Managed by the US Forest Service within Lewis & Clark National Forest, Spring Creek Campground sits in a small canyon along its namesake creek near Martinsdale, Montana. The canyon position keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than open terrain in summer, which can be a draw in July and August but means colder nights in spring and fall. Around 10 to 16 sites are spread among mature fir and pine, each with a picnic table and metal fire ring. No hookups are available. The campground runs from Memorial Day through December 1, though a barrier may block access once the season officially closes.
Water access is the defining feature here. Sites closest to the creek or adjacent lake front fill first, and campers who arrive early can claim a waterfront spot while still finding room to spread out. Brook trout reportedly live in the creek. Kayakers have used the lake as well. Mosquitoes can be heavy through midsummer, so repellent is worth packing. Bears frequent the area, and a mandatory food storage order is in effect: all food must go in approved containers or inside a vehicle, as no bear boxes are on site.
The access road is gravel and rough in stretches, with a few miles of unpaved surface before reaching camp. One reviewer described chips in paint and the need for a car wash afterward, so low-clearance vehicles may want to proceed cautiously. That said, campers have brought 28-foot trailers and trucks pulling flatbed trailers without issue. Alycia W. noted the vault toilets were "clean and well taken care of," and multiple reviews confirm this holds across seasons. Cell service exists on AT&T and Sprint but is spotty.
Crowds pick up on summer weekends, and Haley P. notes there is "no quiet time," with noise sometimes running past midnight. Mid-September visits have found the campground full. Arriving mid-week or early in the morning on weekends gives the best chance at a site. Flash flooding is a documented risk when heavy rain hits upstream, so monitoring weather conditions before and during a stay is advisable. Note that pets are not permitted at this campground.
Campers wanting a smaller, lower-traffic option nearby can check out Spring Creek, which sits just to the north and draws a similar crowd of creek-side campers.
Description
Located only 4 miles from Highway 12, Spring Creek Campground is easily accessible. The 10 campsites are in a lush riparian zone along Spring Creek. Campers can wade in the creek, or fish Spring Creek Campground can only accommodate a maximum trailer length of 35 feet, and is not recommended for campers with large RVs. The campground is usually open from May through the middle of fall.An ATV trailhead in the campground connects to a non-motorized trail with sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges.All campgrounds on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not available. Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days in one location. A campground fee is required. Please pay at the self-serve campground fee station. Campsites cannot be reserved by simply paying for the site; camper must be present. A food storage order is in effect from March 1st to December 1st to prevent human-bear conflicts on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Store all unattended food and attractants properly. Please see Food Storage Order for specifics. Open and close dates can vary depending on snowfall conditions. Please call the local district office or check our website. Leashed dogs are welcome. Horses are not allowed in campgrounds. Motorized OHVs must stay on the campground road. The campgrounds include access to potable water during the warmer months, and all have at least one handicap accessible vault toilet. Each campsite has a fire ring and/or grill, and a picnic table. Even if water is unavailable, campground fees are still required.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSpring Creek Campground is located in Montana near Martinsdale
Directions
From White Sulphur Springs, go east 26 miles on US 12, and north 4 miles on Spring Creek Road.
Coordinates
46.58638889 N
110.4666667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 48 min from Bozeman, MT
- 1 hr 49 min from Helena, MT
- 2 hrs 2 min from Billings, MT
- 2 hrs 11 min from Great Falls, MT
