Hiking enthusiasts will find Thain Creek Campground serves as a trailhead base camp in Lewis & Clark National Forest, with Trail #431 departing directly from the grounds. The campground sits roughly 20 miles down a gravel road from the nearest paved access, requiring careful navigation of what multiple visitors describe as a "teeth jarring" surface with significant potholes. RVs and larger trailers can reach the site, though several reviewers caution against bringing oversized rigs on the rough approach.
The Forest Service maintains approximately 12-15 individual sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and potable water are available on-site, with campers consistently noting the cleanliness of facilities. A camp host makes evening rounds to check on visitors. Sites closest to Thain Creek itself offer the sound of running water, while the forested setting provides natural shade and separation between camping spots.
Wildlife activity includes regular elk calls at night and daytime woodpecker sounds, with multiple species of birds active throughout the area. The creek provides fishing opportunities, and hikers can access meadows filled with seasonal wildflowers within a 40-minute walk from camp. "We had the place to ourselves," reports Alex K., noting the campground's tendency toward low occupancy even during peak summer weekends.
At $10 per night with no reservation system, sites operate on a first-come basis. Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore campgrounds around Lewis & Clark National Forest for comparison.
Description
Thain Creek Campground is the only campground in the Highwood Mountains. One of the 19 campsites can accommodate a maximum trailer length of 40 feet. The campground is usually open from May through the middle of fall.A nearby trailhead leads up to Windy Mountain and back on a 6 mile loop trail, offering scenic views of the surrounding plains and faraway mountains. Other hikes are along Briggs Creek or from the North Fork Highwood Creek Trailhead. Please heed seasonal trail closures, as all trails in the Highwoods close either September 1st or Oct 15th .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 & DirectionsThain Creek is located in Montana near Highwood
Directions
From Great Falls, go east on US 89 6 miles, east 13 miles on MT-228, 16 miles east on County Road 121, then 2 miles east on Forest Road 8840. The latter are dirt & gravel.
Coordinates
47.47555556 N
110.5852778 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
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from Great Falls, MT
- 2 hrs 20 min from Helena, MT
- 3 hrs 26 min from Bozeman, MT
- 3 hrs 47 min from Billings, MT
















