Tiber Reservoir Sanford Park Lake Elwell Campground

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Bureau of Reclamation manages this reservoir campground where Lake Elwell meets the Montana prairie near Chester. The facility operates year-round with standard amenities including restrooms, a dump station, and picnic tables, though recent visitor reports indicate maintenance challenges with overgrown vegetation and scattered debris affecting some sites.

Lakefront sites provide some shade, but direct lake access remains limited to designated boat ramps. The boat launch area displays mercury advisories for walleye consumption, which anglers should note when planning fishing activities. Campers can also explore Tiber Marina Campground for additional lakeside options. Some sites were temporarily closed for renovations during recent visits, so calling ahead helps avoid disappointment.

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Location

Public Campground

Tiber Reservoir Sanford Park Lake Elwell Campground is located in Montana

Directions

From Jct of US-2 & SR-223, S 14 mi on SR-223 to SR-366, W 8 mi

Coordinates

48.31316237 N
111.08771755 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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AT&T
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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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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)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 22 min from Great Falls, MT
2 hrs 36 min from Helena, MT
3 hrs 37 min from Missoula, MT
3 hrs 58 min from Bozeman, MT

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out of 5

1 Review

Z S.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2024

Not impressed/Sad VFW site

The VFW site is the only one we visited. We did not camp here and only went to check it out. So glad we did; rotting trash on the roadway and large green dumpster trash cans were on their side but a few were upright. Standard warning sign for bears but some sites were closed for renovation. All sites had over a foot-high weeds and one had a 20' metal culvert in it. Some shade for lakefront sites. No lake access except at boat ramps. The ramp area had a mercury warning for fish and recommended consumption for Walleye. This sealed the deal for a NO go! 062924

Sorry no photos.

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees for camping at Sanford Park Campground?

The specific camping fees for Tiber Reservoir Sanford Park Lake Elwell Campground are not clearly established. As a public recreation site likely managed by a government agency, fees may be minimal or based on standard public land camping rates typical in Montana. Contact the Bureau of Reclamation or Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks directly to confirm current fee structure, payment methods, and whether any fee waivers or passes are accepted. Fee structures may vary based on season and campsite type.

How do I make reservations for Sanford Park Campground?

Specific reservation information for Tiber Reservoir Sanford Park Lake Elwell Campground is limited. The campground may operate on a first-come, first-served basis, which is common for many reservoir campgrounds. For definitive reservation policies, contact the Bureau of Reclamation or Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks who typically manage such facilities. Call ahead especially during peak season (summer months) to verify availability and any reservation requirements before your trip.

What amenities are available at Sanford Park Campground?

Tiber Reservoir Sanford Park Lake Elwell Campground offers basic amenities for campers. The campground has large green dumpsters for trash disposal. Some campsites may be closed for renovation at times. The campground features standard warning signs for bears, indicating visitors should practice proper food storage. For the most current information on available facilities and amenities, it's recommended to contact the managing agency before your visit as conditions may change seasonally.

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