovando cover the wider Blackfoot Valley area. Russell Gates works best for campers who prioritize direct river access over solitude, and who are comfortable with a primitive setup close to a well-traveled highway.

Check Availability Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

The Great Northern Road Trip

Duluth to Glacier National Park: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsRussell Gates Memorial is located in Montana near Ovando

Public Campground

Coordinates

47.02300049 N
113.30800067 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 9/11/26
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 9/11/26
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

39 min from Missoula, MT
1 hr 18 min from Helena, MT
1 hr 49 min from Great Falls, MT
2 hrs 42 min from Bozeman, MT

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Russell Gates Memorial

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the beautiful Blackfoot River location with direct water access from campsites. Some feedback indicated highway noise and crowding issues, though many appreciated the scenic setting.

Lucy B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2026

Riverside Spot perfect for fishing

Tent camped here with the family for a couple nights. Clean vault toilets. Fresh water available from camp pump. Kids loved this! No electrical or water at the sites. Lots of paddle boarders and fly fishermen here. Kids floated down the rapids in their intestines and fly fished off the bank. We felt secluded and couldn’t see our neighbors. Flat tent site with picnic table and fire ring. Clear path to the river with private frontage. Will def come again.

Site11

Month of VisitAugust

Scott C.

Guide

Reviewed May. 22, 2026

Beautiful

It’s a beautiful little secret not a lot of people seem to know of right on the river. A 25’ rig is about as big as you can fit in the spots. No hookups. Plenty of vault toilets and a water well with an old hand pump that kids love to get water from. Close to the highway but with all the beautiful pine trees it cuts the noise way down. Great spot !

Site6

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Jay M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2025

Beautiful camping on the river

This is a great place for a few days. There are no hookups, but there is a water hand pump. You can walk right into the river from your campsite.

Site9

Month of VisitJuly

Leland

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2021

Beautiful spot very close to the highway

Russell Gates is located on Hwy 200 and the Blackfoot River just on the Missoula side of the Missoula/Powell County line. The campground follows the south shore of the River in one of it’s most picturesque spots. Unfortunately, it is also very close to MT Hwy 200. This means it’s almost always full, and noisy. Considering the options near by, it’s really not the best choice in the area.

Site12

Month of VisitSeptember

Bjorn S.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Small and Wonderfully Unmighty

Everything is about the beautiful river here. A cozy, unique campground with tons of water access, vivid greenery and hills and a peaceful night life. Easy for a solo trip or romantic interlude.

(14) View All

Brooke M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2016

Serene River Camping

Golden leaves on popping trees, glints and shimmers of silver and gold bouncing off of the Blackfoot River. Camping a la riverfront. Tent pitched. Fire stoked. Flies tied on the pole. This charming campsite East of the small and charming town of Ovando, Montana, is more than a boat launch, it's a camping way of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Russell Gates Memorial Campground?

Russell Gates Memorial Campground offers primitive camping with minimal amenities. The campground features a water hand pump for drinking water, but no hookups for RVs. Campsites are situated along the beautiful Blackfoot River, providing excellent water access. While facilities are basic, the riverfront location makes it a perfect spot for fishing, with many campers enjoying fly fishing in the scenic waters. Fire rings are available for campfires, allowing visitors to enjoy evenings by the fire after a day on the river.

Are there photos available of Russell Gates Memorial Campground?

Yes, photos of Russell Gates Memorial Campground are available through various camping websites and forums. These images typically showcase the campground's stunning riverfront setting on the Blackfoot River, the surrounding hills and vibrant greenery, and the golden-leaved trees that are particularly beautiful in fall. Photos highlight the natural beauty that makes this campground special - river views, campsite layouts, and the picturesque Montana landscape. Check official forest service websites or camping platforms for the most current visual representation of this charming riverside campground.

How do I get to Russell Gates Memorial Campground on the Blackfoot River?

Russell Gates Memorial Campground is located directly on Highway 200 along the Blackfoot River, near the Missoula/Powell County line in Montana. It's situated east of the small town of Ovando. The campground follows the south shore of the Blackfoot River at one of its most picturesque spots. Due to its location right off the highway, it's easily accessible by car with no difficult roads to navigate, making it a convenient stop for travelers along this route.

Keep Exploring