Map showing campground location near Townsend, Montana

Camper submitted image from Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site

Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site

Within Montana's Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site, this state-managed campground sits along the upper Missouri River beneath mature cottonwood trees. The facility provides 10 well-spaced campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and metal fire rings, plus a boat launch for river access. A short dirt road leads from Highway 287 to the campground entrance.

The sites spread across different terrain types, with options ranging from grassy areas to spots closer to the water's edge. Site 10 offers the most seclusion, while sites 6 and 7 occupy a large grassy area in the campground's center and work well for larger groups. Site 7 functions as a double site with two fire rings and extra picnic tables. The ADA-accessible site 4 includes a concrete pad but sits near the boat launch and vault toilet, creating higher foot traffic.

Campers can access the Missouri River for fishing and wading, though the current runs swift. The campground accommodates big rigs up to 52 feet overall length, and multiple reviewers confirm good cell service throughout the area. "Everything was well maintained and the vault toilet was cleaned and stocked," notes Wendy M.. No water or trash service is available, so visitors must pack out all refuse. Camping fees vary based on Montana fishing license status and age, ranging from $6 to $18 per night.

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Map & DirectionsYorks Islands Fishing Access Site is located in Montana near Townsend

Public Campground

Coordinates

46.2647453 N
111.49440367 W

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Connectivity

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Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/25/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 5/25/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/25/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 5/25/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 5/25/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/25/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

35 min from Helena, MT
47 min from Bozeman, MT
1 hr 48 min from Great Falls, MT
2 hrs 16 min from Missoula, MT

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Yorks Islands Fishing Access Site

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the level, shaded sites and well-maintained facilities at this quiet riverside location. The campground accommodates larger RVs and offers good boat access, though visitors need to bring water and pack out trash.

Jensen S.

Guide

Reviewed May. 18, 2026

Roadtrip

We were planning on camping at Canyon Ferry Lake but it was way too windy! Searched for a campground more out of the wind and landed here. Was definitely less windy and had campsites available! Walking access to river and places to sit on the bank and watch the water and animals. There was one pit toilet. Glad we found this place to get out of the wind. Was good for one night stay but wouldn’t stay more than that. The trains passing through were quite loud and so was the freeway, but other than that it was a decent place for the night.

Site10

Month of VisitMay

(4) View All

Wendy M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2023

Just as described with a nice view!

What a great little park just off the highway! Everything was well maintained and the vault toilet was cleaned and stocked. It was really quiet with a few local families camping and the maintenance guy came through around 8am checking on the park.

We’re 52’ overall with the truck and a 30’ bumper pull toyhauler and had no issues. There are 2 maybe 3 spots that could accommodate us no problem and probably up to a 35’ camper. The road in is short but a little rough; just take it slow and you’ll have no problems!

Site8

Month of VisitSeptember

Mark & Kelly G.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2022

Nice, Level Sites

Nice, level sites. Not far off the main road. Picnic tables, fire pits. Sites pretty close to the water. Boat access. Swift current, but nice water to wade in. Bunnies and lots of mosquitoes at dusk.

Site10

Month of VisitAugust

Neil T.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 23, 2020

Looks like a great fishing camp

I didn’t fish the river, so I can’t attest to the quality of fishing, but it looked like a great spot.

Just a short dirt road drive off of 287, this small camp had level spaces, roomy and shade. Good cell service, too.

(5) View All

Dexter I.

Legend

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2019

Ranger Review of York Island FAS & Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy Meal

York Island FAS Campground Review

York Island Fishing Access Site Campground sits along the upper Missouri River sitting in mature cottonwood trees and features 10 camping sites and a boat launch. This is a popular and busy campground in the summer. The site has 10 well spread out campsites each with a least one picnic table and a metal fire ring. The campground has one ADA accessible vault toilet. No water is available at this campground and you will need to pack out your trash as trash service is not available. The campground has one ADA Campsite, site #4, unless you really need the sites concrete pad I would avoid this site as it is going to be very busy around the site as it is right next to the boat launch and vault toilet, plus add in the historic sign that is placed in the site. The most secluded site is site 10. If you have a large group then try for sites 6 or 7. Both sites 6 and 7 sit in a large grassy area in the middle of the campground. Site 6 has an extra picnic table. Site 7 is basically two sites in one as a second fire ring and additional picnic tables while not having a parking spot or numbered post for the additional fire ring and tables. Cost for the campground vary depending if you have a valid Montana fishing license or not. Discounted camping for those 62 or older. Cost with out a license is $18 with a license $12. Over 62 with a license $6 with out a license $9.

Ranger review of Mountain House Freeze Dried Biscuits and Gravy meal

Tried out the Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy meal and really enjoyed it. It was a chilly below freezing morning when I tried the meal and was a little worried if it would stay hot, but that was not a problem. You could really smell that it was Biscuits and Gravy once I started pouring in the water. Just follow the directions and you're all set, just make sure to stir well so you don't end up with any dry bits. May not look like a traditional biscuits and gravy, but sure taste like it. I managed to eat all of the two servings but it was a little to much for me so this could easily feed two as stated.

Site2

Month of VisitApril

(14) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at York Island Campground?

York Island Fishing Access Site offers 10 well-spaced campsites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground features a boat launch for river access, vault toilets that are regularly cleaned and maintained, and plenty of shade from mature cottonwood trees. The sites are level and roomy, accommodating various camping setups including larger rigs. The campground is well-maintained with regular staff visits to ensure cleanliness and upkeep.

How do I access York Island Campground in Montana?

York Island Campground is easily accessible via a short dirt road off Highway 287. The road is well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. The campground can accommodate larger setups, with visitors reporting successful stays with rigs up to 52 feet overall (truck and 30-foot trailer). The level sites make for easy setup once you arrive.

Where is York Island Campground located in Montana?

York Island Fishing Access Site Campground is located along the upper Missouri River in Montana. The campground is nestled among mature cottonwood trees, offering a scenic riverside setting. It's situated just off Highway 287, making it easily accessible while still providing a peaceful natural environment along the river.

What activities can I do near York Island Campground?

Fishing is the primary activity at York Island, with the campground providing direct access to the Missouri River through its boat launch. The river's swift current offers good fishing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy wading in the water, wildlife viewing (including bunnies and other local wildlife), and relaxing in the shade of cottonwood trees. The campground's proximity to Highway 287 makes it convenient for exploring other nearby attractions while using it as a base camp.

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