Camping sites near Augusta, Montana spread across elevations ranging from 4,000 feet to nearly 5,500 feet where the plains meet the Rocky Mountain Front. Most dispersed sites experience temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, even in summer months. Several campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads ranging from well-maintained gravel to severely rutted dirt tracks that deteriorate significantly after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing at multiple reservoirs: Bean Lake offers rainbow trout fishing in a remote 200-acre lake where "the odds are high you'll have the lake to yourself. Few people ever bother to visit this remote lake," according to a camper at Bean Lake.
Bird watching at wildlife refuges: The Freezout Lake area provides extensive bird watching opportunities in the wildlife refuge. "If you enjoy bird watching then you are in luck, plenty can be found at the lake and ponds," notes a visitor to Freezout Lake, adding that this free campground offers a "trash-in/Trash-out" experience with vault toilets but minimal other amenities.
Hiking the wilderness boundary: Wood Lake Campground offers direct trail access into the mountains. One visitor explains: "We were able to walk all the way around the lake on a dirt trail and had the option to go further. There is also a trail right from the campsite." Another camper adds that "fishing for trout was exciting with catches often! We used dry fly and luer."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the maintained outhouses and facilities. At Choteau Mountain View Campground, visitors appreciate the "spotless bathrooms and showers" and note that "restrooms were always clean, even very early in the morning." This family-run former KOA provides "laundry facilities" and "a dishwashing sink."
Stargazing opportunities: The open skies at many sites provide excellent night viewing. One camper at Lowry Bridge Access Site describes it as "quiet, clean campground" with "about 5 level sites" that work well for smaller RVs. Freezout Lake visitors note it's "perfect for star gazing" and "secluded, flat parking lot in a wildlife refuge. We woke to the sound of birds."
Value-priced options: Several camping areas offer affordable or free camping. Nilan Reservoir has a variable fee structure based on residency status, with a reviewer explaining: "Price varies by state residency and if you have a fishing license or not. Price varies from $5 to $18 a night." The reviewer also notes each site includes "a picnic table and metal fire ring."
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to many sites requires navigating challenging roads. One camper at Willow Creek Campground shared: "The main camping area is nice, but pricey in my opinion at $18/night. Each spot is along the water and comes with a nice flat pad to park on, fire pit, picnic table, and shade structure."
Weather extremes: Temperature fluctuations and wind can be significant. Several Freezout Lake visitors mention that "it was windy during our visit" and advise to "expect a windy breakfast" and "gusting wind at night." Another warns about "swarms of mosquitoes at dusk when you're trying to enjoy the beautiful sunset."
Water limitations: Most campgrounds require bringing your own water. Visitors to Freezout Lake advise "you will need to bring your own water as no water is available" while Nilan Reservoir is described as "a dry site so be sure to bring all the water you will need."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin alternatives: For families who prefer not to tent camp, cabins provide comfortable alternatives. A visitor to Willow Creek Cabin shared: "It was a fun experience, beautiful country and nice cabin, very comfortable. I'm not a tent camper so this cabin made me happy."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer activities for children. Choteau Mountain View Campground features "a small mini-golf area," "games of corn hole," and "a game/reading room" according to different reviewers.
Lake activities: Several campgrounds offer lake access suitable for families. Wood Lake Campground "sits across the road from a small lake which is good for kayaking and fishing" and one visitor noted it "would be great for paddling as well although we did not bring the kayaks this time."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for shade: RV campers should consider sun exposure when selecting sites. A visitor to Home Gulch Campground noted the campground was "easy to get to and close to Sun Canyon lodge where you could go for dinner and some internet access," which can be important for RVers needing connectivity.
Leveling considerations: Many campsites require leveling equipment. At Wood Lake Campground, "there are some sunny sites but mostly shady" and "all the sites are spacious," making this a good option for RVers seeking more room to set up.
Amenities for longer stays: For RVers planning extended visits, infrastructure becomes important. Choteau Mountain View Campground provides "spacious setup" with "hookups worked well" and "good wifi, adequate cell coverage for Verizon and AT&T," making it suitable for working remotely or staying connected.
