Map showing campground location near Bonner, Montana

Thibodeau

Rafting and tubing on the Blackfoot River draw most visitors to Thibodeau, a BLM-managed campground in Bonner, Montana where the river's largest runnable rapid sits directly adjacent to the sites. Swimmers and paddlers pass through regularly, particularly during summer days when inner tubers flip in the rapid and end up at the bank. The campground has around eight sites spread across the area, with enough distance between them that campers report a reasonably private experience.

River access is a consistent theme in reviews. At least one site has its own staircase down to the water, and large flat rocks along the bank provide spots to sit above the current. A small beach area adds to the water-level access. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables are on-site. Cleanliness has been noted positively, with one reviewer describing the toilet as "good and clean," per BEN F.. Firewood is available, and campfires are permitted.

The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with an eight-day maximum stay and a fee of $18 per night. Crowding is worth factoring into trip planning, as four reviewers mention it as a consideration, especially on summer weekends when tubers are active. Nearby options along the same stretch of river include Corricks River Bend to the east and Johnsrud Park FAS to the southwest. Arriving on a weekday improves the odds of securing a site.

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Map & DirectionsThibodeau is located in Montana near Bonner

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.95100008 N
113.60600027 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Verified by 2 users
Last on 9/9/26
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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

Firewood Available
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

38 min from Missoula, MT
1 hr 59 min from Helena, MT
2 hrs 31 min from Great Falls, MT
3 hrs 11 min from Bozeman, MT

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Thibodeau

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors repeatedly highlighted the spacious, private sites right on the Blackfoot River with clean facilities and soothing water sounds. Most reviews indicate good value at $18/night first-come basis, ideal for river activities and peaceful camping.

BEN F.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2023

A Nice, Quiet Spot

Good river access, the spaces are somewhat spread out but only 8 or so total. Toilet was good and clean. It was so smokey unfortunately so I didn’t hang too long

Site2

Month of VisitAugust

Jack T.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 15, 2021

Thibodeau Rapids

Great place to stay. First come first stay 8 day max stay. Vault toilets, picnic table, sites are spread out. $18 dollars per day

Nick T.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 20, 2020

Great river access

Had a spot for three nights. The site I was at had its own little stair set down to the river, I’m uncertain if they all had them or not. There is a few pit toilets, ring fire pits, and picnic tables. Plenty of space between sites for a more private experience. Definitely recommended!

(14) View All

Bradley S.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 23, 2018

Great day spot/float landing

Great tubing down tibodeau falls and you finish up at the campsite. Good day spot!

Month of VisitJuly

Anna B.

Guide

Reviewed May. 19, 2018

River Camping

The campground is right next to the river which is nice for the sound of running water over night. There's pit toilets. There's generally some people here, but I've never seen it overly crowded. If you're rafting, this is a good pit stop.

Month of VisitJuly

Amanda L.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Great for River Running, Okay for Camping

Thibodeau is one of the largest runnable rapids on the Blackfoot river. Camping next to it is wonderful for the sounds of the river and for the excitement of swimming. Unfortunately there are usually a lot of intertubers who flip in this rapid, so if you are there during the day you will make new friends. The site is pretty basic, no amenities and has a fair amount of shade. There are large rocks around the river that are are great for sitting and there's a little bit of beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Thibodeau Campground?

Thibodeau Campground offers basic facilities including clean vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. The campground has approximately 8 sites that are well-spaced for privacy. There are no showers or electrical hookups available. Some sites feature their own small stairways providing direct access to the Blackfoot River. The campground's simple amenities cater to tent campers and those seeking a more rustic outdoor experience.

What are the reservation requirements for Thibodeau Campground?

Thibodeau Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available. There's an 8-day maximum stay limit for all campers. The camping fee is $18 per day. Since sites cannot be reserved ahead of time, arriving early, especially during summer weekends, is recommended to secure a spot. Have payment ready upon arrival.

Can you camp along the Blackfoot River at Thibodeau Campground?

Yes, camping directly along the Blackfoot River is the primary feature at Thibodeau Campground. Sites are positioned right next to the river, offering the soothing sound of running water throughout your stay. Some sites even have their own staircases leading down to the water. The campground is situated near Thibodeau Falls, making it ideal for tubing, rafting, and swimming. The location at one of the largest rapids on the Blackfoot creates a unique camping experience with direct river access, though it can get busy with river users during peak summer days.

Where is Thibodeau Campground located near Bonner, MT?

Thibodeau Campground is located along the Blackfoot River near Bonner, Montana. The campground sits adjacent to Thibodeau Rapids, one of the largest runnable rapids on the Blackfoot River. This prime riverside location makes it a popular spot for rafters, tubers, and swimmers during the summer months. The campground's position provides easy access to river recreation while still being accessible from Bonner.

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